A new legal route will let many Moldovans apply for Ukrainian citizenship without renouncing their current nationality today. Officials call it a strategic response to regional destabilization.

The inclusion of Moldova in the list of countries whose citizens have the right to a simplified path to Ukrainian citizenship is considered a strategic step and a timely response to Russia’s actions aimed at destabilizing the region through citizenship issues for residents of Transnistria.

The foreign minister Andriy Sibiga expressed this stance on his Facebook page. He notes that previously the new procedure for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship without renouncing existing citizenship was available for ethnic Ukrainians from EU countries, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland, and now this legal mechanism is openly available to Moldovan citizens.

Ukraine’s leadership and stance on Moldova

For us, including Moldova on the list is not just a formal expansion of geography. It is a logical step in our relations with a country with which we share both a common border and a shared path to the European Union

– Andriy Sibiga

The Foreign Minister stressed that Moldova from day one of the full-scale invasion provides assistance to our citizens and supports Ukraine, and that a large and active Ukrainian community lives in Moldova.

We are sincerely interested in ensuring that ethnic Ukrainians abroad have as many conditions and opportunities as possible to maintain ties with their homeland

– Andriy Sibiga

According to the head of the foreign policy department, this decision by Ukraine is a logical, well-considered, and timely response to attempts by the aggressor state to destabilize friendly Moldova through manipulation of citizenship of residents of the Transnistrian region.

Ukraine demonstrates leadership, agency, and responsibility. Unlike Russia, which seeks to destabilize and widen the war, Ukraine’s strategic goal has always been, is, and will be peace, security, and stability for our friendly Moldova

– Andriy Sibiga

According to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Moldova has been included in the list of states whose citizens are covered by the simplified mechanism for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship.

This step underscores Ukraine’s commitment to strengthening friendly relations with Moldova and ensuring stability in the region.