Ukrainian parliament simplifies citizenship application process for foreign military volunteers in Donbas
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has simplified the process to apply for a Ukrainian citizenship for foreigners and stateless persons who defended Ukraine’s territorial integrity and inviolability.
Two hundred thirty deputies voted to adopt draft law No. 3433. The minimum required to pass is 226.
The law allows foreign volunteers to bypass the requirement that one must have legally resided in Ukraine for 5 years and know the Ukrainian language.
A foreigner can attain proof of serving to protect the territorial integrity of Ukraine by acquiring a certificate from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the commander of a unit involved in the antiterrorist operation (ATO), as well as obtaining a court decision which confirms participation in protecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Protecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine can be interpreted as instructor assistance to the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other legitimate military formations, volunteer activities in the ATO zone, as well as other practical assistance contributing to Ukraine’s security.
The bill passed the first reading in October 2018. This week, representatives of the National Corps and the National Druzhina picketed the President Zelensky’s administration and the Verkhovna Rada demanding the citizenship application process be simplified for foreign volunteers.