The European Court of Human Rights has begun hearing Kolomoyskyi’s case regarding the loss of his Ukrainian citizenship
Attorney Oleksandr Lysak reported that on April 9, 2026, the European Court of Human Rights accepted for consideration Igor Kolomoyskyi’s application No. 2652/26.
The case concerns an appeal against the decision regarding his loss of Ukrainian citizenship.
In July 2022, Presidential Decree No. 502/2022 declared that Ihor Kolomoyskyi had lost his Ukrainian citizenship due to his possession of an Israeli passport, which he had obtained back in 1995.
However, at the time he obtained foreign citizenship, Ukrainian law did not prohibit dual citizenship—the relevant provision was only introduced in 1997.
Kolomoisky challenged the presidential decree in the Administrative Court of Cassation within the Supreme Court, but his appeal was denied.
In September 2025, the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court definitively upheld the decree. At the same time, two judges—Mykola Mazur and Oleg Kryvenda—issued a dissenting opinion, in which they emphasized that the retroactive application of legal provisions is unlawful and contrary to constitutional principles.
The acceptance of the application for consideration means that the court in Strasbourg sees grounds for a detailed examination of possible violations of the applicant’s rights.
If the decision is in Kolomoyskyi’s favor, it could set a precedent for other Ukrainians who obtained foreign citizenship before the legislative changes.
The situation takes on added significance given that provisions on multiple citizenship came into force in Ukraine in January 2026. What could previously have been grounds for loss of citizenship is now officially permitted.
Earlier, Ihor Kolomoyskyi again announced upcoming court proceedings in the High Anti-Corruption Court. As his lawyer stated, “interesting information” may be disclosed during the hearings.
