Political Party 'Rus' Banned by Court Order
The Eighth Administrative Court of Appeals has outlawed the political party 'Rus' and ordered its property, funds, and other assets to be seized by the state. This decision stems from anti-Ukrainian activities by the party’s leadership, particularly its head, Denys Shevchuk—also known as Rulav Odd—who is under suspicion of high treason. In Ukraine, courts have now banned 21 political parties perceived as threats to national security amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
In May, Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice filed a lawsuit citing a letter from the Security Service’s Department for the Protection of National Statehood. The lawsuit argued that the 'Rus' party promotes anti-Ukrainian, specifically pro-Russian, ideas that pose a genuine risk to national security, the constitutional order, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The court’s ruling confirmed that the party aids occupiers in realizing their objectives and exhibits a distinctly Ukrainophobic tone in its rhetoric, as documented in case materials.
Rulav Odd’s Connections and Activities
Rulav Odd, whose real name is Denys Shevchuk, is the brother of Stanislav Shevchuk, who served as head of Ukraine’s Constitutional Court from 2018 to 2019. According to information gathered by the Ministry of Justice, Shevchuk-Odd has led the 'Rus-Ukrainian Union' party—later renamed 'Rus'—since 2009. Over this period, he collaborated with Russian representatives, aiding subversive activities against Ukraine. During Russia’s full-scale invasion, the party leader described the Russian army’s actions as a 'liberation mission' aimed at assisting a brotherly people and freeing Ukraine from external occupation.
Rulav Odd has also identified himself as a citizen of the former Ukraine and called for unity around the Russian army. He envisions the future governance of occupied territories as the 'Republic of Ruthenia,' an autonomous entity within Russia. The 'Rus' party opposes Ukraine’s membership in NATO and the European Union, instead advocating for a union with Russia.
In Ukraine, courts have banned 21 political parties, including:
- 'Derzhava'
- Communist Party of Ukraine
- 'Nashi'
- 'Opposition Bloc'
- 'Rus United'
- 'Left Opposition'
- 'Progressive Socialist Party of Ukraine'
- 'Shariy Party'
- 'Opposition Platform — For Life'
- 'Socialist Party of Ukraine'
- 'Socialists'
- 'Happy Ukraine'
- 'Party of Regions'
- 'Workers’ Party of Ukraine (Marxist-Leninist)'
- 'Bloc of Volodymyr Saldo'
- 'Union of Left Forces'
- 'Justice and Development'
- 'Great Ukraine'
- 'Social-Patriotic Assembly of Slavs'
- 'Slavic Party'
- 'Slava'
The ban on the 'Rus' party is part of Ukrainian authorities’ broader efforts to safeguard national security amid ongoing Russian aggression. This court decision illustrates how state bodies respond to threats linked to pro-Russian activities within Ukraine. It is worth noting that outlawing political parties deemed anti-Ukrainian has become a common practice in the country, reflecting a commitment to protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.