As the war with Russia enters its fourth year, Ukraine has passed a historic law allowing dual and multiple citizenships, aiming to rebuild its population and strengthen ties with millions of Ukrainians living abroad.
The Ukrainian parliament approved the new legislation on Wednesday, marking a major policy shift. Until now, Ukrainians were not legally permitted to hold another citizenship. Those who did were often forced to renounce their foreign passports to acquire or retain Ukrainian nationality.
This change directly impacts Ukraine’s estimated 25 million-strong diaspora, many of whom fled during previous waves of migration or during the ongoing war. The country’s population has shrunk dramatically from 52 million in 1991 to about 32 million today.
In a Facebook post, Unity Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov hailed the move as “an important step to maintain and restore ties with millions of Ukrainians around the world.”
The new law comes at a time when the country is struggling with the devastating consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion that began in February 2022. The war has displaced millions, killed tens of thousands, and forced many to settle abroad, unsure if they can ever return.
“Since the situation in Ukraine is unstable, people don’t know whether to return or not,” said Natalya Kostyk-Ustenko, who fled the southern city of Kherson in 2022 and now lives in Lithuania with her two children. “This move is significant support for us as refugees scattered around the world.”
Under the new law:
- Children born to Ukrainian parents abroad can obtain citizenship more easily.
- Ukrainians who gain a foreign passport through marriage will face fewer legal hurdles.
- Foreigners fighting for Ukraine will have a smoother path to naturalization.
Importantly, while the law doesn’t completely ban Russian citizens from applying, it allows the government to restrict citizenship for those from countries involved in armed aggression against Ukraine—clearly targeting Russian applicants.
Foreigners seeking Ukrainian citizenship must also pass tests on the Ukrainian language, history, and constitution—ensuring alignment with national values.
The reform is both practical and symbolic. It acknowledges the modern global reality where many Ukrainians hold multiple identities, and it seeks to boost Ukraine’s “soft power” by encouraging loyalty and connection from abroad.
Lawmakers believe this step will not only help address the country’s demographic crisis, but also create a stronger, more connected Ukrainian identity—no matter where its citizens live.
