Ukraine's draft law on multiple citizenship: embracing global Ukrainianness

The draft law on multiple citizenship should symbolize that Ukraine encompasses not only the people residing on its territory but also those Ukrainians worldwide who rightfully identify as such. This announcement was made during a telethon by Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security Council, and Mykhailo Podolak, adviser to the head of OPU.

Danilov emphasized the need for the law in the current situation, stating, "Our roots are widespread globally; we need to unite everyone and involve them. The law applies to Ukrainians who have the right to consider themselves as such and want to exercise that right".

He highlighted the importance of the law for the significant number of Ukrainians currently abroad, who may choose to acquire citizenship elsewhere. The law aims to allow them to retain Ukrainian citizenship and feel a connection to their homeland.

Bridging borders: Ukraine's vision for inclusive citizenship

Podolak stressed that the law should signify that Ukraine extends beyond its territorial boundaries, encompassing a broader group of people who identify with Ukrainianness. He noted that in the present global context, having one or two citizenships is common for individuals to maintain a connection with their homeland while being mobile.

Regarding Ukrainians in the occupied territories, Podolak explained that each case would be considered individually, especially given Russia's coercive tactics in pushing people to obtain Russian passports. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation in Crimea and suggested that those who received Russian passports under duress might eventually flee from the region.

On January 22, President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted a draft law on multiple citizenship to the Verkhovna Rada. The law aims to grant citizenship to descendants of Ukrainians who left the country, as well as to foreign volunteers, excluding Russian citizens.