Minister says Ukraine will not have dual citizenship

"I don't think there'll be /dual citizenship/ because it contradicts our legislation and our approaches," he said. "We must draw the bottomline somewhere. It's not the problem of restricting a person's right to choose where he or she would like to live. Very simply, people must determine for themselve where they really want to do it."

"On the other hand, it's important to create the situation where the citizens of Russia, a friendly country, could feel quite comfortable living in Ukraine along with being aware of the fact they are still expected to perform their civic duties -- say, defend homeland -- in Russia," Grishchenko said.

"And the other way round, too," he indicated meaning the Ukrainian citizens who live in Russia permanently.

"I don't see any special contradictions in this," Grishchenko said.