New Citizenship Law Grants Ukrainian Passport to Polish Woman with Ukrainian Roots

Marta's Story: A Journey Back to Her Heritage

According to Державна міграційна служба: Marta, a 31-year-old woman of Polish and Ukrainian descent, has recently become a Ukrainian citizen. Her father, Pavlo, is a Ukrainian from Lviv who relocated to Poland in 1991. After Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Marta felt a renewed connection to Ukraine and decided to move to her father’s homeland. The family chose the city of Ternopil as their new home, marking the start of a significant new chapter in her life. This case highlights how Ukraine’s updated citizenship rules, enacted in early 2026, are helping people of Ukrainian heritage reclaim their identity.

Born and raised in Poland, Marta attended Polish schools and spoke Polish growing up. Yet from her teenage years, she sensed she was different from those around her.

'As a child, I said I was half Polish, half Ukrainian. But by adolescence, I felt I was somewhat different from the people surrounding me,' she said.

According to Marta, her parents told her that her father sang Ukrainian lullabies to her while she was still in her mother’s womb.

Returning to Ukraine

Last year, Marta and her father traveled to Ukraine to pick a city for their relocation.

'When we arrived in Ternopil, I felt this was the place where we could truly be at home,' she recalled.

After returning to Ukraine, Marta began exploring her cultural roots more deeply. 'I started taking a greater interest in Ukraine-watching interviews, listening to stories of ordinary people. And suddenly I realized: now I know who I am and where I should live,' she explained.

Marta’s acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship was made possible by Ukraine’s Law No. 4502-IX, which took effect on January 16, 2026. For Marta, her Ukrainian passport represents the start of a new life. 'The Ukrainian passport is the beginning of a new life for me. Now I can calmly settle my daily affairs without worrying about documents or the need to leave Ukraine,' she emphasized.

However, renouncing her Polish citizenship comes at a cost-450 euros. 'I don’t want to start that process right now because it’s expensive in Poland. I think that money is better spent supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, or simply spent in Ukraine to help the economy,' Marta added.

Ultimately, Marta’s story illustrates the powerful link between personal roots and embracing a new identity amid modern challenges. She serves as a vivid example of how a sense of belonging and family traditions can drive life-changing decisions. For Marta, accepting Ukrainian citizenship is not only a return to her heritage but also a commitment to actively participate in Ukraine’s future-a meaningful step during a time of upheaval and transformation. This case underscores the importance of personal identity and cultural legacy in shaping life choices in today’s world.