Recent developments surrounding Russian passports in Ukraine reveal a tense landscape characterized by forced passportization, dual citizenship controversies, and geopolitical maneuverings. The arrest of Ukrainians in Poland, where one individual was found with 46 Russian passports, highlights the complexities and potential misuse of these documents. Meanwhile, forced passportization efforts continue under Russian occupation in various Ukrainian territories, compelling citizens to accept Russian citizenship against their will. Legal and governmental responses, such as the actions of Ukraine's Security Service against Odesa's mayor for holding a Russian passport, underline the national security implications. As Ukraine remains resolute in its stance against recognizing these forced documents, ongoing diplomatic and legal efforts aim to address and mitigate this issue.
What are the implications of having a Russian passport in occupied Ukrainian territories?
Possession of a Russian passport in occupied Ukrainian territories often subjects individuals to Russian laws and obligations, including military service. It can also result in social and political repercussions within Ukraine, where such passportization is considered illegal and against national interests. The government continues to resist and challenge the legitimacy of these documents.
How does forced passportization affect Ukrainian citizens?
Forced passportization places immense psychological and societal pressure on Ukrainian citizens in occupied areas. Many face threats of losing access to essential services, such as pensions and education, if they resist acquiring a Russian passport. This coerced legal status can further complicate individuals' citizenship and rights within Ukraine.
What actions is Ukraine taking against forced passportization by Russia?
Ukraine staunchly opposes the forced passportization of its citizens under Russian occupation. Authorities have implemented legal measures, condemned these actions in international forums, and seek diplomatic resolutions. Internally, measures are in place to mitigate the risks and offer support to those affected, underscoring the non-recognition of these enforced citizenships.
What are the legal ramifications for Ukrainians holding both Russian and Ukrainian passports?
Holding both Russian and Ukrainian passports is fraught with legal complications, as it can infringe upon national security protocols and citizenship laws. Such dual citizenship cases often lead to investigations, potential loss of Ukrainian citizenship, and legal actions against individuals deemed to undermine state security.
How is the international community reacting to issues of forced passportization in Ukraine?
The international community broadly supports Ukraine's sovereignty and rights over its territories, condemning Russia's forced passportization practices. Organizations and governments continue to denounce these actions in international arenas, advocating for adherence to international law and supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Are there any protective measures for Ukrainians resisting Russian passports?
Yes, the Ukrainian government has established measures to support individuals resisting Russian passportization. These include legal assurances, international advocacy, and assistance programs aimed at protecting rights and maintaining Ukrainian citizenship status for those in occupied territories facing coercion.
What is the process for Ukrainians in Poland to receive their passports amid current geopolitical tensions?
Ukrainians in Poland can receive their passports through coordinated efforts between the Ukrainian government and Polish authorities. Over 80,000 Ukrainians stand to benefit from ongoing passport issuance initiatives, which aim to alleviate the bureaucratic delays and ensure legal documentation amid heightened political tensions.
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Saakashvili: "My passport is in Poroshenko's office" Mikheil Saakashvili, the former chairman of the Odesa regional state administration and the leader of the political party Rukh Novykh Syl (Movement of New Forces), says his Ukrainian passport is in the office of President Petro Poroshenko. 85 057 681 Previously in trend: Saakashvili breached across border
Putin challenges new Ukraine leader with Russian passports for occupied Donbas residents Russian President Vladimir Putin has allowed the residents of occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine to get Russian citizenship under a simplified procedure. 37 178 535 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Biometric passports to be issued in Ukraine from January 12 - Yatseniuk Prime Minister Yatseniuk expects the biometric passports issuing to be launched from Jan. 12. 36 495 418
"Unlike some, I am not passport collector," - Klimkin responded to Saakashvili's claims Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin said he is not "a passport collector" and is not going to leave Ukraine "whatever circumstances." 52 980 378
Ukraine's interior minister calls for ban on Sberbank of Russia Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov has said that Sberbank of Russia, a state-owned banking and financial services company, should stop its work in Ukraine. 109 747 366 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
EU not to sanction Russia for passport issuance in Donbas Ministers of the EU member states believe that sanctions would harm Ukraine. 9 674 327 Previously in trend: Russian passports for residents of Russia-controlled territories in Donbas
"Servant of People" Bezuhla to Ukrainians liable for military service abroad: Let them hand over their passports. VIDEO Ukrainians liable for military service abroad who do not update their data in the Reserve+ application within the specified period and do not return to Ukraine to register for military service in the TCR and SS must renounce their Ukrainian citizenship. 29 828 320
