Andriy Lyubka: Multiple citizenship Is Ukraine’s winning move

by Andriy Lyubka, a Ukrainian writer, translator, and essayist.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda 

Ukraine’s parliament finally passed the law on multiple citizenship on June 18. 

Was it timely? Not at all — in my view, it’s at least 10 years overdue. But better late than never. The benefits clearly outweigh any potential downsides or risks.

I won’t dwell on the fact that some form of multiple citizenship is allowed in two-thirds of EU countries. With this step, Ukraine moves closer to joining a modern, globalized, and open world.

Nor will I go on about how this law could bring Ukraine’s population back to 52 million — like in that famous TV commercial from my childhood, which today feels bitter and sad. Because there really are millions of Ukrainians around the world who’ve preserved their identity and culture — and whose command of the Ukrainian language is, frankly, an unattainable ideal for many living in Ukraine.

But they don’t hold Ukrainian passports. Why? Because they were born in other countries, on other continents. It’s simply how life unfolded — shaped by the histories of their parents or ancestors, often economic migrants, but also often freedom fighters for Ukraine.

These people — millions of them — have long dreamed of holding a passport with the trident on its cover. I personally know many for whom that little blue booklet with Ukraine’s coat of arms is a lifelong goal, a cherished dream. They’ve done a lot for Ukraine and Ukrainians. They’ve raised children and grandchildren as proud Ukrainians. Many have actively supported Ukraine during wartime. And now, they rightfully and deservedly gain the chance to become citizens of their ancestral homeland. That’s a powerful and beautiful gesture on Ukraine’s part.

On this positive note, I won’t dwell on the long-standing double standard: how many who profited from Ukraine — and even ruled it — quietly held dual or even triple citizenship for years. People like Firtash and Kolomoiskyi had multiple passports in open violation of Ukrainian law, while ordinary citizens were denied the same opportunity.

So yes — the word finally in my opening sentence was entirely justified. The law passed by the Verkhovna Rada may not be perfect, but there will be time to refine it. What matters is that it’s the right move — a positive, practical, and human step forward for Ukraine.

And here’s something that hasn’t been talked about enough: this law is also a breakthrough for Ukraine’s national minorities.

Earlier I spoke of Ukrainians born abroad who dreamed of one day holding a Ukrainian passport. Now imagine an elderly Ukrainian couple in Canada — people who dedicated their lives to supporting Ukraine, raised proud Ukrainian children and grandchildren, funded diaspora institutions, and after Ukraine’s independence, helped build the state, funded exchange programs, scholarships, and training. We admire these people. We hold them up as examples. We thank them. But did becoming Ukrainian citizens make them any less Canadian? Of course not.

Now flip the perspective. Imagine a Hungarian, Romanian, Slovak, Bulgarian, Pole, or Greek born and raised in Ukraine — someone who built a life there, paid taxes, stayed through difficult times, and now serves on the front lines. Wouldn’t they want a passport from their historical homeland too? And isn’t that completely understandable? Of course it is.

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