The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) will conduct background checks on individuals who were formerly citizens of the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus, lived in temporarily occupied territories, and now seek to obtain Ukrainian citizenship.
This was stated by Ruslan Horbenko, Deputy Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Human Rights, in a comment to Ukrinform.
“Some MPs opposed the adoption of the law on multiple citizenship, as they believe certain provisions are flawed. They worry that former citizens of Russia or Belarus, who now hold citizenship of another country — for example, a European one — might try to obtain a Ukrainian passport. However, our Security Service is working diligently,” Horbenko said.
The MP emphasized that individuals in such categories will be subject to thorough background checks and special screenings.
“If the person has no ties to the aggressor country, has lived in Ukraine for the required period, passes exams in the Ukrainian language, Ukrainian history, and knowledge of the Constitution, and holds a pro-Ukrainian stance — then they will be eligible for citizenship,” he explained.
Horbenko also noted that the law includes a mechanism for granting citizenship to citizens of Russia and Belarus who have faced political persecution, as well as to foreign legion soldiers fighting for Ukraine.
“Such individuals often cannot officially renounce their Russian or Belarusian citizenship because they are unable to return to their countries and complete the necessary documentation. Therefore, we grant them the right to declarative renunciation. According to the law, a declaration of renunciation is a document by which a foreigner formally refuses their foreign citizenship and identifies solely as a citizen of Ukraine. In such cases, the individual must submit an official application to our authorities,” he clarified.
The deputy committee head added that the same procedures apply to individuals forcibly issued Russian passports in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
Horbenko pointed out that the legislation clearly states: citizenship is not considered voluntarily acquired if people were forced to accept it in the temporarily occupied territories or after being deported to Russia — except in cases where a person engaged in propaganda of war, supported the aggression, or cooperated with the occupying authorities.
“Of course, the relevant authorities will conduct special investigations into potential violations of Article 111 of the Criminal Code (‘Treason’), as well as collaborationism and related crimes. But this does not mean that special measures will be applied to all citizens living in the temporarily occupied territories. The names of those collaborating with the aggressor are already known to our security services. These individuals will not remain in Ukraine after de-occupation — they’ll be the first to flee to Russia,” Horbenko concluded.
As Ukrinform previously reported, the Verkhovna Rada passed the law to ensure the right to acquire and retain Ukrainian citizenship.
Source: SSU to screen Russians and Belarusians seeking Ukrainian citizenship – MP
