Kyiv authorities announce transport restrictions over gay pride parade

Gay parade in Kyiv in 2025. Photo: Radio Liberty

In connection with the gay pride parade scheduled for June 21, the capital’s administration has officially warned Kyiv residents of possible changes to public transport operations and security measures.

The Kyiv City State Administration stated that support for such events is “evidence of society’s democratic maturity” and a defense of the values for which Ukraine is fighting today. At the same time, officials stressed that, under martial law, the safety of participants in the LGBT event remains an “unconditional priority” for them.

According to the plan, several public events will take place in the city center over the coming weekend. Alongside KyivPride, Kyiv will also host an event “in defense of family, children, and Ukraine,” whose organizers likewise notified city authorities in advance. However, the authorities’ statement places its main emphasis on assisting LGBT activists.

The Kyiv City State Administration explained that significant police forces, medics, and municipal workers will be deployed to maintain public order during the gay pride parade. Residents and visitors to the capital were urged to remain calm and show “mutual respect,” guided by the standards of a modern European city.

While martial law in the capital does not prevent the coordination of marches by LGBT activists, believers’ participation in traditional prayer processions results in administrative penalties.

Recently, in Chernivtsi region, police fined the organizer of a multi-kilometer cross procession to the monastery of St. John of Suceava in Krasnoilsk. Law enforcement officers accused the pilgrims of violating the procedure for organizing rallies, even though the participants were praying for peace on Ukrainian soil and God’s blessing for the defenders of the Homeland.

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