- July 5, 2025
- 1:55 pm
- Israel
Ukrainian diplomat in Israel and his same-sex partner have for the first time received official recognition of their relationship in a Ukrainian court. This marks an important step in advancing human rights and equality in Ukraine.
Ukrainian diplomat in Israel and his partner were first recognized in Ukraine — the court set a historic precedent of a de facto same-sex marriage.
On June 10, 2025, the Desnianskyi District Court of Kyiv issued a ruling, recognizing for the first time in the country’s history the fact of a de facto same-sex marriage between — namely, between the First Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in Israel — Zoryan Kis and his partner Timur Levchuk.
This decision is a significant breakthrough in legal protection for the LGBT community amid the absence of formal recognition of same-sex marriages in Ukrainian legislation.
Zoryan Kis shared this information on July 3, 2025.
Zoryan Kis — Ukrainian diplomat in Israel: brief biography and motivation
Zoryan Kis has served as the First Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in Israel since June 2024. The embassy is a key bridge for strengthening mutual understanding between the Ukrainian and Israeli peoples.
On December 1, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine highlighted Zoryan in the #FacesOfMFA series showcasing diplomats and their motivation.
Under the leadership of Ambassador Yevhen Korniychuk, Kis focuses on cultural diplomacy, engagement with the Ukrainian diaspora, and public initiatives.
“I was 40 years old when I decided to work for my country. After many years in human rights activism, I said to myself: ‘Just do it!’”
He left a successful human rights career to serve Ukraine, motivated by the challenges and his team at the embassy.
Zoryan actively supports the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Tel Aviv — a platform for interaction with Israelis and Ukrainians.
“When I started my assignment, I was amazed at how much had already been done: the center was open, many initiatives underway, and our community strong and motivated. This drives me to work for results,” says the diplomat.
Case history: MFA refusal and fight for family recognition
Zoryan Kis and his partner Timur Levchuk have lived together since 2013. In 2017, they held a civil ceremony in Ukraine, and in 2021 officially registered their marriage in the USA. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine refused to recognize Timur as a family member, since Ukrainian law does not officially recognize same-sex marriages.
Due to this refusal, the couple went to court, which began considering the case in September 2024.
Court recognized de facto same-sex marriage: what it means
On June 10, 2025, the Desnianskyi District Court of Kyiv recognized the existence of de facto marital relations between Zoryan Kis and Timur Levchuk.
The court relied on evidence of:
- Co-habitation since 2013
- Joint budgeting
- Joint property acquisition
- Long-term, stable relationship
- Mutual support and care
According to Article 21 of the Family Code of Ukraine, if two people live together and manage a common household, such relations can be recognized as de facto marriage despite the absence of a formal marriage.
Legal and international context
The court decision is based on the Constitution of Ukraine and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), which emphasizes the need to protect family life, including same-sex couples.
Although the court recognized de facto marital relations, Ukraine still lacks legislation legalizing same-sex marriages or civil partnerships. Draft law No. 9103 awaits political support.
Quote from Zoryan Kis on the court decision:
“A very big and important step towards marriage equality in Ukraine and a small victory in our fight for ‘simple family happiness’ of a Ukrainian diplomat.
Now we have a court decision that confirms our feelings with Timur Levchuk for each other. Sincere gratitude to the judge who considered our case.
We sincerely thank Insight LGBTQ NGO, Olena Shevchenko, and especially our lawyer Oksana Guz,” emphasized Zoryan Kis.
Why MFA refusal created serious difficulties for Zoryan and Timur’s family?
For Zoryan Kis and Timur Levchuk’s family, the MFA refusal to recognize Timur as a family member led to:
- Loss of the right to accompany the diplomat in Israel. Without official recognition, Timur could not obtain a visa and diplomatic privileges necessary for living and working alongside Zoryan during his service.
- Legal vulnerability. Timur did not have access to social guarantees and medical care usually provided to diplomat family members.
- Problems with legal status of residence and employment in Israel. Lack of official status complicated everyday life and created obstacles for the couple’s cohabitation.
Thus, the MFA refusal limited not only rights but also the quality of family life, creating additional pressure and difficulties that were overcome only through court recognition of the de facto marriage.
LGBT rights in Israel and why Ukraine should follow this path
By the way:
The situation with LGBT rights varies significantly across the Middle East.
In Lebanon and Jordan, same-sex relations are not criminalized but lack official recognition and equal rights. Lebanon has several human rights organizations, but social pressure and conservative views remain strong. Jordan is similar, with an early-stage LGBT movement.
Turkey, often considered part of the Middle East, has legalized same-sex relations and has an active LGBT community, especially in cities, but in recent years authorities have increased restrictions.
In Egypt, same-sex relations are officially banned, and authorities actively persecute the LGBT community using “public morality” laws. Public opinion is generally very conservative.
In the Palestinian Territories, same-sex relations are banned, and society is highly conservative, forcing the LGBT community to act covertly.
In Gulf countries — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain — homosexuality is strictly prohibited, punishable by severe penalties, and public opinion is extremely conservative.
Thus, Israel remains a unique exception in the region, demonstrating a high level of protection and recognition of LGBT rights, making it an important example for neighboring countries.
Israel is one of the few countries in the region with advanced protection of LGBT rights. Discrimination is banned, same-sex unions are allowed, and equal access to services is ensured.
Ukraine should take into account Israel’s experience because:
- Protection of all citizens’ rights is a sign of a mature society
- Tolerance strengthens peace and social stability
- Israel proves it is possible to combine traditions with LGBT rights
- Ukraine, aspiring to join the EU, is obliged to develop minority rights
Additional reasons to pay attention to Israel’s experience
- Active pride events and public support
- Developed network of legal and social assistance
- Active participation of LGBT in politics and culture
- Improved international image through human rights
Table: LGBT rights in Israel and Ukraine
| Rights and services | Israel | Ukraine |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibition of discrimination by orientation | Yes | Partial, at the legal level |
| Same-sex marriages / unions | Civil unions recognized | Not recognized |
| Protection in labor and housing | Full | Limited |
| Access to medical and social services | Equal | Not always guaranteed |
| Public acceptance | High level of tolerance | Low to moderate level |
Key dates and case stages
| Stage | Date | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Start of cohabitation | 2013 | Couple lived together |
| Civil ceremony | 2017 | Symbolic confirmation of relationship |
| Marriage registration in the USA | 2021 | Official marriage |
| Kis appointed in Israel | June 2024 | Start of diplomatic service |
| MFA refusal | 2024 | Refusal to recognize family member |
| Start of court hearing | September 2024 | Case consideration |
| Court decision | June 10, 2025 | Recognition of de facto marital relations |
Conclusions from NAnews — News of Israel
This court decision is not just a legal precedent. It symbolizes the beginning of a new era in the legal recognition and protection of LGBT rights in Ukraine. Despite the absence of comprehensive legislation on same-sex marriages, the court’s step shows that justice can achieve fairness and equality.
For Ukrainian diplomat Zoryan Kis and his partner Timur Levchuk, this is not only a personal victory but also a societal one, giving hope to thousands of couples in similar situations.
The experience of Israel, where LGBT rights have long been integrated and protected, is an important guide and example for Ukraine. It is not only a matter of equality but also a sign of a mature democratic society striving for international human rights standards.
NAnews — News of Israel will closely monitor the development of this topic and further legislative changes in Ukraine, as well as the activity of the Ukrainian diaspora in Israel.
