Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a new law criminalizing antisemitic acts, making them punishable by up to eight years in prison. Jewish leaders hailed the move as a significant step beyond declarations and into real criminal enforcement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a new law introducing criminal liability for antisemitic acts, marking a major step in the country’s fight against antisemitism. The law, numbered 2037, amends Article 161 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code and establishes a graduated scale of penalties for antisemitic offenses.

Under the new law, incitement to hatred, public displays of antisemitism, discrimination, or the humiliation of a person’s honor and dignity can result in fines, restriction of liberty for up to five years, or imprisonment for up to three years. Offenders may also be barred from holding certain public positions or engaging in certain professional activities.

In cases involving violence, threats, or deception, the penalty rises to up to five years in prison. If the offense causes physical harm or is carried out by an organized group, the sentence can reach as high as eight years.

The law was signed on Holocaust Remembrance Day and gives practical force to earlier legislation adopted by Ukraine’s parliament in 2021 and 2022 under the title “On Preventing and Combating Antisemitism in Ukraine.” Those laws defined antisemitism and established legal responsibility, but stopped short of introducing criminal punishment.

Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Azman called the signing “an important and timely step,” saying Ukraine was sending a clear message that hatred, discrimination, and incitement to violence have no place in Ukrainian society.

A representative of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine also welcomed the move. “The new law is very important, as it draws clear lines for society,” the representative said. “Prejudices cannot be eliminated by law alone, but laws shape public expectations, create clear boundaries, and remove antisemitism from the public arena.”

Community representatives expressed hope that the new legislation would further curb antisemitism and strengthen the safety of Jewish life in Ukraine. They also thanked President Zelensky for what they called “a courageous step.”

The United Jewish Community of Ukraine expressed gratitude to Maksym Buzhansky, the author of the draft laws, for his work in advancing the legislation.