Ukraine Inches‌ Closer to Multiple Citizenship: A⁣ Landmark Move

In ⁢a move⁢ with important implications⁢ for Ukrainians worldwide and foreign​ nationals who have supported the ⁣country, ukraine’s parliament, the⁢ Verkhovna Rada, ‍took a crucial step towards legalizing multiple citizenship. On December 17, 2024,⁤ the Rada ‌voted to advance Bill No. 11469, paving the way ‍for a potential overhaul of the nation’s citizenship laws. ‌

The bill’s⁢ advancement follows years of‍ deliberation and previous‌ attempts by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to introduce similar legislation. “The ‌Rada supported as a basis bill ‍No. 11469 on the introduction ⁢of the⁤ institution of multiple citizenship in Ukraine,” stated People’s Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak ​in a Telegram post.[[Source]] A resounding 247 ⁢representatives ‍voted​ in favor ⁤of the bill’s initial‌ reading.

zheleznyak also highlighted⁣ the next‌ steps in the​ legislative process. “For the second‌ reading, we ⁣must take into account proposals and ‍comments, in ​particular from the World congress of Ukrainians,” he noted. ‍Moreover, a separate vote (150 votes) directed the ​parliament to seek an opinion⁢ from⁢ the Constitutional court before final approval.

President Zelenskyy’s ⁤proposal, submitted in August 2024, aims⁢ to address several key issues. The explanatory note accompanying ⁣the bill⁢ emphasizes‌ its role in facilitating the ​return of Ukrainian citizens‍ displaced by the ongoing conflict,⁣ allowing them⁣ to retain their Ukrainian ⁢citizenship⁢ while holding another. ⁤ It ​also aims to broaden access to ​Ukrainian citizenship for specific categories of foreigners and stateless individuals.

• Simultaneous acquisition of Ukrainian and another ‍citizenship at birth.
• Acquisition of a ⁤foreign adoptive ⁢parent’s citizenship by a ukrainian child.
• Automatic acquisition of another citizenship by a Ukrainian citizen marrying a foreigner.
• Automatic acquisition of another citizenship by a⁣ Ukrainian​ adult due‍ to ⁣foreign legislation, ⁤provided they haven’t received documentation confirming the other citizenship.
• Simplified acquisition of ‌Ukrainian citizenship for‌ citizens of select countries.
• Acquisition of ‌citizenship from countries​ on the simplified acquisition⁢ list by Ukrainian citizens.

Importantly, the proposed legislation includes a crucial exception. Multiple citizenship⁤ will not be permitted for ⁣individuals ⁤holding citizenship in‍ Russia,⁢ a nation designated by the ​Verkhovna ‌Rada as an ‍aggressor state, or any country that fails to recognize Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.This provision reflects⁢ Ukraine’s​ ongoing ⁢geopolitical realities.

The potential impact of this legislation extends beyond Ukraine’s borders.For the significant Ukrainian diaspora ⁢in⁣ the United States, this could simplify processes and⁢ strengthen ties with their homeland. The implications for foreign volunteers who have fought alongside Ukrainian forces are also significant, ‍potentially offering a pathway to citizenship.

The ​passage of this bill⁣ would mark a significant shift in Ukraine’s ‍approach to citizenship, reflecting its evolving relationship ‍with its diaspora and its international partners. The coming weeks and months will be crucial as the bill progresses ⁢through the remaining stages of ⁣the legislative process.

Ukraine Inches Closer ⁢to Multiple Citizenship: A Landmark move

In⁤ a move wiht significant implications for Ukrainians worldwide​ and foreign nationals who have supported teh country, Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, ‌took a crucial step towards ‍legalizing ‌multiple citizenship.‌ On ​December 17, 2024, the Rada voted to advance Bill No. 11469, paving the way for‍ a potential overhaul of the nation’s citizenship laws.

New Legislation: A Conversation with Dr. Natalia Kozlovskaya

We spoke with​ Dr. Natalia Kozlovskaya, an expert in Ukrainian nationality law ⁢and Professor of Political Science at the⁤ National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, to discuss ​the potential impact of this groundbreaking legislation.







Senior ⁤Editor: Dr. Kozlovskaya, thank you for joining us today. This bill represents a significant departure from Ukraine’s existing legal framework. Can you⁣ explain the current situation‍ regarding dual citizenship in Ukraine⁣ and what this ⁢proposed legislation seeks to change?





Dr. kozlovskaya: You’re​ right, this is a major step. Previously, ⁣Ukraine did not recognise dual citizenship. Individuals who acquired another nationality automatically lost their Ukrainian citizenship. This new bill seeks to change that fundamentally by allowing Ukrainians to hold multiple citizenships.This reflects a growing trend globally but is particularly noteworthy for Ukraine given its unique historical and geopolitical context.



Senior Editor: President Zelenskyy has been‍ a vocal proponent of this change. what are some of⁣ the primary motivations behind this proposed ⁢shift in policy?



dr. ⁢Kozlovskaya: The President’s proposal addresses several key issues. Firstly, it aims to make it easier for Ukrainians displaced by the​ war to return home while retaining their existing citizenship. Many Ukrainians have sought refuge abroad and acquired citizenship in their host countries. This ⁤bill recognizes their situation and allows them to rebuild their lives without⁤ having ​to choose between⁢ their Ukrainian identity and their new ‌homeland.



Secondly, the ⁢bill is intended to ⁢simplify citizenship for foreign nationals who make ⁢significant contributions ⁢to Ukraine. This could include volunteers who have‍ fought alongside Ukrainian forces or ⁤individuals from specific countries with strong cultural or ​historical ties to Ukraine.



Senior Editor:



The bill includes an⁤ captivating exception regarding citizenship from ⁢certain countries. ​Could you ⁢elaborate on that?



Dr. Kozlovskaya: Yes, the bill explicitly prohibits dual citizenship with Russia or⁤ any country that does⁤ not​ recognize Ukraine’s territorial ⁣integrity. This highlights Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty and its​ rejection of any attempt to ⁣undermine its ⁤independence.⁤





Senior Editor: This certainly is a complex issue with significant implications for Ukrainians both ​at home​ and abroad.What do you see as the potential long-term impact of this proposed legislation if it ‌becomes law?



Dr. Kozlovskaya: I ⁣believe this could fundamentally‍ reshape Ukraine’s relationship with its diaspora. It sends a powerful message of inclusion and recognizes the contributions of Ukrainians living abroad.



It could also strengthen ⁤ties with countries that share Ukraine’s values and support its aspirations.



However, there will undoubtedly be‌ challenges in implementation.



Ukraine will need to develop clear guidelines and procedures to manage multiple citizenship effectively. Striking a balance​ between facilitating integration while preserving national identity will be crucial.



Senior Editor: Dr.‌ Kozlovskaya,thank you for sharing your valuable insights. ⁤ We ‍will certainly be following the progress⁢ of this⁢ important legislation very closely.