Serbia has granted citizenship to former Ukrainian lawmaker and businessman Vadym Novynskyi, who is wanted in Ukraine on suspicion of high treason. The decision, published in Serbia's official gazette on September 25, was signed by Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut and utilized an expedited procedure for national interest. Novynskyi, a Russian-born businessman previously affiliated with a pro-Russian bloc, denies working in Russia's interests.
Serbia's decision to grant citizenship to a Ukrainian lawmaker wanted for treason raises concerns for the European Union, as Serbian passport holders can enter the bloc visa-free, potentially creating security risks when granted to individuals with Kremlin ties or under Western sanctions.
Serbia has granted citizenship to Vadym Novynskyi, a former Ukrainian lawmaker and businessman wanted in Ukraine on suspicion of high treason and inciting religious hatred. The decision, published in Serbia's official gazette on September 25 and signed by Prime Minister Djuro Macut, utilized an expedited procedure for naturalizing foreign nationals deemed to be in the country's interest. The Serbian government did not provide specific reasons for granting Novynskyi citizenship.
Novynskyi, who was born in Russia and obtained Ukrainian citizenship in 2012, previously served in Ukraine's parliament and was associated with the pro-Russian Opposition Bloc. Ukrainian investigators accused him of promoting Russian narratives and acting in Russia's interests through his political and religious activities, leading to a wanted list status in absentia. Novynskyi has denied these accusations, with his legal team describing him as a "staunch supporter of Ukraine."
Ukraine imposed sanctions on Novynskyi in December 2022, and he has not returned to Ukraine since 2022, reportedly establishing residence in Croatia. This practice of granting expedited citizenship to controversial foreign figures, particularly Russian nationals, has drawn scrutiny from the European Union due to potential security concerns related to visa-free travel within the bloc.
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