Reforming Ukraine’s citizenship institution: dual citizenship in the context of European integration and war

It is determined that the adaptation of Ukrainian citizenship legislation to European Union standards is a necessary step to ensure Ukraine’s effective integration into the European legal space. The article analyzes the main legal challenges associated with the transition from the traditional model of single citizenship to the potential introduction of dual citizenship. Particular attention is paid to the transformation of Ukraine’s constitutional doctrine in the context of the full-scale war that began in 2022 and growing political pressure from the Ukrainian diaspora and international partners. Based on a comparative analysis of the approaches of EU member states (in particular Germany, Canada, and other countries), the author justifies the possibility of gradually reforming Ukrainian legislation while complying with security criteria and protecting state sovereignty. Key areas for change have been identified, including: constitutional interpretation or revision of Article 4 of the Constitution of Ukraine, legislative regulation of restrictions on persons with dual citizenship, and the creation of specialized institutions to coordinate harmonization processes. A legal analysis of draft law No. 11469 has been carried out, the provisions of which have been criticized by human rights organizations due to the threat of statelessness. The issue of compliance with the standards of the European Court of Human Rights in the field of granting and deprivation of citizenship has been raised. The article examines both the normative and practical aspects of institutional modernization: the creation of fast-track verification bodies, the introduction of appeal mechanisms, and the consideration of the experience of EU countries in protecting the rights of displaced persons and volunteers. It is emphasized that dual citizenship can serve as a tool for mobilizing Ukrainians abroad, reducing the outflow of skilled personnel, and strengthening democratic participation. At the same time, the author points to the need to introduce clear restrictions related to national security and to build public consensus on the legitimacy of the new model. Citizenship reform is seen as part of a broader process of constitutional renewal in Ukraine, which should ensure a balance between human rights, sovereignty, and European integration.