Lawmakers Fall Ill, Halting Parliament
A session of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada, scheduled for February 12, 2026, was canceled due to a lack of a quorum. This followed reports of a mass illness among deputies. People's Deputy Mykola Tyshchenko stated that numerous lawmakers had been poisoned in the parliament's canteen, causing the session's disruption. The news outlet 'Glavcom' published this information, citing Tyshchenko's social media post.
The director of the Verkhovna Rada canteen declined to comment on the situation. Regarding the incident, Mykola Tyshchenko remarked:
“People's deputies have been poisoned, and the work of the Verkhovna Rada has been forced to stop. During wartime, we cannot work because our colleagues have been poisoned.”
New Legislation for Daily Remembrance
Separately, the Verkhovna Rada passed legislation instituting a nationwide daily moment of silence. This solemn observance is mandated for 9:00 a.m. each day and must be held in all educational institutions, businesses, and organizations, regardless of ownership. Television channels, radio stations, and digital media are required to interrupt their broadcasts daily to observe this national memorial moment.
- The law stipulates the use of centralized alert systems and sound signals, such as metronomes and bells, to mark the beginning of the ritual.
- Local authorities are recommended to take measures to halt public and private transport for one minute at 9:00 a.m.
The poisoning incident presented a significant challenge to the parliament, disrupting crucial legislative work during a time of war. It highlights the vulnerability of state institutions even under emergency conditions. Meanwhile, the passage of the moment of silence law reflects a national commitment to unity and remembrance of the conflict's victims, establishing a daily ritual of collective mourning. This legislation creates a formal, daily pause for national reflection amidst the ongoing crisis.