Ukraine Bill Would Decriminalize Adult Content to Fund War Effort

Ukraine’s parliament has approved in first reading a bill to decriminalize pornography involving consenting adults. Supporters say taxing the existing adult-content industry could raise about $25 million annually, potentially funding around 30,000 drones. The bill keeps penalties for child sexual abuse material, distribution to minors, and coercion, and still needs a second reading.

Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada gave initial approval to Bill No. 15294 with 231 votes, sending it toward a second reading. The measure would end criminal penalties for adult pornography made and shared with consenting adults, while keeping or toughening rules against child sexual abuse content, material given to minors, and coercion.

Backers, including lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak, say taxing this sector could add roughly $25 million yearly—enough in theory for about 30,000 drones. The country faces an estimated $27 billion budget shortfall. Existing rules let creators owe tax on income while still risking prosecution, and authorities have collected back taxes from some creators.