PM Shmyhal initiates amendments to laws regarding terms for getting Ukrainian citizenship

MOSCOW. July 28 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a bill to amend the laws on Ukrainian citizenship and on ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language regarding the conditions for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship.

According to the Ukrainian media citing the Verkhovna Rada's website, the relevant bill No. 7606 was registered in the Ukrainian parliament on Thursday. The text of the bill has not yet been made public.

"After the enactment of this law, in order to obtain Ukrainian citizenship it will be necessary to pass a comprehensive exam on knowledge of the basics of the Ukrainian Constitution, the Ukrainian history and the Ukrainian language. Those who will receive citizenship for outstanding merits to Ukraine, or those who serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and received citizenship, should pass three relevant exams within two years of its acquisition," Shmyhal said on social media.

"Ukrainian citizenship is a privilege that must be gained with knowledge and respect for the fundamental principles of our country," the prime minister said.