In Ukraine, they want to replace kopecks with shags and change the rules of operation of museums and religious organizations: the bill is ready for a vote

Ukraine is preparing large-scale changes in the field of culture and cultural heritage. They will concern the protection of museum values ​​during wartime, the activities of religious organizations, the book market, and even the name of the Ukrainian currency. The relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada recommended adopting the relevant draft law in its entirety.

This is draft law No. 14391, which provides for a comprehensive update of state administration procedures in the field of culture and cultural heritage.

Kopiyka may be renamed shagy

One of the most noticeable changes for Ukrainians may be the change in the name of the currency.

The draft law provides for the use of the historical Ukrainian name “shag” instead of “kopeyka”.

The initiative is part of the policy of decolonization and restoration of Ukrainian historical traditions.

At the same time, this is precisely a legislative proposal. The final decision on the relevant changes has yet to be made by the parliament.

Museum values ​​will receive additional protection

A significant part of the bill is devoted to the preservation of cultural heritage in conditions of full-scale war.

The document provides for improving the procedures for protecting museum exhibits and other cultural values ​​during hostilities and emergencies.

Special attention is paid to the preservation of cultural and archaeological heritage during the movement of values.

In addition, legislative changes should contribute to the uninterrupted operation of cultural institutions in front-line regions.

What will change for religious organizations

The bill No. 14391 also concerns the activities of religious organizations.

In particular, it is proposed to improve the procedures for their termination and regulate the issue of property disposal.

At the same time, the detailed procedure for applying the relevant norms will be determined by the final version of the law.

Book market and assistance at the birth of a child

Another direction of changes is the development of Ukrainian book publishing and the popularization of reading.

The document provides for measures to increase the transparency of the book market.

In addition, the bill proposes to cancel the postponement of the entry into force of the norms on state aid for the purchase of books upon the birth of a child.

This may bring closer the practical implementation of the relevant support for families.

However, the specific conditions and terms of implementation will depend on the finally adopted legislation.

Renaming of courts and restrictions on changing names

The bill also provides for bringing the names of individual courts into line with the districts renamed within the framework of decolonization.

In addition, it is proposed to increase the period during which it is not allowed to change the name of a legal entity or an object named after a prominent person.

Such changes should ensure the consistency of the state policy of national memory.

When the changes will come into force

On August 19, 2026, the Verkhovna Rada adopted draft law No. 14391 as a basis.

Now the Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy has recommended that the parliament support the document as a whole.

Important: the bill has not yet become law. In order to enter into force, the proposed changes must pass a final vote and the procedures provided for by law.

Thus, the issues of replacing kopecks with shags, updating the rules for the protection of cultural heritage and the activities of religious organizations are currently under consideration by the Verkhovna Rada.