3509 visitors online
The Verkhovna Rada has played a pivotal role in Ukraine's political landscape, with recent events highlighting its influence. President Zelenskyy addressed the supposed crisis, emphasizing government challenges rather than parliamentary collapse. The EU positively assessed Ukraine's legislative efforts towards European integration, particularly the 'industrial visa-free regime' law. Concerns about local government reform were alleviated as the Rada backed Bill No. 14412, crucial for securing €400 million from the EU. Despite 41 MPs under investigation, parliamentary activities continue. Prime Minister Svyrydenko and prominent officials focus on urgent reforms, heavily influenced by anti-corruption agendas and IMF agreements.

What is the role of the Verkhovna Rada in Ukraine's government?

The Verkhovna Rada is Ukraine's unicameral parliament, playing a central role in legislative processes, government oversight, and shaping domestic and foreign policies. Recent sessions have focused on European integration laws, local government reform, and military legislation, reinforcing Ukraine's governance framework amid international collaborations and anti-corruption initiatives.

How is the EU involved in Ukraine's legislative process?

The EU closely monitors Ukraine's legislative actions, with a particular interest in laws promoting European integration and alignment with EU standards. The Verkhovna Rada's recent adoption of important laws for EU integration underscores this partnership. Continued legislative progress is vital for accessing EU financial support and achieving broader international strategic goals.

Who are the key political figures influencing the Verkhovna Rada?

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko are significant influencers in the Rada, advocating for reforms and navigating political challenges. Other notable figures like Petro Poroshenko, a leader of the opposition European Solidarity, also actively shape legislative debates. The dynamic between these leaders impacts Ukraine's legislative direction and political climate.

What challenges is the Verkhovna Rada currently facing?

The Verkhovna Rada is encountering obstacles including internal political discord, legislative delays, and maintaining EU and IMF financial commitments. Investigations involving at least 41 MPs add to operational pressures. However, recent reforms in local governance and military conduct laws demonstrate the Rada's resilience in addressing these challenges effectively.

What impact does the Verkhovna Rada have on Ukraine's international relations?

The Verkhovna Rada significantly affects Ukraine's international relations by passing laws that align with global partners' standards, especially the EU. Successful legislative efforts bolster Ukraine's image as a committed partner in European integration, essential for future cooperation and stability. The Rada's actions continue to uphold Ukraine's international commitments amid ongoing reforms.

show details

News VR

Rally outside Rada: protesters demand simplified citizenship acquisition procedure for Donbas war veterans. VIDEO&PHOTOS Rally outside Rada: protesters demand simplified citizenship acquisition procedure for Donbas war veterans. VIDEO&PHOTOS Protesters gathered outside the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine calling on the parliament to consider a draft law simplifying the procedure for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship by foreigners who volunteered to fight in Donbas war waged by Russia. 2 956 56 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Parliament backs Parliament backs 'Glory to Ukraine' greeting in first reading The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted in the first reading the bill "On amendments to the Charters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine" (No. 9036) providing for replacement of the current military greeting. 10 532 105 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

"Say NO to elections under Yanukovych law," - protesters demand electoral reform implementation outside Rada. VIDEO&PHOTOS "Say NO to elections under Yanukovych law," - protesters demand electoral reform implementation outside Rada. VIDEO&PHOTOS Activists are holding a rally on a square outside the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine urging the MPs to implement the law on electoral reform. 9 347 116 Kyiv News

Poroshenko urges lawmakers to support bill introducing Poroshenko urges lawmakers to support bill introducing 'Glory to Ukraine!' greeting in Armed Forces Holding a meeting with the leaders of the parliamentary factions and groups President Petro Poroshenko called the MPs to support the bill on amendments to the Charter of the Armed Forces of Ukraine regarding the introduction of the "Glory to Ukraine!" greeting. 6 373 178 Society

Speaker Parubii closes parliament session until early September Speaker Parubii closes parliament session until early September On July 13, the last meeting of the current 8th session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine was closed by Speaker Andrii Parubii. 25 738 68 Ukrainian Politics

Rada makes major step towards settling issue of foreign-registered cars Rada makes major step towards settling issue of foreign-registered cars The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed in the first reading a bill designed to reduce the excise taxes on cars imported by Ukrainians. 58 383 286 Ukrainian Politics

Petro Poroshenko parliamentary faction ready to withdraw one of its candidates to CEC, faction leader says Petro Poroshenko parliamentary faction ready to withdraw one of its candidates to CEC, faction leader says Petro Poroshenko Bloc (PPB) parliamentary faction is ready to withdraw one of its candidates to the Central Elections Commission (CEC) inviting Popular Front faction to do likewise. 23 963 70 Ukrainian Politics

