Vasyl Virastiuk

Biography

Vasyl Virastiuk is a Member of the Verkhovna Rada of the 9th convocation, elected in 2021 in a by-election in District No. 87 (Ivano-Frankivsk region) representing the “Servant of the People” party. In the Verkhovna Rada, he joined the Committee on National Health, Medical Care and Medical Insurance, serving as the head of the subcommittee on sports rehabilitation for veterans and psychological rehabilitation through physical culture and sports.

Timeline of Key Events

2026

Voted in the first reading for the controversial draft Civil Code (15150), submitted by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk. The draft, which spans 803 pages and which even the Ministry of Justice did not have time to review within three weeks of its registration, was submitted for parliamentary consideration in “turbo mode.” The legislative initiative contained provisions that allow for the plundering of state and communal property—forests, coastlines, and mineral resources. Furthermore, the draft poses risks to freedom of speech. Following the Verkhovna Rada’s vote, street protests took place in a number of regions. In particular, protesters were outraged by lawmakers’ proposals that infringed upon the rights of women and the LGBT community. A petition addressed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanding a veto of the bill gathered over 25,000 signatures on the very first day of its registration. Judges of the Supreme Court also had substantial objections to the project. The draft Civil Code, which did not undergo proper discussion, effectively destroyed the judicial practice that the third branch of government had been developing since the adoption of the current Civil Code—more than 20 years.

2025

Supported a bill that limited the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and strengthened the powers of the Prosecutor General (#12414). In the opinion of a number of civic organisations, including Transparency International Ukraine, it poses a direct threat to the independence of the NABU—one of the key anti-corruption bodies created with the support of international partners as an institution protected from political influence. The European Commission considers the adoption of this law a serious step backward. After the controversial vote by the MPs, street protests began. Virastiuk emphasised that he was not sure the protests were “100% sincere” and noted that, in his opinion, they could have been fuelled by political forces. Prior to that, he had stated that they voted for stripping the anti-corruption bodies of their independence because “they are gathering (information—Ed.) on whom they need and whom they do not.”

Voted for an unconstitutional project concerning a special procedure for the compulsory alienation of land in the Uzhhorod district of the Zakarpattia region (#9549). The initiative contained a number of controversial provisions that create risks for both deforestation and the development of a corrupt scheme involving the purchase of real estate from necessary people at the expense of the budget at prices 3–3.6 times higher than the market value.

Supported the controversial bill by Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, which abolished the Commercial Code of Ukraine. The legislative initiative defined general principles for business-state interaction (#6013). This law carries risks for national security. The “Holka” civic initiative, “Ecology. Law. Person,” the “Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group,” and other organisations opposed it, appealing to Zelenskyy with a demand to veto the project. The Association of Ukrainian Cities also opposed this law.

Voted for the so-called “Ihor Mazepa Law” (Draft 12089). This is a legislative initiative that essentially reflected the demands of unscrupulous businesses, including Ihor Mazepa. The law provides for the “resetting” of claims regarding forest and coastal strip grabbers if 10 years have passed since they entered private ownership.

Supported a bill on holding journalists and activists who mention lawyers’ clients administratively liable (#12320). Organisations such as DEJURE, “Holka,” the Anti-Corruption Action Centre, and CHESNO Movement opposed this bill, stressing that it bears signs of censorship.

Divorced his wife and is resolving the issue of property division through the courts.

2024

Voted for the law banning the activities of religious organisations whose governing centre is located in Russia, including the UOC (#8371).

2023

Voted for the bill “On the Legalisation of Medical Cannabis” (#7457), which allowed for the production of medical cannabis in Ukraine.

This year, he supported the bill on decolonisation (#7253), which prohibits the promotion of Russia’s imperial policy and decolonises local names.

2022

Supported the bill on banning pro-Russian parties (#7172-1).

In the same year, he voted for the urban planning “reform” (#5655), authored by the head of the “Servant of the People” party, Olena Shuliak. The civic sector and media criticised this legislative initiative; the European Parliament warned President Zelenskyy against signing this law, and the European Commission also provided its critical remarks.

2021

The “Servant of the People” party nominated the athlete as a candidate for People’s Deputy of Ukraine in District No. 87 (Ivano-Frankivsk region). His main rivals were the owner of the “Bukoveli” resort, Oleksandr Shevchenko, and “Svoboda” party member Ruslan Koshulynskyi. The election was accompanied by numerous scandals and accusations of falsification and voter bribery. MP Mykola Tyshchenko visited the district. The election was declared invalid at five polling stations, and thus Virastiuk won. Candidate Shevchenko challenged the decision in the courts. The Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court recognised the election of Virastiuk as an MP as lawful.

In the Verkhovna Rada, he joined the Committee on National Health, Medical Care and Medical Insurance, serving as the head of the subcommittee on sports rehabilitation for veterans and psychological rehabilitation through physical culture and sports.

At the end of the year, he was involved in a scandal due to a vulgar comment on social media.

2018

Joined the coaching staff of the Ukrainian veteran team at the Invictus Games and conducted veteran rehabilitation.

2015

Became an inspector for the State Border Guard Service.

2009

Ended his sports career due to injuries and began filming in movies and television projects (films such as “How the Cossacks,” “Ivan Syla,” “Mykyta Kozhumyaka,” etc.). Became the head of the Strongman Federation of Ukraine.

2004

Won the “World’s Strongest Man” title at the World Strongman Championship.

2000

Switched to strength athletics—Strongman.

1984-2000

Practised athletics—shot put. Was a member of the Ukrainian national team.

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