Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine, Yuriy Dzhigir, held temporary protection status in Italy and the United Kingdom

This information stems from Dzhigir’s declaration, filed just before his appointment, revealing that his companion, Natalia Lyubinetska, also had refugee status. She obtained a Ukrainian passport through the Italian consulate based on her refugee identification.

Although the specific dates when Dzhigir and his companion acquired refugee status are undisclosed, it aligns with Europe’s granting of temporary protection to Ukrainians after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Hence, it’s highly likely that following the conflict’s outset, the prospective Deputy Minister obtained refugee status in the EU and the UK, implying his residence there.

Dzhigir, now 48, departed from Ukraine under unknown circumstances. However, considering his recent appointment, he has evidently returned to the country.