The Verkhovna Rada supported the decriminalization of the production and distribution of pornography

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has taken a significant step toward changing legislation regarding adult content by passing Bill No. 15294—which provides for the decriminalization of pornography—in its first reading. The decision was supported by 231 members of parliament, according toEkonomicheskaya Pravda.

The essence of the adopted initiative is to abolish criminal liability for the creation and distribution of adult content intended for an adult audience. Thus, the distribution of such materials to adult viewers will no longer be classified as a crime.

The authors of the bill justify the need for these amendments by citing a desire to eliminate corruption risks. In their view, the current legal framework created conditions under which law enforcement agencies could “protect” businesses in exchange for bribes. It is important to note, however, that the bill does not call for complete, unrestricted legalization: on the contrary, the new version of the bill significantly tightens penalties for the production and distribution of pornography involving minors, as well as for any coercion to create such content.

It is worth noting that in May 2026, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine failed to pass a bill aimed at decriminalizing pornography. Although the initiative did not receive the necessary number of votes, supporters of the reform stated that they would push the law through by any means necessary.