Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed legislation on today introducing criminal penalties for antisemitism, in a move officials and Jewish leaders described as completing the country’s legal framework to combat anti-Jewish hate.

The law amends Article 161 of Ukraine’s criminal code, formally establishing punishment for “manifestations of antisemitism.” Penalties include fines, restrictions of liberty, and prison sentences of up to three years for standard offenses. More severe cases involving violence, threats, or abuse of authority can carry sentences of up to five years, while organized or aggravated offenses may result in prison terms of up to eight years.

The measure closes a gap in Ukraine’s existing legislation. A 2021 law defined and banned antisemitism but did not include clear criminal enforcement mechanisms. Lawmakers passed the follow-up bill establishing criminal liability in February 2022, just weeks before Russia’s invasion, but it remained unsigned until now.

Vitally Komzin, chairman of the United Jewish Community of Ukraine, called the signing a milestone. “This is a historic decision which completes the formation of a comprehensive legislative framework to combat antisemitism in Ukraine. Thank you to everyone who was involved and helped at every stage,” he said. He added, “I approached Member of Parliament Maksym Buzhansky with this proposal, who supported the initiative, drafted the bill and did everything possible to pass it in 2021.”

The legislation has been welcomed by Jewish organizations as providing a long-missing enforcement tool, transforming earlier declarations into actionable law and strengthening Ukraine’s ability to prosecute antisemitic acts.