Czech Law Freezes Russian Citizenship Applications Pending War's End

The Czech Senate passed “Lex Ukraine,” a law extending temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees while introducing new restrictions on Russian nationals seeking citizenship, according to Radio Prague Internationale.

Under the legislation, applications for Czech citizenship from Russians will be considered only after the conclusion of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Applicants are required to renounce their Russian citizenship to qualify. Any pending applications will be suspended until the specified conditions are met. Exceptions are provided for minors, asylum seekers, and those opposing the Russian regime.

The law also includes provisions to penalize “unauthorized collaboration with a foreign state.”

Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan emphasized that the measure does not infringe on freedom of expression but is intended to address deliberate threats to national security.

“In Prague, a group of individuals was identified systematically documenting strategic public locations, including the metro, shopping malls, and Christmas markets. The group monitored and photographed prominent public figures, politicians, journalists, and their families, including children. There was credible information indicating these activities were part of preparations for an attack. However, the perpetrators left the territory of the Czech Republic unpunished,” Rakušan said.

The minister highlighted that the new provisions target cases where intent and conscious cooperation to harm the Czech Republic are evident.

Although only 21 out of 73 senators voted in favor of the law, it was approved as no alternative proposals were submitted. The legislation now awaits the president’s signature.

On December 18, the the Czech Senate officially recognized the mass deportation of Crimean Tatars as an act of genocide.