Poroshenko: Donbas Residents With Russian Passports Will Be Able to Stay in Ukraine for up to 90 Days Only Donbas residents who will receive Russian passports will reside on the territory of Ukraine according to the rules of stay for Russian citizens. 44 763 283
"Motorola's" wife used stolen blank to forge Ukrainian passport, - Donetsk Police Chief Abroskin. PHOTOS Citizen of Ukraine Olena Pavlova, the widow of recently killed terrorist chieftain Motorola, has forged her passport using a blank stolen in Sloviansk in 2014. 254 315 277 Previously in trend: Arsen Pavlov murder
When people brought me in their arms to Ukraine, I left my passport on the bus. Police came, searched it, and stole my document, - Saakashvili Leader of Rukh Novykh Syl party, former Odesa governor and ex-president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili said Ukrainian law enforcers took away his passport as they searched the bus that he used to cross the Polish-Ukrainian border. 51 041 260 Previously in trend: Saakashvili breached across border
Ukraine, Turkey citizens to use internal passports while travelling within these countries, Minister Klimkin says There is a visa-free regime between the countries, but Ukrainians will be able to visit Turkey using internal passport soon. 80 722 255
'DPR' terrorists to start issuing 'passports' to residents of Donetsk region The 'DPR' terrorist organization will start issuing 'passports' to the residents of the occupied territories of the Donetsk region by the end of February. 37 361 250 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
ID-card bids last "farewell" to Soviet Union, - Poroshenko Citizen's of Ukraine ID-card is a precondition for a visa-free regime, national security, e-governance and a farewell to the Soviet Union. 52 726 229
US Embassy to Ukraine says Russia's recognition of "DPR"/"LPR" documents inconsistent with Minsk deal, troubled by increased fighting in Donbas The embassy also urged to withdraw heavy weapons to facilitate sustained cease-fire in Ukraine's east. 38 967 208
Hungarian passports are issued to Ukrainians, they are asked to conceal this fact from Ukrainian authorities. VIDEO Ukrainian citizens who reportedly receive Hungarian passports in Hungary's consulate in Berehove, the Zakarpattia region, are being instructed not to notify the Ukrainian authorities about the receipt of documents. 23 519 206
Ukrainians to receive new cutting edge IDs in 2016. PHOTOS+VIDEO Citizens of Ukraine will soon start to receive new passports - plastic contactless smart cards. 86 951 201
Shevtsov had Russian passport and sought employment with occupation authorities of Crimea, - activist Former Head of National Police in the Vinnytsia region Anton Shevtsov, detained under suspicion of high treason while trying to leave for Russia, had got Russian passport and sought employment with the Russian invaders in Crimea. 78 092 198 Previously in trend: Shevtsov's detention
Foreign Minister Klimkin urges Ukrainians not to take Russian passports The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Pavlo Klimkin, called Putin’s decree on issuing passports in the occupied part of Donbas a new stage of occupation and called on citizens of the occupied territories not to take passports. 8 228 198 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
ID cards instead of passports from 2016, - Yatseniuk Prime Minister of Ukraine Arsenii Yatseniuk announced transition from internal Soviet era passports to ID cards starting next year. 38 296 195
Ukrainians Will Have to Change Their Passports Every 10 Years Passport of the Ukrainian citizen will be made in the form of the card containing non-contact electronic media. The passport will have to be changed every ten years. 26 293 188
Ukrainian oligarchs Boholiubov and Kolomoiskyi received Cypriot citizenship back in 2010 and 2009, - The Guardian Former business partners, Ukrainian oligarchs Hennadii Boholiubov and Ihor Kolomoiskyi received Cypriot citizenship back in 2010 and 2009 respectively. 11 907 183
Russia’s former lawmaker Voronenkov obtained Ukrainian citizenship in December, - journalist. DOCUMENT Denis Voronenkov, a former member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation (Russian Federation Communist Party faction), a member of the parliamentary committee on security and corruption prevention was granted Ukrainian citizenship in December 2016. 38 553 177
Poland will provide temporary protection to Ukrainian refugees without passports. No one will extradite them to Ukraine - head of Ministry of Internal Affairs, Kierwinski Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski has said that protection for Ukrainian refugees in Poland will be extended. It is still valid until 30 June. Those without passports will also be subject to temporary protection. 20 827 174
Football Federation of Ukraine will introduce "black lists" of people who come to stadiums to fight, - Herashchenko Ukraine's Football Federation (FFU) will introduce new rules of ticket sales by names, and will soon add "black lists" of football fans in order to avoid conflict situations. 20 331 168
Ukrainians to travel to Belarus only with international passports, - Foreign Ministry The citizens of Ukraine will be able to travel to Belarus only with international passports (the respective regime is introduced in 2017), while Belarusians will travel to Ukraine with their internal IDs. 73 604 164
Russia sees "DPR"/"LPR" "passport" holders similar to Ukrainian citizens, - Russian media The Russian authorities were reluctant to simplify travel for the residents of the so-called "DPR" and "LPR" to the territory of the Russian Federation. 63 767 162
Rada legalizes electronic passports of Ukrainians in Diia application The Verkhovna Rada adopted at the second reading the bill No. 4355, which increases the status of the use of digital passports in the Diia application at the legal level. 18 961 154
