Olena Shuliak speaks on preparations for post-war elections, legislative changes, and voter participation abroad
On October 7, the leader of the Servant of the People party, Olena Shuliak, said in an interview with Apostrophe media that preparations for the first post-war elections are ongoing. Work on legislative changes is underway at the committee level and in working groups at the Central Election Commission, but there are still unresolved issues. Among them are destroyed polling stations and the participation of voters abroad, for whom postal and electronic voting options are being considered.
Shuliak emphasized that holding elections is impossible now because of the war, as millions of military personnel are eligible to participate in the electoral process. She noted that the main goal remains victory, and elections will be possible only after the end of martial law, and then after six months.
It is expected that the draft laws on elections could be presented for discussion in 2025. Possible changes to the legislation include improving the gender quota and preventing the use of technical candidates, but no major changes, such as a return to closed lists, are expected.
VRU adopts series of draft laws at October 8-10 plenary sessions
Additionally, Parliament excluded MPs Dmytruk and Odarchenko from their committees (#12099).
USAID RADA: Next Generation supports new restrictions for VRU staffers on use of Telegram
On October 7, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine implemented limitations on Telegram usage following the recommendation of the National Security and Defense Council. The new measures include mandatory two-factor authorization, cancellation of contact synchronization, and blocking access to unattended computers to prevent unauthorized access to accounts. The transmission of confidential information via Telegram messenger is also prohibited. Also, the installation and use of Telegram will be prohibited on both work and personal computers used for work. Hardware and software tools will be used to ensure the messenger is blocked and record attempts of unauthorized access to it.
USAID RADA: Next Generation contributed to this decision by offering recommendations on social media development, repeatedly highlighting the potential dangers of Telegram. The Program team also conducted technical trainings on social media usage and raised concerns about Telegram’s reliability at public events, including roundtables hosted by the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech.
USAID RADA: Next Generation develops and delivers a strategy for developing VRU social media for 2024-2025
USAID RADA: Next Generation communication experts developed a strategic recommendations package for enhancing Parliament's social media from October 2024 to September 2025. These recommendations are rooted in an analysis of key global and regional social media trends, statistics on Parliamentary profiles, and surveys conducted with the Secretariat's staff. The package outlines formats, content structures, methods for presenting information, relevant indicators, and an implementation plan. This guidance aims to help Parliament maintain its leading position among the information platforms of central public authorities, strengthen engagement with voters, and build greater public trust.
USAID RADA: Next Generation strengthens VRU Committees in their communication, legislative, and oversight functions
On October 7, USAID RADA: Next Generation held a coordination meeting with the Verkhovna Rada Committees and the Program’s leadership to exchange experiences, review cooperation outcomes, and plan future joint actions. The Model Committee project, launched by the Program in 2021 with three Parliamentary Committees, now involves more than half of the Verkhovna Rada’s Committees. Work plans for the next year have already been signed with 11 Committees, and joint activities are being finalized with three more. The Model Committee project supports the Verkhovna Rada Committees by:
USAID RADA: Next Generation helps VRU Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy to reform fisheries industry
On October 9, the VRU Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy, with support from USAID RADA: Next Generation, held a hearing titled "Reforming the Ukrainian Fisheries Industry: Prospects and Challenges." The discussion focused on draft laws aimed at further reforming the sector, including "On Attracting Investments in the Development of the Fisheries Sector" (No. 8119) and "On Ensuring Traceability of Aquatic Bioresources" (No. 9545), covering their key concepts, economic aspects, and implementation mechanisms. Participants included MPs, representatives from relevant ministries, and key government agencies. The Committee will review the draft recommendations from the hearing in an upcoming session.
USAID RADA: Next Generation helps improve psychological rehabilitation and veterans policy in Ukraine
On October 11-12, USAID RADA: Next Generation facilitated the forum titled “Veterans - The Path Home,” organized by the VRU Committee on Social Policy. The forum was held in Ivano-Frankivsk and focused on veterans' rights, psychological rehabilitation, and veteran policy development in the region. Participants discussed and developed proposals for enhancing state policies to support veterans and their families. The forum included discussions on state and donor support programs, best practices for community support, and group work on continuous rehabilitation, veteran-society communication, employment and entrepreneurship, and social services. Around 250 participants attended the event, including government representatives, veterans, community leaders from Ternopil, and representatives from organizations focused on the needs of combat veterans.
USAID RADA: Next Generation improves cooperation between courts and media
On October 10, the Committee on Freedom of Speech, supported by USAID RADA: Next Generation, hosted a roundtable discussion on communication principles between courts and the media. The event brought together judges, journalists, media representatives, and members of judicial governance bodies to discuss key aspects of court-media interaction. Topics covered included the procedures for providing information to the media, media access to court hearings, journalists' presence in the courtroom and coverage of court proceedings, security and order during trials, and the legal framework governing media activities.