Serbia grants citizenship to Ukrainian billionaire Vadim Novynskyi

Ukrainian billionaire and former Member of Parliament Vadim Novynskyi has been granted Serbian citizenship through an accelerated procedure. The decision, signed by Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut, was published in the Official Gazette following a government session on September 24.

Serbia utilized a special legal provision that allows for the granting of citizenship without meeting standard requirements if the acquisition is deemed to be in the “interest of Serbia.” Serbian authorities and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have not publicly clarified the specific reasons or national interests behind this decision.

Novynskyi, a prominent figure and owner of Smart Holding Group, is currently wanted by Ukrainian authorities on suspicion of high treason. Investigators in Ukraine allege he acted as a curator for the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine to spread Russian propaganda. He left Ukraine shortly after the 2022 Russian invasion and has since been living in Croatia. His legal representatives deny the allegations, stating he remains a supporter of Ukraine.