Dim Amor

In a precedent-setting ruling of historic significance, the Desnianskyi District Court of Kyiv has for the first time recognized the existence of de facto marital relations between partners from the LGBT community in Ukraine. This unique decision grants legal recognition to the relationship between Zoryan Kis, First Secretary of Ukraine's Embassy in Israel, and his partner, social activist Tymur Levchuk.

The case began to develop in June 2024, when diplomat Zoryan Kis was appointed First Secretary of Ukraine's Embassy in Israel. The appointment to a position requiring a long-term posting abroad prompted Kis to request that Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs include his partner Tymur Levchuk as his official companion. However, the MFA denied his request, citing that national legislation recognizes marriage exclusively as a union between a man and a woman.

Following the refusal, Kis petitioned the court to recognize the existence of de facto marital relations between him and Tymur – that is, cohabitation as a family without formal registration. The petition was filed with the Desnianskyi District Court in September 2024, but at that time the court refused to consider it. The legal proceedings reached the Supreme Court, which instructed the court of first instance to commence proceedings.

The Desnianskyi District Court responded to the directive on May 7, 2025, and on June 10 issued a ruling establishing the very fact of cohabitation as a family – that is, de facto marital relations between two men. This is the first instance of a Ukrainian court officially recognizing same-sex relations.

Central evidence of the relationship was the fact that Zoryan and Tymur have been living together since 2013. Additionally, in 2017 they held a symbolic wedding ceremony in Ukraine, and in 2021 they officially married in the United States. In its ruling, the court relied on Ukraine's Constitution as well as decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, particularly rulings against Ukraine.

According to the organization "Insight", this ruling creates an important precedent in the legal recognition of same-sex couples in Ukraine. In the absence of legislative regulation of such institutions as registered partnership or marriage, judicial recognition of the existence of family relations is currently the only legal instrument for protecting the rights of such couples.

The partners admitted that the court's decision surprised them. "To be honest, we didn't expect the judge to recognize the existence of de facto marital relations between us", Zoryan Kis told local media. According to him, an additional surprise was the wording of the decision, in which the court described their relationship as one that "is based on shared household, shared budget, feelings of mutual respect and love for each other".

"From now on, no one can doubt the sincerity of our feelings – we truly love each other", Zoryan emphasized. He noted that the ruling is set to take effect on July 10, so they are not yet rushing to draw conclusions about its impact on their married life. At the same time, Kis believes that the MFA will soon face strong pressure from conservative circles.

"For us, this is a big step forward in our struggle for the right to be who we are. We are confident that this decision will become hope and support for thousands of other same-sex couples in Ukraine, especially for those where both partners – or one of them – are fighting for Ukraine's right to be itself", said the partner.

However, despite this unprecedented ruling having historic significance in Ukraine's legal system, it is not a substitute for the necessary legislation to regulate civil partnerships. Zoryan noted that the organization they helped establish, "Anchor Point", has prepared an appropriate bill (No. 9103) together with members of parliament, but currently there is "no political will" to pass it.

The court ruling is a significant step in recognizing LGBT community rights in Ukraine, a country waging a defensive war against Russia. This decision may affect hundreds of other same-sex couples in the country who seek legal recognition of their marital and family status. The first instance of recognition of same-sex relations by a Ukrainian court marks a potential change in the country's legal and social landscape, even if the path to comprehensive legislation remains long.

Use of images in accordance with Article 27a of the Copyright Law – images taken from Zoryan Kis's official Facebook page