Czech President Petr Pavel signed a law according to which Russians must give up their Russian passports before getting Czech ones, the state news agency ČTK said.
Now, Russians who apply for Czech citizenship will have to present a document certifying the renunciation of their Russian passport. Those who already have a Czech and Russian passport will not have to give up the latter.
Martin Exner, a member of the parliamentary security committee who initiated the amendment to restrict Russians from obtaining Czech citizenship, said that Russia is showing aggression towards Prague.
This means that it is unacceptable for Russians to be able to obtain Czech citizenship and all the rights associated with it.
An exception to the innovations may be made for asylum seekers.
Peter Pavel also approved the creation in the Czech Republic of a new category of residence permits intended specifically for refugees from Ukraine.
Ukrainians who have lived in the country for more than two years and do not receive social benefits will be able to apply for them.
Candidates will have to confirm the absence of criminal records, permanent residence and financial solvency.
Children who will apply, it is mandatory to attend school.
The bill was criticized by the local opposition even at the stage of its consideration in parliament.