Zelensky proposes granting Ukrainian citizenship to foreign fighters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky marked Ukraine's Unity Day by introducing a bill allowing multiple citizenships. Such a move would allow foreign fighters and ethnic Ukrainians abroad to be equipped with Ukrainian passports without giving up their other citizenship.

Zelenksy said on January 22 that this bill would not apply "to citizens of the aggressor state," a reference to Russian citizens.

Ukraine is fighting a full-scale invasion that Russia launched in February 2022. The Ukrainian government created a foreign legion days before the invasion began, and according to some estimates, the number of foreign fighters is around 2,000.

"Today we must take steps forward, not only to strengthen the unity of Ukraine and our people, but also the unity of freedoms and rights, the truth about Ukrainians, the truth about our history," Zelensky said, adding that the draft law will enable the adoption of legal amendments and the right to multiple citizenships.

"Those who, with the outbreak of a full-scale war, regardless of their residence, birthplace or passports, said 'I am Ukrainian'... people with Ukrainian orgy, or those who for a long time have proven that they have Ukrainian soul. And after many years of waiting, they will finally be able to get a Ukrainian passport," he added.

Under current Ukrainian laws, dual or multiple citizenship is not allowed for Ukrainian passport holders. Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a similar law offering foreign fighters the opportunity to obtain Russian citizenship.

Unity Day has been an official holiday in Ukraine since 1999.

The idea of ??marking this day seems to date back a decade before, when Ukraine separated from the Soviet Union./ Rel

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