For the first time in history, Ukraine has legally defined "rashism." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed the Law “On the Fundamentals of State Policy of National Memory of the Ukrainian People,” which officially defines the concept behind Russia's military aggression.
Rooted in ideas of Russian exceptionalism and a "special civilizational mission," Ruscism promotes anti-Westernism, denial of other national identities, and aggressive territorial conquest.
The document establishes the legal foundations for preserving national memory and countering the ideology of the aggressor state.
What is rashism under Ukrainian law?
According to the text, rashism is a type of totalitarian ideology and practice that forms the basis of Russia’s Nazi-style totalitarian regime. It includes traits of Russian chauvinism, imperialism, as well as the practices of both communist and Nazi regimes.
Other key definitions
The law also defines terms such as “War for Ukraine’s Independence,” “crimes against the Ukrainian people,” and “historical anti-Ukrainian propaganda.” This provides a legal framework for clearly interpreting historical events and crimes committed against Ukraine.
National memory strategy
The document stipulates that the Cabinet of Ministers will approve a State Strategy for the Restoration and Preservation of National Memory and an Action Plan for its implementation every five years. The law also regulates rules for naming legal entities and property: names may only be changed after at least 10 years, with certain exceptions.
