Zelensky signs law introducing criminal liability for antisemitism
Jewish kippah. Photo: www.dw.com
On April 14, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law introducing criminal penalties for antisemitism. The document amends Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and establishes clear sanctions for such offenses.
The new provisions envisage fines ranging from 200 to 500 non-taxable minimum incomes or restriction of liberty for up to five years. Courts may also impose prison sentences of up to three years, along with a ban on holding certain positions.
In cases where antisemitic acts are accompanied by violence, deception, or threats, or are committed by an official, the penalties are tougher. Such offenses carry fines of 500 to 1,000 non-taxable minimums or imprisonment for a term of two to five years.
The maximum penalty – five to eight years in prison – applies to crimes committed by an organized group or those that result in serious consequences.
“The draft law was developed to bring the provisions of the Criminal Code of Ukraine into line with the law ‘On Preventing and Combating Antisemitism in Ukraine,’” the explanatory note states.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the authorities are creating a new body to combat antisemitism, a move opposed by Jewish groups.
Read also
Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom
The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.
Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million
Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.
DESS official says state should not govern the Church
A DESS official called for cooperation between the state and the Church for the benefit of citizens.
Poltava court upholds mobilization of Protestant pastor
A court in the Poltava region ruled that a prior criminal conviction and religious beliefs do not exempt a person from military service.
Ostapenko: Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra would not exist without Soviet-era reserve
The reserve director spoke about the Soviet museum’s role in saving the monastery, while stressing the need to rethink its history.
Metropolitan Anthony criticizes DESS order on Boryspil Eparchy
The UOC chancellor rejected officials’ findings, pointing to procedural violations in the DESS review.