Journalists allowed to attend meetings of Verkhovna Rada committees
Kyiv • UNN
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk signed an order allowing journalists to personally attend open meetings of committees and commissions. Accreditation and a one-time pass are required for access, and the number of media representatives is limited.
Media representatives have been allowed to personally attend open meetings of Verkhovna Rada committees, temporary special commissions, and temporary investigative commissions. The relevant order was signed by the Speaker of Parliament Ruslan Stefanchuk, reports UNN.
Details
This concerns Order No. 1013 of July 30, 2026, which amends the rules for the work of media representatives in the Verkhovna Rada during martial law.
According to the document, journalists will be able to attend open meetings of parliamentary committees, other public events of committees, as well as meetings of temporary special and investigative commissions.
At the same time, the document does not provide for free access to the parliament buildings. To attend a meeting, a media representative must have valid accreditation with the Verkhovna Rada and obtain a one-time pass.
How to obtain a pass to parliament
The basis for issuing a pass must be a written request from the chair of the relevant committee or commission, or the head of their secretariat.
Such a request must be submitted no later than five working days before the planned event. It must specify the purpose of the visit, the date and time of the event, the address and room number, the details of media representatives, the name of the editorial office, the list of equipment, as well as information about the person who will meet and accompany the journalists.
Copies of the passport, editorial ID or press card, and consent to the processing of personal data are also attached to the request.
Under what conditions journalists were allowed to attend meetings
The number of media representatives allowed into the building at the same time will be determined taking into account the number of submitted requests, the order of their receipt, and security requirements.
For conducting an interview with a People's Deputy or separate photo or video shooting, a pass will be issued on the basis of a written request from the parliamentarian.
Who can obtain accreditation
Accreditation with the Verkhovna Rada can be obtained by national and foreign media registered in accordance with Ukrainian legislation, which systematically cover the activities of parliament and are not under sanctions.
During martial law, accreditation is granted separately for each regular session of the Verkhovna Rada.
How journalists will be able to work in the parliament building
The procedure for the work of media representatives during plenary sessions does not change significantly. Journalists will continue to work mainly in the parliamentary press center at 5 Hrushevskoho Street.
Up to 30 media representatives may be allowed into the parliament building at the same time, taking into account the capacity of the shelter. No more than two people from one editorial office may be present.
Context
After the start of russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, journalists' access to the Verkhovna Rada buildings was significantly restricted. In May 2024, media representatives were partially returned to the parliamentary press center, but the opportunity to personally attend committee meetings remained limited.
In January 2026, the law on the openness of parliamentary committees came into force. It obliged committees to broadcast open meetings, publish video recordings, protocols, and transcripts, as well as provide journalists with links for remote connection.
The new order introduces a mechanism for in-person attendance of committee and parliamentary commission meetings.