Ukrainian parliament expresses concern over combating antisemitism

Zelensky and Rabbis in the Office of the President. Photo: OP website

On 17 November 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers submitted draft law No. 12490 to the Verkhovna Rada, proposing amendments to the Law “On Preventing and Combating Antisemitism in Ukraine.” The document was signed by First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko.

The bill provides for the creation of an institution of a special coordinator for issues related to countering antisemitism. The Cabinet of Ministers will be required to designate the central executive authority that will assume these functions.

According to the document, this authority will receive the following powers:
– coordination of other government bodies in combating antisemitism;
– monitoring compliance with antisemitism-related legislation;
– developing proposals for improving laws on countering antisemitism;
– international cooperation on this issue;
– interaction with public organizations;
– conducting research and information activities;
– commemorating Holocaust victims.

If the law is adopted, the Cabinet must appoint the special coordinator within three months and bring the relevant regulatory acts into compliance with the new legislation.

It's noteworthy that the basic law “On Preventing and Combating Antisemitism in Ukraine” was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on 22 September 2021 and signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in October 2021. The law provides for civil, administrative and criminal liability for manifestations of antisemitism.

Recall that in 2022, the Verkhovna Rada introduced criminal penalties specifically for acts of antisemitism.

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