On May 31, the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Youth and Sports held hearings on the topic: "Anti-Doping Activities in Ukraine: Challenges and Ways to Improve Legislative Support." The discussion on anti-doping issues was attended by the Chairman of the Committee Andriy Kozhemiakin, Members of Parliament of Ukraine Olha Saladukha, Vasyl Mokan, Heorhiy Mazurashu, Eduard Prashchuk, Acting Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Matviy Bidnyi, President of the NOC of Ukraine Vadym Guttsait, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the NADC, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Andriy Chesnokov, IOC member Valeriy Borzov, heads of sports societies and national sports federations, scientists, and representatives of ministries and departments.

The Director of the NADC, Serhiy Popyk, presented the national anti-doping program, discussed the results of anti-doping work in 2022-2024, and informed about the immediate tasks and development strategy of the center until 2028. 

"We are interested in a comprehensive approach to preventing and combating doping in sports. This includes improved anti-doping legislation, the implementation and promotion of anti-doping knowledge and education from school to university, systematic scientific anti-doping research in relevant academic institutes and higher education institutions, and law enforcement work. Combating doping requires synergy and efforts from all involved. We are grateful to the Committee on Youth and Sports for their attention to anti-doping issues and for organizing today's kind of parliamentary anti-doping forum. The participation of a wide range of stakeholders in this process indicates the relevance of the problem and the readiness to cooperate in the fight against doping," said S. Popyk.

During the hearings, the need to improve national anti-doping legislation and criminalize violations of anti-doping rules was discussed in detail. It was agreed to prepare necessary proposals for amending the Law of Ukraine "On Anti-Doping Activities in Sports" and Article 323 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Based on the results of the hearings, recommendations were formulated that, in addition to the legislative component, also include the need to incorporate anti-doping topics into the curricula of general secondary and higher education institutions, as well as sports schools, the need to restrict access to prohibited substances and methods listed in the WADA Prohibited List, and to reflect anti-doping measures in local and regional physical culture and sports development programs.