Owners of foreign-registered cars continue protesting in downtown Kyiv, block several streets in government quarter. PHOTOS Owners of foreign-registered cars continue protesting in downtown Kyiv, block several streets in government quarter. PHOTOS The owners of cars with foreign registration plates, which were not cleared through customs, have been holding a rally in the government quarter in downtown Kyiv for the second consecutive day. 108 155 415 Kyiv News

Owners of foreign-registered cars block Kyiv’s government quarter: "We demand affordable customs clearance". VIDEO&PHOTOS Owners of foreign-registered cars block Kyiv’s government quarter: "We demand affordable customs clearance". VIDEO&PHOTOS The government quarter in the heart of Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv, is blocked by cars with foreign registration plates while their owners hold rally demanding affordable customs clearance. 187 382 908 Incidents

MP Herasymov: "Our stance remains unchanged: we seek CEC members’ replacement" MP Herasymov: "Our stance remains unchanged: we seek CEC members’ replacement" The position of Petro Poroshenko Bloc (PPB) faction as for further lawmaking and the replacement of incumbent members of the Central Election Commission (CEC) remains unchanged. 26 033 74 Ukrainian Politics

MP Bereziuk accuses Poroshenko Bloc faction of manufacturing crisis in parliament by leaving it until CEC members’ replacement put back on table MP Bereziuk accuses Poroshenko Bloc faction of manufacturing crisis in parliament by leaving it until CEC members’ replacement put back on table The stance taken by Petro Poroshenko Bloc (PPB) faction manufactures parliamentary crisis. 19 675 68 Ukrainian Politics

Rada passes bill on single-window system at customs offices Rada passes bill on single-window system at customs offices Ukrainian parliament adopted the bill introducing the single-window system at the customs office branches. 11 556 37 Ukrainian Politics

Drunken drivers to get 8-10 years in prison for causing fatal road accidents Drunken drivers to get 8-10 years in prison for causing fatal road accidents Members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved in principle the bill No. 7064 on preventing traffic fatalities 58 667 245 Previously in trend: Drunk driving

Bill on of High Anti-Corruption Court creation approved by Ukraine Bill on of High Anti-Corruption Court creation approved by Ukraine's parliament The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the law on the establishment of the High Anti-Corruption Court. 12 300 42 Ukrainian Politics

Rada passes bill on national security Rada passes bill on national security Ukraine's parliament adopted bill No. 8068 on country's national security. 16 745 38 Incidents

Petro Poroshenko Bloc nominates MP Friz for Veterans Affairs Minister Petro Poroshenko Bloc nominates MP Friz for Veterans Affairs Minister Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction (PPB) supported nomination of its member Iryna Friz for the post of the Minister for Veterans Affairs. 26 443 90 Ukrainian Politics

Turmoil outside Ukrainian parliament: Donbas war veterans, miners break through police line. VIDEO&PHOTOS Turmoil outside Ukrainian parliament: Donbas war veterans, miners break through police line. VIDEO&PHOTOS Several hundred members of veterans’ organizations and miners hold a rally on the Constitution Square outside the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine demanding to preserve their social benefits 119 515 476 Kyiv News

Ukraine Ukraine's Poroshenko lays bill on anti-corruption court creation before parliament Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday put before the Verkhovna Rada a draft law "On the establishment of the High Anti-Corruption Court" in accordance with article 93 and part 2 of article 125 of the Constitution of Ukraine. 17 098 61 Ukrainian Politics

"Smuggling is protected by incumbent law enforcers," – PM Hroisman "Smuggling is protected by incumbent law enforcers," – PM Hroisman Cabinet approved amendments to the bill restricting raids on businesses dubbed "maski-shou stop" 21 739 69 Ukrainian Politics

Parliament fires Finance Minister Danyliuk Parliament fires Finance Minister Danyliuk The parliament upheld Oleksandr Danyliuk’s dismissal from the post of the Finance Minister. 32 207 93 Ukrainian Politics

Rada passes bill on anti-corruption court creation: 315 lawmakers supports the law Rada passes bill on anti-corruption court creation: 315 lawmakers supports the law Members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine have adopted in the second reading the presidential bill No. 7440 on the High Anti-Corruption Court at today’s session. 97 435 422 Ukrainian Politics

Rally in support of anti-corruption court bill adoption held outside Rada: "It will revive confidence of millions of Ukrainians in reforms". VIDEO&PHOTOS Rally in support of anti-corruption court bill adoption held outside Rada: "It will revive confidence of millions of Ukrainians in reforms". VIDEO&PHOTOS On Thursday, June 7, activists gathered outside the building of the Ukrainian parliament in support of the adoption of the bill on the anti-corruption court. 33 664 145 Ukrainian Politics

