Belarusian star Yevgeny Smorigin officially becomes a Ukrainian citizen after 15 years
Belarusian actor and TV presenter Yevgeny Smorigin has officially become a Ukrainian citizen. The announcement came after he passed a language exam and lived in the country for over 15 years. He shared the news in a video posted on his Facebook page.
Smorigin first arrived in Ukraine in 2015, shifting his career from state-subsidised experimental theatre in Minsk to more commercial performances. He began collaborating with Ukrainian ensembles and teaching at academies in Kyiv. His work also expanded to exhibitions in Lviv, marking a change from his earlier focus in Belarus.
Before moving, he had been a well-known figure in Belarusian entertainment. He took part in the comedy show KVN and hosted programmes on state television, earning a national prize in 2009. His career in Russia included acting in feature films and presenting shows on major TV channels.
Since settling in Ukraine, Smorigin has worked with Dizel Studio, a creative group based in the country. He is married to a Ukrainian citizen, and together they have three children. The language exam was his final step before receiving citizenship.
With his new passport, Smorigin joins a growing number of foreign artists who have made Ukraine their permanent home. His transition from Belarusian state media to Ukrainian cultural projects reflects broader changes in his professional and personal life. The actor has not announced any immediate career shifts following the citizenship approval.
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