NewsPresident Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, extended thanks to Ukrainians abroad for their support during Russia’s invasion and proposed constitutional amendments to allow dual citizenship.
The video was shared in commemoration of Ukraine’s Unity Day, observed annually on January 22. This day signifies the merging of the Ukrainian People’s Republic and the West Ukrainian People’s Republic into a single, independent nation in 1919. The Unification Act of the Ukrainian People’s Republic (UNR) was signed to mark the beginning of the nation.
The president expressed gratitude to Ukrainians living abroad for their efforts in “collecting and delivering” essential aid to the country during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskiy announced his intention to introduce a draft law encompassing extensive legislative changes, including provisions for multiple citizenship in Verkhovna Rada, the parliament of Ukraine. The proposed law aims to grant citizenship to ethnic Ukrainians and their descendants globally, with the exception of individuals from hostile nations. Zelenskiy emphasized that many citizens had been compelled to leave their homeland amid emigration waves, and the proposed amendments would provide them the opportunity to become Ukrainian citizens, fostering a sense of attachment to the country.
