A Revolt Is Brewing in the Verkhovna Rada Over Working in Shelters: Deputies Outraged

In the Verkhovna Rada there is a conflict over the proposal to conduct MPs' work in the shelter during air raid alarms. Some lawmakers criticized the idea, saying it looks inappropriate in the context of how other Ukrainians are working under wartime conditions.

This was stated by Member of Parliament Dmytro Razumkov in his Telegram channel.

Razumkov reminded that 24 in February 2022 the Verkhovna Rada continued to work in the plenary hall, even though Russian troops were then on the outskirts of Kyiv. According to him, deputies came to their workplaces and voted even during a period when part of Kyiv region was occupied.

Now lawmakers are being urged to descend into shelters during air raids and continue working from there. Razumkov sharply opposed this format and questioned whether it complies with the status of the Verkhovna Rada.

The deputy also stated that Ukrainians continue to work daily despite military risks. He gave as an example hospitals, enterprises, and the military, emphasizing that the parliament should not create special rules for itself.

Separately Razumkov linked the discussion about the security of the parliament to the state of anti-aircraft defense. He said rockets and drones from Russia continue to reach Kyiv, and he placed part of the political responsibility for this on deputies who supported budget decisions with which he does not agree.

The politician also criticized redirecting funds from defense needs to other state programs. According to him, the consequences of such decisions are now used as an argument in favor of moving deputies to work in the shelter.

Razumkov stated that his team would not support decisions taken in such a format. He also noted that if lawmakers are not ready to work in the plenary hall under wartime conditions, then the very idea of functioning of the Rada loses its sense.

Thus, the proposal to organize continuous operation of the Verkhovna Rada during air raids has already provoked a sharp political reaction. Some deputies see it as a necessary security measure, while opponents view it as a dangerous precedent and an attempt to create special conditions for the parliament.