Verkhovna Rada without live broadcast: Stefanchuk explained why the sessions are still not broadcast live

After the start of the full-scale war, the Verkhovna Rada changed the format of its openness. The plenary sessions of the Ukrainian parliament are not broadcast in real time due to “security issues.”

This was stated by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, in an interview with the Rada TV channel.

He noted that the Verkhovna Rada continues to adhere to the principle of openness, but in wartime conditions a new balance operates – between transparency and national security.

“We ensure publicity, but we also take into account the risks. As soon as these security circumstances disappear, the parliament will work in an open mode again,” Stefanchuk said.

As is known, after the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a special resolution according to which the broadcast of plenary sessions was suspended. The reason was the threat of missile strikes, including on government buildings during public events.

Currently, video recordings of meetings are made publicly available with a delay of one hour after the end of parliament. The Speaker emphasizes that this practice is temporary and officially regulated.

“This is not a personal whim, but a security requirement. And all deputies must comply with the adopted resolution,” Stefanchuk emphasized.

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada assured that journalists have full access to the Verkhovna Rada and can cover its activities. However, individual deputies do not always use the opportunity to communicate with the press. According to Stefanchuk, it is those who publicly advocate for “openness” who sometimes do not appear at sessions or ignore journalists.

We would like to remind you that more than fifty public organizations and media outlets are demanding that the Verkhovna Rada immediately resume open broadcasting of plenary sessions , as this is a critically important step towards transparency when making strategic decisions that affect anti-corruption reform and Ukraine’s European future.

Earlier, the international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called for greater access for journalists to parliament.

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