Main
News
Society
Zelenskyy has signed a law introducing criminal liability for anti-Semitism

Zelenskyy has signed a law introducing criminal liability for anti-Semitism

Katerina Melnychenko Deputy Editor-in-Chief

14 April 2026, 16:15

Zelenskyy has signed a law introducing criminal liability for anti-Semitism — The Law ‘On the Prevention and Combating of Anti-Semitism in Ukraine’

On 14 April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Law No. 2037-IX, which introduces criminal liability for acts of anti-Semitism through amendments to Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The Verkhovna Rada had adopted Bill No. 5110 as early as 15 February 2022.

This refers to Bill No. 5110 “On Amendments to Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine to implement the provisions of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Preventing and Combating Anti-Semitism in Ukraine’”. The parliamentary record states that it became Law No. 2037-IX of 15 February 2022, whilst information from SUD.UA indicates that the President signed it on 14 April 2026.

The document provides for criminal liability for acts of anti-Semitism in the form of a fine ranging from 200 to 500 non-taxable minimum incomes, or restriction of liberty for a term of up to five years, or imprisonment for a term of up to three years, with or without the possible deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for a term of up to three years.

The same acts, if accompanied by violence, deception or threats, or committed by a public official, shall be punishable by a fine of between 500 and 1,000 non-taxable minimum incomes or imprisonment for a term of between two and five years, and may also be accompanied by a ban on holding certain positions or engaging in certain activities for a period of up to three years, or without such a ban.

If such acts are committed by an organised group or result in serious consequences, the punishment shall be imprisonment for a term of five to eight years.

Earlier, in October 2021, the President had already signed a separate law No. 1770-IX “On the Prevention and Countering of Anti-Semitism in Ukraine”, which defined the very concept of anti-Semitism and its main manifestations. The new law brings the Criminal Code into line with these provisions.

As reported by ThePublic, the US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University, accusing the institution of violating the civil rights of Jewish students. The government claims that the university failed to provide them with adequate protection during protests following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent war in Gaza.

Society

UEFA has extended Russia’s football ban

Russian clubs have been barred from European football competitions for the 2026/27 season. In Russia, it is already acknowledged that the restrictions may remain in place until the end of the war against Ukraine