Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has signed a decree granting citizenship to 14 foreigners who fought for Ukrainian volunteer battalions and the military in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
The decree, signed on June 28, states that the individuals, one of whom is a Russian woman, “took part in protecting the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.”
Among the recipients was Yulia Tolopa, a resident of the southern Russian city of Pyatigorsk who came to Ukraine at the height of the anti-government protests known as the Maidan in early 2014.
She later joined the Aidar and Donbas volunteer battalions when a Russian-backed armed uprising erupted in April 2014 in eastern Ukraine.
Tolopa later enlisted in the 58th Brigade of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Migration authorities denied her citizenship three times because she couldn’t provide proof that she didn’t have a criminal record in Russia.
In interviews she gave to Ukrainian media, Tolopa said she was afraid to enter the Russian consulate in Kyiv to obtain documentation.
Tolopa also gave birth to a daughter in Ukraine and still serves in the army.
Zelenskiy Grants Citizenship to 14 Foreigners Who Defended Ukraine's Territory
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
Belarusian Prankster Dupes Russian Teachers Into Wearing Tinfoil Hats To Ward Off 'Foreign Enemies'
2How Does Marco Rubio, Trump's Pick For Secretary Of State, See The World?
3Ukraine Live Briefing: Civilians Left In The Cold
4A 'Turn To The Right': Donald Trump And The Rise Of Populist Leaders
5Report: Trump Tells Putin In Call Not To Escalate War With Ukraine
6How The Caspian Sea Became A Battlefield
7Russia Reportedly Suffered Record 1,500 Casualties Daily In October
8With U.S. Ties In The Balance, Kallas Seeks Bold EU Stance On Russia And China
9Journalist Commits Suicide In Protest Over Arrests In Iran
10Saudi Armed Forces General Travels to Iran In Rare High-Level Visit
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
