Ukrainians with dual citizenship can no longer leave Ukraine

As of 1 June, Ukraine has cancelled the "residence abroad" exception that previously allowed some Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 to leave the country. Following this change, people with dual citizenship of Ukraine and the USA, including those who live in the USA, will no longer be able to leave Ukraine. This was announced by the US embassy in Ukraine on 4 June.

It is reported that Ukrainian legislation does not recognise dual citizenship. Therefore, people with US and Ukrainian citizenship while in Ukraine are considered solely as citizens of Ukraine and are subject to the rights and obligations of Ukrainian citizens.

Under Ukraine's martial law, men between the ages of 18 and 60 are prohibited from leaving the country.

Previously, citizens in this group who hold dual U.S. and Ukrainian citizenship could enter and then leave Ukraine if they deregistered their Ukrainian residence and registered their U.S. residence. According to the US embassy, this exception was cancelled as of 1 June.

It is noted that the US embassy is limited in its ability to influence Ukrainian legislation, including the application of martial law and the law on mobilisation to Ukrainian citizens.

If you are in Ukraine and cannot leave the country, stay put and obey all local orders. If you are not in Ukraine, we strongly recommend that you refrain from any travel to Ukraine for male US citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 who also hold Ukrainian citizenship or claim Ukrainian citizenship and do not wish to remain in Ukraine indefinitely," the US embassy said.

The embassy noted that there is an extremely high risk that such persons will not be allowed to leave Ukraine, even if they have a US passport.

The embassy reminded all Americans that the US Department of State continues to recommend that US citizens refrain from travelling to Ukraine due to the active armed conflict.

Earlier, Socialportal reported that on 22 January, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced a bill on multiple citizenship to the Verkhovna Rada.