Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk Tops List of Deputies Behind Environmentally Harmful Legislation

Ranking of MPs Responsible for Environmentally Detrimental Legislative Proposals

According to 5 канал: Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, has been identified as the leading lawmaker behind legislative initiatives that pose threats to the environment. Alongside him, the following deputies were also highlighted in the top five:

• Igor Fris
• Igor Marchuk
• Oleksandr Haidu
• Tetyana Hryshchenko

This ranking was compiled by the NGOs 'Holka' and 'Ecology – Law – People' on the occasion of the seventh anniversary of the current parliament’s tenure (9th convocation). The evaluation was based on a thorough review of legislative proposals and assessments from environmental organizations including WWF-Ukraine, Greenpeace Ukraine, the Center for Environmental Initiatives 'Ecodia', the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group, and 'Teren'.

The study examined both bills currently under parliamentary consideration and those already enacted. Iryna Fedoriv, head of 'Holka,' noted that Stefanchuk’s ranking is largely due to his involvement with the draft of the new Civil Code advancing to its second reading. Igor Fris, also featured in the ranking, proposed amendments to the existing Civil Code that may pose risks to judicial practice.

Olena Kravchenko, Executive Director of 'Ecology – Law – People,' highlighted ongoing systemic efforts to weaken environmental impact assessments.

Igor Marchuk is the author of bill No. 15431, which seeks to modify hunting regulations. WWF-Ukraine warns that this legislation could undermine wildlife protection, particularly by allowing hunting during critical animal reproduction periods. The organization has urged the Verkhovna Rada to reject bill No. 15431 and called on its sponsors to withdraw it.

Since 2023, the 'Servant of the People' faction has been unable to secure 226 votes independently for passed laws. Since the start of the 9th convocation, 71 MPs have left their positions prematurely. Approximately 50 deputies resigned voluntarily, 12 passed away or died, 6 lost their mandates due to revocation of Ukrainian citizenship, and 3 were stripped of their mandates following legally binding criminal convictions.

Implications of the Ranking on Ukraine’s Environmental Outlook

This ranking by civil society organizations sheds light on pressing legislative challenges that could negatively affect Ukraine’s environmental health. It reflects the concern of environmental groups over initiatives that may cause ecological harm. In the context of mounting global environmental challenges, such findings serve as a vital tool to raise public awareness and encourage parliamentary debate on the urgent need for environmental protection. Heightened focus on ecological issues may also influence political dynamics and shape lawmakers’ approaches moving forward.