Serbia Grants Citizenship to Former Ukrainian MP Novynskyi, Wanted on Treason Suspicion

What happened

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reports that Serbia has granted citizenship to Vadym Novynskyi, a former Ukrainian lawmaker and businessman who is wanted in Ukraine on suspicion of high treason and inciting religious hatred. The decision was published in Serbia's official gazette on September 25 and signed by Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut a day earlier under a provision enabling expedited naturalization when authorities determine it serves national interest.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Novynskyi, originally Russian-born and a Ukrainian citizen since 2012, served multiple terms in Ukraine’s parliament and was associated with the pro-Russian Opposition Bloc. Ukrainian law enforcement notified him in absentia in January 2025 of treason charges and accused him of promoting Russian narratives and acting in Russia’s interest via political and religious activities. Kyiv courts ordered his detention in absentia and placed him on a wanted list. Novynskyi denies these allegations through his legal team, which describes him as a staunch supporter of Ukraine.

He has not returned to Ukraine since 2022 and currently resides in Croatia. Ukraine sanctioned Novynskyi in December 2022, months after he relinquished his parliamentary mandate. The Serbian government, however, has not provided a public explanation for what national interest justified granting him expedited citizenship.

Known from the source

• Serbia granted citizenship to Vadym Novynskyi through an expedited procedure reportedly citing national interest.
• Novynskyi is a former Ukrainian MP, originally Russian-born, naturalized Ukrainian in 2012, and associated with the pro-Russian Opposition Bloc.
• Ukrainian authorities accuse him of high treason and inciting religious hatred, and he is wanted by Kyiv.
• Novynskyi denies working for Russian interests, with his lawyer calling the accusations unacceptable.
• Novynskyi has not returned to Ukraine since 2022 and currently lives in Croatia.

What remains unclear

RFE/RL also notes that Serbia has granted citizenship under similar expedited procedures to over 300 Russian nationals, including figures linked to the Kremlin or under Western sanctions, since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The European Union has expressed concern over this practice, citing potential security risks given that Serbian passport holders can enter the EU without visas.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Official Serbian government justification for granting citizenship to Novynskyi. Current legal status confirmation of Novynskyi’s charges and travel/residence status. Verification of whether Serbia’s citizenship grants to Russian nationals linked to Kremlin have affected EU relations or prompted official responses.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Kyiv Independent. Open the source.