The presence of Russians in Ukraine has created a complex situation for those who hold Russian citizenship but live in Ukraine. Many face discrimination and legal challenges that affect their everyday lives. This article explores the experiences of two individuals, Galina and Anastasia, and sheds light on the difficulties they encounter due to their legal status.
Galina, a legally Russian citizen, has lived in Ukraine for years. Despite being married to a Ukrainian and living in a Ukrainian village, Galina faces challenges in accessing healthcare, finding employment, and even registering her own child’s birth. She feels like a “hostage of Russia” due to the restrictions placed on her as a Russian citizen in Ukraine. Lawyers working with Russians in Ukraine have noted that their clients often face frozen bank accounts and limited financial services due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Anastasia, on the other hand, moved from Moscow to Kyiv out of her own free will. She chose Ukraine as her homeland and volunteered as a combat medic to fight for the country she now calls home. While initially facing difficulties in treating wounded Russians, she later realized that it was the way to reclaim captured Ukrainians. Anastasia dreams of obtaining a Ukrainian passport and feels closer to achieving this goal due to her military service and marriage to a Ukrainian.
The situation for Russians in Ukraine is complicated by the requirement to give up Russian citizenship in order to apply for Ukrainian citizenship. This process is challenging, as it involves surrendering passports either in a Russian consulate abroad or in Russia itself, potentially leading to arrest or being stranded outside of Ukraine. Additionally, joint citizenship is banned in Ukraine, further complicating the situation.
The Ukrainian authorities claim that no nationality is discriminated against when it comes to granting citizenship, and a new law is being drafted to simplify the citizenship and residency application process for those fighting for Ukraine. However, due to the full-scale invasion by Russia, the process is expected to remain difficult for Russians in general.
The experiences of Galina and Anastasia highlight the struggles faced by Russians in Ukraine. They are caught in a legal limbo, facing discrimination, limited access to services, and challenges in obtaining Ukrainian citizenship. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has further exacerbated these issues, making it even more challenging for Russians living in Ukraine to navigate their daily lives. The situation calls for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to resolve the plight of Russians in Ukraine and ensure their equal rights and opportunities.
