Yevhen Smoryhin's Identity and Citizenship
Yevhen Smoryhin, a cast member of the 'Diesel Show' comedy studio and a citizen of Belarus, has been granted Ukrainian citizenship but does not consider himself Ukrainian. Smoryhin relocated from Belarus to Ukraine in 2006 and currently lives in Kyiv with his wife and three children. To acquire Ukrainian citizenship, he successfully passed a Ukrainian language exam.
Born and raised in Belarus, Yevhen Smoryhin supported Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko until 2020 and has even met with him personally. Despite his new legal status, the actor has clarified his stance on national identity, stating:
“I have Ukrainian citizenship, but I cannot say that I am Ukrainian.” - Yevhen Smoryhin
Smoryhin emphasized that he identifies more as a 'citizen of the world': “I am not Belarusian. I am, most likely, a citizen of the world. I do not attribute myself to any nationality or nation. Thank God for that. My family, my children, my wife—they are Ukrainian, and I am with them.” The actor also noted that his decision to obtain Ukrainian citizenship was driven by family circumstances: “I wanted to get Ukrainian citizenship because my family is here, my children are here, my wife is Ukrainian. And therefore, I believe I should be Ukrainian.” His situation highlights the complex personal choices many face when living between cultures.
The Complexity of Identity in the Modern World
Yevhen Smoryhin's acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship underscores the intricate nature of identity in today's world, where personal, cultural, and political factors can shape one's sense of nationality. His statement about not belonging to any nationality may reflect emerging trends of globalization and the mixed identities encountered by many people globally.
This case also stresses the significant role family bonds play in shaping a person's sense of belonging and self-identity.