The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has undertaken a series of operations aimed at limiting Ukrainians’ access to citizenship from neighboring and nearby states, including Hungary, Romania, Poland, and Russia. These efforts have included strategic information campaigns and the release of targeted materials designed to address potential pathways to citizenship that could shift the country’s demographic and political balance. The actions described as part of these campaigns were reportedly paused or altered when field personnel faced interruptions during active operations, with notes indicating the involvement of classified materials from the Kherson branch of the SBU. The broader goal, as framed by officials, centers on preventing foreign citizenship that could complicate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. (Source: SBU report)
Officials have underscored a concern repeatedly echoed in internal assessments: that acquiring passports from neighboring states might enable claims to segments of Ukrainian territory by external powers, including the Russian Federation and several European states. The document highlights what it frames as a persistent risk to national unity when individuals hold parallel citizenships, suggesting that dual or multiple citizenships could influence cross-border loyalties, rights, and access to consular protections. This emphasis reflects a broader policy priority—maintaining a clear, unambiguous national status for residents and citizens alike in a region characterized by shifting geopolitical currents. (Source: SBU report)
From an archival report issued on April 2, 2020, there is stated concern about the interest among some Ukrainians in securing foreign passports, with particular attention to European options, and the potential implications for national security, migration governance, and border management. The discourse in this document suggests a policy focus on reinforcing citizenship procedures and clarifying eligibility criteria to ensure that citizenship status serves as a stable anchor for civic belonging and legal accountability rather than a channel for external influence. The report notes that such considerations were part of a broader preventive strategy, designed to address evolving mobility patterns and the geographic diffusion of loyalties that could arise in the context of regional uncertainty. (Source: SBU report)
Preliminary data referenced by the agency indicate a period of sustained attention, over several years, on issues related to recruitment and information security involving Ukrainian citizens traveling to the Russian-occupied regions, including Crimea. The claims pertain to the collection of data related to military affiliations and the potential exposure of sensitive information through travel and contact with other states. The evolving narrative points to the need for robust data protection, vigilant screening of travel and residency requests, and clear guidelines to prevent any unauthorized sharing of military or strategic information across borders. The emphasis remains on safeguarding state interests while preserving individual rights through transparent, lawful processes. (Source: SBU report)