The Supreme Court of Ukraine has upheld a lower court ruling recognizing a same-sex couple as a de facto family, marking a significant step for LGBTI rights in the country. Veronika Velch, Director of Amnesty International Ukraine, emphasized that the decision reaffirms the right of same-sex couples to be recognized as a family and prevents third-party organizations from using courts to interfere in private lives or impose discriminatory views under claims of “public morality.”
Although the ruling does not establish legal recognition of same-sex partnerships in Ukraine, it acknowledges the reality of the couple’s family relationship and strengthens the protection of LGBTI people’s rights. Velch highlighted that the courts have a responsibility to safeguard individuals’ rights to private and family life, ensuring these rights cannot be undermined by actors seeking to discriminate.
The case originated when a Ukrainian diplomat posted to Israel sought to travel with his partner as a family member in June 2024. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied permission, citing Ukrainian legislation defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The couple subsequently brought the matter to court, and in June 2025, the Desnianskyi District Court of Kyiv formally recognized that the two men live together as one family.
Following this, the civic movement “Vsі Razom!” filed a cassation appeal with the Supreme Court attempting to overturn the decision. The Supreme Court rejected the appeal, ruling that organizations not party to the case and whose rights or obligations were not directly affected do not have standing to challenge it. This ensures the lower court’s recognition of the couple remains in effect, setting an important precedent for LGBTI rights in Ukraine.