Verkhovna Rada Committee to consider request to prosecute MP Ponomariov over attack on journalists Verkhovna Rada Committee to consider request to prosecute MP Ponomariov over attack on journalists At today’s meeting, the Committee on Rules of Parliamentary Procedure and Support to Work of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is going to consider the request of the Prosecutor General’s Office to the parliament to grant consent to convict MP Oleksandr Ponomariov of a criminal offence. 4 506 6 Previously in trend: Revoking immunity

Ukraine faces risk of default if bill on anti-corruption court not passed, - parliament’s vice-speaker Ukraine faces risk of default if bill on anti-corruption court not passed, - parliament’s vice-speaker Failure to adopt the bill on anti-corruption court will entail the lack of international financial aid to Ukraine which may lead to Ukraine’s default. 59 188 250 Ukrainian Politics

PM Hroisman calls adoption of bill on anti-corruption court this week’s priority PM Hroisman calls adoption of bill on anti-corruption court this week’s priority Adoption of a bill that would allow initiating creation of an independent anti-corruption court should be the parliament's top priority this week. 21 794 75 Ukrainian Politics

Rally outside Rada: protesters demand to adopt new Electoral Code. VIDEO&PHOTOS Rally outside Rada: protesters demand to adopt new Electoral Code. VIDEO&PHOTOS A rally in support of the new elections law is taking place on the square outside the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. 25 513 80 Kyiv News

Rada passes draft law on human donation Rada passes draft law on human donation The draft law on human donation passed by Ukraine's parliament today stipulates that if the deceased did not express consent or disagreement as to posthumous donation during life, the consent to donor organ recovery for transplantation is requested from the spouse or a relative. 44 100 213 Ukrainian Politics

Speaker Parubii: president agrees that early parliamentary elections to destabilize Ukraine Speaker Parubii: president agrees that early parliamentary elections to destabilize Ukraine Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andrii Parubii is convinced that no early parliamentary elections are looming over Ukraine. 27 807 153 Ukrainian Politics

Rada approves appeal to Patriarch Bartholomew on Autocephalous church establishment. VIDEO Rada approves appeal to Patriarch Bartholomew on Autocephalous church establishment. VIDEO The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine upheld the appeal of President Petro Poroshenko to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on granting the Tomos of Autocephaly to the Ukrainian church. 66 756 325 Previously in trend: Creation of local church

Government report hearing in Rada postponed to June 20 Government report hearing in Rada postponed to June 20 The parliamentary committee on economic policy postponed to June 20 consideration of the government report on implementation of the operational program of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in 2017. 5 205 13 Ukrainian Politics

Rada passes bill on national security in first reading Rada passes bill on national security in first reading The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted presidential bill on national security (No. 8068) in the first reading. 10 519 35 Ukrainian Politics

Rada to hear reports by anti-corruption agencies’ heads Kholodnytskyi, Sytnyk today Rada to hear reports by anti-corruption agencies’ heads Kholodnytskyi, Sytnyk today Ukrainian lawmakers intend to hear oral reports by Deputy Prosecutor General - Head of the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) Nazar Kholodnytskyi and Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) Artem Sytnyk on Wednesday at 12.30 p.m. 8 490 27 Previously in trend: Resignation of Kholodnytsky

Ukraine willing to swap 20 convicted Russians for Ukrainian hostages illegally held by Russia, MP Iryna Herashchenko says Ukraine willing to swap 20 convicted Russians for Ukrainian hostages illegally held by Russia, MP Iryna Herashchenko says First Deputy Speaker of the Ukrainian parliament Iryna Herashchenko says the release of Ukrainian hostages illegally held by Russia will be discussed at a meeting of the work group in Minsk, Belarus, on April 4. 14 826 42 Previously in trend: Ukrainian hostages in Russia

Poroshenko urges parliament to relieve anti-corruption activists from filing asset declarations Poroshenko urges parliament to relieve anti-corruption activists from filing asset declarations President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko insists that the Verkhovna Rada must lift the obligation earlier imposed on civil activists to submit electronic asset statements. 28 728 156 Society

All Ukrainian lawmakers combined possess 323 firearms, 156 of them owned by MP Shufrych alone. INFOGRAPHICS All Ukrainian lawmakers combined possess 323 firearms, 156 of them owned by MP Shufrych alone. INFOGRAPHICS According to 2016 annual income and assets statement, Opposition bloc MP Nestor Shufrych owns collection of 156 firearms - the largest one owned by a Ukrainian lawmaker. 42 939 109 Incidents

