The Rada proposes to introduce criminal liability for Ukrainophobia

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has registered draft law No. 15186, which provides for the introduction of criminal liability for manifestations of Ukrainophobia. The document was initiated by MP Mykola Knyazhytsky.

The legislative initiative is aimed at strengthening the information security of the state in the context of the ongoing aggression of the Russian Federation. The author emphasizes that the current norms on countering xenophobia do not take into account the specifics of Ukrainophobia as a tool of hybrid warfare, which is used to undermine national identity and split society.

The document proposes to recognize as criminal offenses intentional actions aimed at inciting hostility towards Ukrainians, humiliating national dignity, as well as publicly denying Ukraine’s right to statehood. In particular, calls to deny Ukraine’s subjectivity, justifying the assimilation of the Ukrainian people, discrediting the language and culture, as well as denying the legitimacy of the struggle for independence may fall under liability.

It is expected that the adoption of the law will allow law enforcement agencies to respond more effectively to information attacks within the country without additional burden on the state budget. The initiative is also seen as a logical continuation of existing norms, in particular regarding liability for anti-Semitism.

The draft law was a response to a public request to strengthen the protection of national dignity in conditions of war and information confrontation.