UWC President outlines criteria for simplified Ukrainian citizenship

Ukrainian World Congress President Paul Grod spoke with Ukrainian state broadcaster Suspilne about the conditions that countries must meet to qualify for a simplified Ukrainian citizenship process.

“The list prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs includes G7 and EU member states, as well as countries that have imposed sanctions on Russia and support Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. At the same time, there are several other countries we hope will join the list soon,” Grod said.

The UWC President mentioned the importance of this expansion for the global Ukrainian community.

“Communities whose countries were not included in the first list have approached us, requesting their states be added to the next list. There is a great deal of interest, and we are urging the government to consider these proposals,” he said.

Grod also expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry for developing the criteria. 

“Special thanks to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who has actively worked on drafting these guidelines,” he said.

Expanding the list of friendly countries will strengthen Ukraine’s ties with its citizens abroad and engage the global Ukrainian community in the country’s development.

“This is not only an important step for Ukrainians living abroad but also a strategic interest for Ukraine in reinforcing international support and maintaining close connections with its citizens,” Grod said.

Earlier, on Nov. 12, the UWC President met in Toronto with Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada Andrii Plakhotniuk.