French actor Gerard Depardieu has obtained Russian citizenship, according to a brief statement posted on the Kremlin website.
"Vladimir Putin has signed a decree granting Russian citizenship to Gerard Depardieu," the message read.
Mr Depardieu recently announced he would give up his French passport after the government criticised his decision to move abroad to avoid higher taxes.
The French actor, described by Mr Putin as a successful businessman and friend, has developed close ties with Russia, which has a flat 13% personal income tax rate.
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In December, Mr Putin said he would be happy to welcome the actor in Russia.
"I'm sure the French authorities did not want to offend Mr Depardieu. But if he'd like to have a Russian passport, consider it settled," Mr Putin said during his annual news conference on 20 December.
Under France's civil code, dual citizenship is permitted but it is unlawful to be stateless.
A person must obtain another nationality before giving up French citizenship.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20896894
Mr Depardieu has not yet commented on the Kremlin's latest announcement.
