Fact Check: Ukrainians with Russian passports risk losing their citizenship under new law.

Fact Check: "Ukrainians with Russian passports risk losing their citizenship under new law."

What We Know

Recent developments regarding Ukrainian citizenship laws indicate that Ukrainians who acquire Russian citizenship may indeed face the risk of losing their Ukrainian citizenship. On June 18, 2025, the Ukrainian parliament passed a law that explicitly states that individuals who receive a Russian passport will lose their Ukrainian citizenship (source-1). This legislative change aligns with the broader context of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, particularly following Russia's annexation of parts of Ukraine and the imposition of Russian citizenship on residents of occupied territories (source-3).

Furthermore, the Russian citizenship law, which was updated on October 26, 2023, allows for the imposition of Russian citizenship on individuals in occupied territories, with a stipulation that those who do not comply may face deportation (source-2). This decree has raised significant concerns regarding the rights and status of Ukrainians living under Russian control.

Analysis

The claim that Ukrainians with Russian passports risk losing their citizenship is supported by the recent legislative changes in Ukraine. The new law passed by the Ukrainian parliament clearly outlines that obtaining a Russian passport is grounds for losing Ukrainian citizenship (source-1). This is a critical development, as it directly addresses the situation of Ukrainians in occupied territories who may be coerced into accepting Russian citizenship.

Moreover, the Russian decree mandating citizenship for residents in occupied territories further complicates the situation. It effectively places Ukrainians in a position where they must choose between their Ukrainian identity and the imposed Russian citizenship, with the threat of deportation looming over those who refuse to comply (source-3). This coercive tactic raises serious ethical and legal questions, particularly in light of international treaties that Russia is bound by, such as the Fourth Geneva Convention.

The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the Ukrainian parliament's official actions being reported by reputable news outlets and legal analyses from established organizations. The implications of these laws are significant, as they not only affect individual rights but also reflect the broader geopolitical tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Ukrainians with Russian passports risk losing their citizenship under the new law is accurate. The recent legislative changes in Ukraine explicitly state that acquiring a Russian passport will result in the loss of Ukrainian citizenship. This situation is further exacerbated by Russia's coercive citizenship policies in occupied territories, which threaten the rights and identities of Ukrainians living there.

Fact Check: Ukrainians with Russian passports risk losing their citizenship under new law.