Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed a decree that relaxes the process for residents of two Russian-occupied regions in Ukraine to acquire Russian citizenship and passports. Meanwhile, Kyiv quickly denounced the decree, saying the move infringes upon Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Putin’s decree applies to the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, which form a land connection between the eastern part of Ukraine and the Crimean Peninsula. Russian forces seized control of both regions soon after Putin launched his military campaign in late February.