Roundtable in Truskavets
On May 22-23, 2026, a high-level roundtable convened in Truskavets to tackle pressing issues in criminal procedural law, shaped by recent rulings from Ukraine's Constitutional Court. Organized under the Council of Europe's project 'Further Support for Constitutional Justice Reforms in Ukraine,' the event was a joint effort between the Constitutional Court of Ukraine (CCU) and the Supreme Court. Participants examined the CCU's legal positions, challenges in applying the law, and potential strategies to address them.
The roundtable brought together a diverse group of attendees, including:
- Acting CCU President Oleksandr Petryshyn
- CCU Justices Viktor Horodovenko, Oksana Hryshchuk, Viktor Kychun, Vasyl Lemak, Alla Oliinyk, Serhii Riznyk, and Halyna Yurovska
- Justices from the Supreme Court
- Heads of appellate courts
- International experts
The event was moderated by CCU Justice Oksana Hryshchuk and Nataliia Antoniuk, Deputy Head of the Criminal Cassation Court within the Supreme Court. The roundtable's agenda spanned four working sessions, each dedicated to key aspects of criminal justice.
CCU Justice Viktor Horodovenko delivered a presentation titled 'Constitutionalization of Criminal Justice,' while Justice Vasyl Lemak spoke on 'The Constitution of Ukraine and Criminal Justice.' Acting CCU President Oleksandr Petryshyn highlighted issues surrounding access to criminal justice. Justice Halyna Yurovska referenced the CCU's ruling of April 1, 2026 (No. 3-r(II)/2026), which drew on European Court of Human Rights case law, as well as the CCU's September 16, 2021 ruling (No. 6-r(II)/2021) on reviewing sentences for individuals sentenced to life imprisonment—a decision where the CCU cited the Court of Justice of the European Union.
The Imperative of Constitutional Thinking
Roundtable participants stressed the critical role of constitutional reasoning in judicial practice. As Justice Vasyl Lemak put it:
'Thinking constitutionally is a duty for every judge in Ukraine—from local courts to the Supreme Court.' - Vasyl Lemak
This gathering served as a platform for exchanging ideas and crafting recommendations to enhance Ukraine's criminal procedural legislation. The event was reported by the CCU's communications and legal monitoring department.
The Truskavets roundtable underscores Ukraine's ongoing efforts to reform its criminal justice system, a vital step toward safeguarding human rights and aligning with European standards. By tackling current challenges and practical legal issues, judges and experts are collaborating to refine the legal framework, which could ultimately boost public confidence in the judiciary. Such initiatives not only foster knowledge-sharing but also help forge a unified approach to applying criminal law across Ukraine.
As discussions on criminal justice reform intensify, the recent decision by the Grand Chamber to extend the review of constitutional petitions filed by the Ombudsman and lawmakers highlights the ongoing evolution of legal frameworks in Ukraine. This development not only underscores the importance of judicial oversight but also complements the themes addressed during the roundtable in Truskavets. For further insights into these pivotal legal changes, see how the Grand Chamber's latest ruling impacts constitutional law.