Ukraine defines criteria for countries eligible for dual citizenship
Photo: Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (Getty Images)
The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has approved an important resolution defining the criteria for countries with which Ukraine may introduce multiple citizenship, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
"Today, we defined the criteria for states with which Ukraine will be able to establish simplified procedures for acquiring citizenship and introduce the institution of multiple citizenship. Priority will be given to countries that are among Ukraine's closest and most reliable allies," Sybiha wrote.
According to him, Ukraine will consider the following criteria:
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Membership in the G7;
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Membership in the European Union;
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Implementation of sanctions against Russia for its aggression against Ukraine;
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Support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity;
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Position during voting in international organizations;
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Existence of strategic or other types of partnerships;
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Level and prospects of bilateral relations;
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Financial assistance to Ukraine;
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Other factors that may significantly affect Ukraine's national interests in foreign and domestic policy.
He emphasized that the main target group of this initiative is Ukrainian communities abroad. Ethnic Ukrainians who are citizens of other countries will be able to obtain Ukrainian citizenship without losing their existing nationality.
Multiple citizenship
On June 18, Ukraineєs parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed a law allowing Ukrainians to hold multiple citizenships. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed it into law on July 15.
The legislation specifies that multiple citizenship will not apply to all countries — the list will be determined based on Ukraine's security and national interests.
According to Zelenskyy, the first countries with which Ukraine plans to introduce multiple citizenship are Germany, Poland, Czechia, the United States, and Canada.
