- September 18, 2025
- 4:02 pm
- Ukraine
The Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Cassation Administrative Court, which rejected businessman Ihor Kolomoisky’s lawsuit to restore his Ukrainian citizenship. The ruling became known from the register on September 11, 2023, after a session involving 18 judges.
The Essence of the Process
The case was initiated in connection with the decree of the President of Ukraine No. 502/2022, issued on July 18, 2022, according to which Kolomoisky lost Ukrainian citizenship due to voluntarily obtaining Israeli citizenship in 1995.
The Cassation Administrative Court in April 2025 denied the claim, stating that since 1997, the norms have been in effect according to which obtaining citizenship of another state entails the loss of Ukrainian citizenship. The court noted that Kolomoisky could have terminated his Israeli citizenship but did not take advantage of this opportunity for over 25 years.
Reasons for Rejection
During the consideration of the case, the Grand Chamber referred to the principle of single citizenship and the norms of the Constitution of Ukraine. The regulation of citizenship issues is enshrined in the law “On Citizenship of Ukraine.” The court’s decision is subject to immediate execution and cannot be appealed.
Context
The situation surrounding Kolomoisky’s citizenship has been discussed since it became known about his dual citizenship, which attracted the attention of both the public and law enforcement agencies. This case is yet another new stage in Ukraine’s law enforcement practice in the field of citizenship.
As the court’s decision showed, the issue of citizenship in Ukraine remains extremely sensitive and often becomes the subject of legal battles. Kolomoisky, as a prominent businessman and one of the most notable figures in the Ukrainian market, has repeatedly found himself at the center of legal proceedings.
Ihor Kolomoisky: Citizenship, Ties with Israel, the Jewish Community, and Current Status
Loss of Ukrainian Citizenship
In July 2022, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed decree No. 502/2022, according to which businessman Ihor Kolomoisky lost Ukrainian citizenship.
The reason is the voluntary acquisition of Israeli citizenship in 1995. According to the law “On Citizenship of Ukraine,” the principle of single citizenship applies: obtaining a passport of another country entails the loss of Ukrainian citizenship.
Courts of various instances confirmed the legality of this decree. In September 2023, the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court finally upheld the decision, which came into force and cannot be appealed.
Ties with Israel
Since the mid-1990s, Kolomoisky has been a citizen of Israel.
The Israeli passport not only allowed him to move freely but was also considered a tool of protection in case of political pressure. He maintained contacts with Israeli business circles and participated in public initiatives.
Cyprus Episode
In addition to the Israeli passport, the businessman obtained Cypriot citizenship through the “golden visa” program.
However, in 2024, the Cypriot authorities annulled his citizenship, citing false information in the documents.
Ties with the Jewish Community
Kolomoisky played a significant role in the life of the Jewish community in Ukraine.
- He headed the European Jewish Union.
- Financed cultural and educational initiatives.
- Supported communities in Dnipro and other cities.
- With his participation, the Menorah Jewish Center in Dnipro was built — the largest in Europe.
Through these projects, Kolomoisky strengthened ties between the Jewish diaspora of Ukraine and Israel and actively interacted with rabbis and public organizations.
Legal Proceedings in Ukraine
In September 2023, Kolomoisky was arrested in Kyiv.
He was charged with fraud, money laundering, and other crimes, particularly related to the activities of PrivatBank.
The court repeatedly extended the preventive measure. To date, he remains in custody and is held in a Kyiv detention center.
Cases Outside Ukraine
In Israel, a lawsuit by PrivatBank against Kolomoisky was considered.
The Tel Aviv Appellate Court refused to consider the case on the merits, stating that disputes should be resolved in Ukraine. Thus, Israel did not become a platform for legal attacks against him.
Chronology of Key Events
- 1995 — Kolomoisky obtains Israeli citizenship.
- 1997 — the principle of single citizenship is enshrined in Ukraine.
- 2012 — the Menorah Jewish Center, built with Kolomoisky’s support, opens in Dnipro.
- July 2022 — by decree of the President of Ukraine, Kolomoisky is deprived of citizenship.
- September 2023 — arrested in Kyiv, placed in a detention center.
- September 2023 — the Supreme Court of Ukraine confirms the deprivation of citizenship.
- 2024 — Cyprus annuls his passport obtained through the “golden visa” program.
- 2025 — Ukrainian courts continue investigations and extend the arrest.
FAQ
Why did Kolomoisky lose Ukrainian citizenship?
Because he voluntarily obtained Israeli citizenship, which contradicts Ukraine’s law on single citizenship.
What passports does he have now?
Israeli. Ukrainian citizenship is lost, Cypriot is annulled.
What are his ties with the Jewish community?
Kolomoisky actively financed Jewish projects in Ukraine, headed the European Jewish Union, and participated in initiatives related to Israel.
Where is he now?
He is held in a detention center in Kyiv, under arrest on charges of fraud and money laundering.
What cases are being conducted against him abroad?
In Israel, a lawsuit by PrivatBank was considered, but the court recognized that the case should be heard in Ukraine.