US State Department: Putin’s decree is provocation and assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decree on the issue of passports to residents of Russia-controlled territories in Donbas is a provocation and an assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which creates serious obstacles to the implementation of the Minsk agreements. 6 925 145 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Russian passports for residents of Russia-controlled territories in Donbas
Trukhanov stripped of citizenship: SSU releases Odesa mayor’s valid Russian documents. PHOTOS The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has confirmed that Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov’s Ukrainian citizenship was terminated due to his possession of a valid Russian foreign travel passport and has published copies of the relevant documents. 24 135 145 Previously in trend: Citizenship of Odesa Mayor Trukhanov
Russia-based Raiffeisen Bank outlets to serve breakaway "DPR"/"LPR" passport holders, - Reuters The move followed consultations with Russia's central bank but might require the consent of the parent bank. 44 382 139
Kremlin to continue issuing Russian passports in Donbas A spokesman for Russian President Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow would continue protecting ethnic Russians in Ukraine. In particular, Russia is not going to stop issuing its passports in Donbas. Peskov told about it. 12 230 138 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
"Upon reaching checkpoint, I knelt, kissed the ground and started praying," - activist Ilchenko told about his escape from occupants in Crimea. PHOTOS Activist Yurii Ilchenko, who had been detained by occupant authorities in Crimea, told the story of his escape from the captivity and reaching the mainland Ukraine. 120 917 138 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas Ukrainian hostages in Russia
Deputy Head of National Police Tyshlek wife has russian passport, - media. VIDEO The wife of the deputy head of the National Police, Dmitriy Tishlek, Oleksandra Balakai, has not yet given up her Russian passport. At the same time, he himself uses the real estate and cars of the family of the partner of the head of the Rostov criminal group. 18 062 137
Nasirov didn't surrender his British passport to investigators, prosecutor Symkiv says Suspended Chief of State Fiscal Service Roman Nasirov did not hand over his British passport to the investigators. 32 076 136 Previously in trend: Trial of Nasirov
We know he has more than one passport, - Sytnyk on fugitive Onyshchenko Fugitive people's deputy Oleksandr Onyshchenko has passports of other countries. 22 815 135 Previously in trend: Onyshchenko case
Candidate for position of director of BEB Skomarov on his father’s Russian passport: forced to obtain it while under occupation The other day, the media reported that the father of Oleksandr Skomarov, a key candidate for the post of BES director, had received Russian citizenship in 2024. Today, on 8 June, Skomarov explained the circumstances under which his father was forced to obtain Russian citizenship. 15 334 133 Previously in trend: Competition for BES head
SE "Document" stopped issuing documents abroad "due to technical reasons" Document’s foreign offices stopped issuing documents. This was explained by technical reasons. 13 278 130
Wife of USF Chief of Staff Hladkyi has Russian citizenship - "servant of people" Bezuhla. DOCUMENT The wife of the Chief of Staff of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Roman Hladkyi, was found to have Russian citizenship. 23 426 125
In Occupied Territories, Militants Force Ukrainians to Accept Russian IDs Terrorists issue compulsory Russian IDs to Ukrainian citizens in the controlled territory. 38 718 122
Putin claims Russian passports move to be humanitarian measure Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended a provocative decision to grant Russian passports to residents of Russia-controlled territories in Donbas, saying he doesn’t see what the problem is. 8 140 121
Ukraine must check those who arrive from occupied territories to apply for biometric passport, - Turchynov The number of Ukrainian citizens from Crimea and occupied areas of the Donbas who want to receive Ukrainian biometric passports has increased since visa-free travel for Ukrainians to EU came into force on June 11. 31 750 108
EP confirms June 11 as visa free travel starting date for Ukraine On April 26 the EU ambassadors approved the visa liberalization process for Ukraine. 32 706 105 Previously in trend: Visa-free travel for Ukraine
FIS to investigate if Novynskyi keeps Russian passport, - head of FIS Bozhok Before appealing to the court intelligence has to be 200 percent sure that MP Novynskyi retains his Russian citizenship. 6 346 103
Ukraine will issue over 80 thousand passports for refugees in Poland, - Vereshchuk Ukraine is starting to issue passports, which were still in the process of being issued, to more than 80,000 citizens in Poland. 5 559 103
Parliament makes applying for passport compulsory from age of 14 The Verkhovna Rada has adopted the draft law No. 3224 on amendments to some laws of Ukraine concerning the documents proving the citizenship of Ukraine, identity, or person's special status, aimed at EU's liberalization of visa regime for Ukraine. 185 772 100
18-year-old boys abroad can get passport only if they have military registration document – Lubinets 18-year-old citizens of Ukraine can obtain a passport abroad only if they have a military registration document. 12 038 99
Vereshchuk to residents of TOT: Do not take Russian passport, leave or wait for our army Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk urged residents of the temporarily occupied territories not to take a Russian passport. 6 289 98
Court lifts seizure of Nasirov's domestic passport However, Ukraine's suspended chief taxman Roman Nasirov will not get the document back since there is another court ruling ordering its surrender. 26 692 98 Previously in trend: Trial of Nasirov
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