Ukrainian businessman and former MP Vadym Novinsky has found himself in the spotlight after it emerged that he had acquired Serbian citizenship. This move has caused quite a stir, given his status in Ukraine, where he faces serious charges of treason.
The decision to grant Novinsky Serbian citizenship was signed by Serbian Prime Minister Juro Matsut. The process was fast-tracked, a procedure often used when the Serbian government considers it to be in the country’s ‘interest’. However, in this instance, the authorities have not explained what these interests entail.
Interestingly, Novinsky is not the only person to have obtained a Serbian passport in this way. Since the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022, Serbia has granted citizenship to a large number of Russians, including individuals linked to the Russian authorities and Vladimir Putin’s inner circle.
In Ukraine, Novinsky is under investigation on suspicion of high treason. Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have alleged his involvement, but he himself has chosen not to make any public statements regarding the allegations. Among other charges, in December 2022 the SBU included him on the so-called ‘church list’ of sanctions.
A Ukrainian court issued an arrest warrant in absentia for Novinsky on 18 September 2025, which has only heightened questions about his future plans and legal status in Serbia. He is currently outside Ukraine, and his next moves remain the subject of close attention from the international community.