On Thursday, 18 December, Latvian citizenship was granted based on exceptional merit to Ukrainian-born film director Vitaliy Manskiy, and Ukranian figure skater Fedir Kulish also became a Latvian citizen.

Vitaliy Manskiy has been living in Riga for 11 years, and he and his wife have made Latvia their home. They both work at the Latvia-based film studio “Vertov” which has so far, with support from the National Film Centre and international partners, produced seven films that have represented Latvia at more than 250 film festivals and brought back over 50 awards.

Vitaliy Manskiy confirmed to the Citizenship, Migration and Social Cohesion Committee of the Saeima, which was responsible for the decision on granting citizenship,  that he and his wife are both continuing to learn Latvian and have already passed the A2 level exam. The film director noted that, in addition to a broad network of professional contacts, the couple has also established many friendships in Latvian society. In a letter to the Committee, support for granting citizenship to Vitaliy Manskiy was expressed by Viesturs Kairišs, film and stage director, Inna Šteinbuka, Head of the Fiscal Discipline Council, Kārlis Auzāns, composer, Ivars Seleckis, documentary film director.

Today, Latvian citizenship was also granted to Ukrainian figure-skater Fedir Kulish. Fedir Kulish has been living in Latvia since 2022 when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As of 2023, the athlete has been representing Latvia at international competitions, he is also the 2025 Latvian champion in figure skating. At the world figure skating championships this year Fedir Kulish secured the opportunity for two male figure skaters to represent Latvia at the Winter Olympics in February 2026.

Support for granting citizenship to the athlete was expressed by the Latvian Olympic Committee which noted that Fedir Kulish is a talented athlete who has demonstrated excellent results and rapid progress. In addition to his athletic achievements, the Latvian Skating Association also highlighted the fact that Fedir Kulish is integrating into local society, learning Latvian, exploring Latvian culture, traditions and way of life, and in training, at competitions and in daily interaction he consistently demonstrates respect for the state of Latvia, its people and values.

Saeima Press Service