Savchenko detained inside parliament, served with charge papers, escorted to SBU. VIDEO Savchenko detained inside parliament, served with charge papers, escorted to SBU. VIDEO Law enforcers served MP Nadia Savchenko with charge papers and detained inside the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. 248 664 1 348 Ukrainian Politics

Rada partially abolishes amendments to Criminal Procedure Code concerning investigators’ appeals to courts during pre-trial investigations Rada partially abolishes amendments to Criminal Procedure Code concerning investigators’ appeals to courts during pre-trial investigations The agencies carrying out pre-trial investigations will be able to request courts not necessarily located in the same districts where these bodies are registered to get permission to make precautionary moves, conduct searches, and hold bail hearings. 4 324 12 Ukrainian Politics

Rada committee upholds PGO’s petition to arrest MP Savchenko on terrorism charges Rada committee upholds PGO’s petition to arrest MP Savchenko on terrorism charges The Verkhovna Rada's committee recognized as legitimate, sufficient and justified the requests of the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) for the parliament’s permission to detain, arrest, and bring to criminal responsibility non-affiliated MP Nadia Savchenko. 38 519 176 Incidents

Poroshenko signs into law bill prohibiting bringing firearms to parliament, government Poroshenko signs into law bill prohibiting bringing firearms to parliament, government Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has signed into law a bill banning people with firearms from entering the buildings of the Verkhovna Rada, the Cabinet of Ministers and other government agencies. 25 060 122 Incidents

People’s Front faction head calls Savchenko Kremlin’s agent, pledges faction support in stripping her of immunity People’s Front faction head calls Savchenko Kremlin’s agent, pledges faction support in stripping her of immunity The People’s Front faction is going to uphold stripping non-affiliated MP Nadia Savchenko of parliamentary immunity. 77 096 336 Previously in trend: Revoking immunity

Yakiv Smolii replaces Valeria Hontareva on post of Ukraine Yakiv Smolii replaces Valeria Hontareva on post of Ukraine's chief banker Ukrainian parliament dismissed Head of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Valeria Hontareva and appointed Yakiv Smolii on this post. 13 978 34 Ukrainian Politics

Rada strips MP Bakulin of immunity, authorizes his detention Rada strips MP Bakulin of immunity, authorizes his detention The Ukrainian parliament gave its consent to detain and place Opposition bloc faction MP Yevhen Bakulin in pretrial custody in order to bring him to criminal responsibility. The lawmakers also supported stripping Bakulin of parliamentary immunity. 16 069 51 Previously in trend: Revoking immunity

Rada passes law on anti-corruption court in first reading. VIDEO Rada passes law on anti-corruption court in first reading. VIDEO The Verkhovna Rada has adopted the much talked about law on the anti-corruption court in first reading 26 302 110 Ukrainian Politics

13 law enforcers injured in clashes outside Rada, - spokesperson for Interior Ministry 13 law enforcers injured in clashes outside Rada, - spokesperson for Interior Ministry 13 police officers received injuries in riots near the Verkhovna Rada building. 75 221 357 Incidents

Turmoil outside Ukrainian parliament: two policemen injured, nine protesters detained, - MP Herashchenko. VIDEO+PHOTOS Turmoil outside Ukrainian parliament: two policemen injured, nine protesters detained, - MP Herashchenko. VIDEO+PHOTOS Two law enforcement officers were injured and nine protesters were detained as a result of a clash outside the Verkhovna Rada building this morning. 118 766 527 Incidents

Ukraine’s parliament approves bill setting up Ministry for Veterans Affairs Ukraine’s parliament approves bill setting up Ministry for Veterans Affairs The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Wednesday adopted a resolution (No. 7505) urging the government to establish the Ministry for Veterans Affairs - a central executive body ensuring the formation and implementation of national policy in terms of social protection of war veterans 10 600 31 Ukrainian Politics

Prosecutor general requests Rada’s permission to detain Opposition bloc MP Bakulin Prosecutor general requests Rada’s permission to detain Opposition bloc MP Bakulin Ukraine’s top prosecutor Yurii Lutsenko filed a motion to the parliament to sanction detention of Opposition bloc faction MP Yevhen Bakulin and impose a pre-trial restriction against him. 22 193 77 Ukrainian Politics

Former US Attorney Boersch withdraws her candidacy for post of NABU auditor, MP Yehor Soboliev says Former US Attorney Boersch withdraws her candidacy for post of NABU auditor, MP Yehor Soboliev says Martha Ann Boersch, the former Attorney at Law at the United States Attorney's Office who prosecuted Ukraine’s ex-Prime Minister Pavlo Lazarenko, withdrew her candidacy for the post of the independent auditor of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). 26 457 146 Ukrainian Politics