On Aug. 13, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree that aims to make it easier for Russians who have faced political persecution at home and foreigners who have fought in the Ukrainian army to receive Ukrainian citizenship. The president presented this as a move to protect human rights. Now, the Cabinet of Ministers must submit legal amendments outlining the changes to the parliament, which must vote for them. The Kyiv Post asked Kyivans for their opinions on Zelensky’s decree.
Tetiana Skazkina, psychotherapist
“I think it is absolutely normal. I support it. Overall, I guess we are fraternal peoples who started this unnecessary — or on the contrary, necessary for someone — war.”
Andrii Havryliuk, IT analyst
“I have never heard about it actually. But I don`t see anything wrong in it at first glance. We cannot rate people by their nationality. We cannot lump everyone together and say that absolutely everyone is bad there, even when a country carries out weird actions in relation to our country. I know many people who have family ties in Russia. So, I guess it’s quite a good practice to help a neighbor in a difficult situation.”
Yevhenii Koval, currently unemployed
“Generally, I think of it in a positive way. Their (Russian) reaction was that it was a provocation from our side. But anyway, I guess if people don`t want to live there and are looking for shelter in Ukraine, then why not?”
Oleksandr Lyfar, barista
“I guess it’s good. It will make the situation easier for Russian citizens. Maybe our peoples’ friendship will return because of that.”
Tatiana Fomenko, waitress:
“Generally, I think I have no right to judge our president’s decisions. But I guess if he takes any action it’s already good. Perhaps he tries new methods and acts as he sees fit. I think that any decision means that negotiations are ongoing and, yes, I guess it can help to improve the relations between Ukraine and Russia.
Volodymyr Duda, truck driver
“As a Ukrainian who was born here but living in a different country, my opinion on this issue is negative. Moscow is the aggressor. There are ongoing military actions, a war, an ordinary, natural war, regardless of what different politicians call it. And I guess, in times of the war, decisions like this simply cannot be made.”
Valerii Kozel, worker in a financial company
“I think it’s fine. Each of the president’s moves somehow affects our relationships with Russia and with every other country. But if the Russians who are against the current Russian authorities — and who are definitely persecuted there — want to acquire Ukrainian citizenship, what is illegal or wrong about it?”
Yulianna Malynovska, Turkish embassy worker
“My overall opinion on Russia-Ukraine political issues is: ‘What do the residents have to do with it?’ Russians who want to acquire Ukrainian citizenship, Ukrainians who want Russian citizenship — it depends on what is comfortable for a person or what goals he or she is pursuing. It is not about a conflict or a war. People choose what is better for them. And I guess we just need to admit it instead of judging them for a choice that doesn’t match ours.”
