Multiple citizenship law must pass, says UWC President – calls it key to mobilizing global Ukrainian nation

Ukrainian World Congress President Paul Grod has called on Ukrainian lawmakers to adopt a law on multiple citizenship, declaring it the UWC’s top advocacy priority and a decisive step toward uniting the Ukrainian nation in support of the nation’s survival and renewal.

Speaking on June 12 in Khmelnytskyi at the “Ukrainians Abroad: Challenges, Support, and Return” parliamentary forum-dialogue, he said, “This is our central appeal to Ukraine’s leadership today.” 

President Grod participated in the event online.

“We urge the Verkhovna Rada deputies to back the law on multiple citizenship. At the same time, it is crucial to involve Ukrainians who have gained valuable experience abroad in all areas of life — government, parliament, business, and community,” Grod said.

He emphasized that Ukraine must support, develop, and engage overseas Ukrainian communities as a strong force to protect national interests, combat disinformation, promote Ukraine’s interests globally, and encourage the return of Ukrainians to their homeland.

For those Ukrainians planning to return, Grod stressed the importance of creating conditions that facilitate reintegration by developing effective integration platforms.

Ukraine and the global Ukrainian diaspora must work to ensure that Ukrainians abroad do not assimilate but integrate while maintaining their Ukrainian identity.

“To achieve this, we are actively collaborating with the Ministry of Education to support Ukrainian schools, youth organizations, and cultural clubs — everything that helps preserve our language and culture. When Ukrainians assimilate and lose their identity, the chance of their return diminishes,” Grod said.

The Ukrainian government must clearly demonstrate that these people are valued, ready to support their initiatives, strengthen ties, and avoid losing these communities.

“Combating disinformation is also vital. We often hear from political elites in Europe, North, and South America that the information attack against Ukraine is intense, which can create feelings of helplessness. But we must stay strong, organize ourselves, and build communities that will protect Ukraine in the long run,” Grod said.

Regardless of where Ukrainians live, “we must all work together to build a strong global Ukrainian community,” the UWC President said.