The attack on human rights defenders highlights growing threats against LGBTI and feminist activists in Ukraine amid legislative protests. 

On May 11, 2026, in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, EL*C Co-Chair Olena Shevchenko and Anastasiia Gerasymenk, a lesbian feminist activist, were attacked by radicalized individuals after a peaceful protest against the draft Civil Code No. 15150. The attack followed demonstrations across Ukraine where LGBTI and feminist groups protested the law, citing threats to human rights and European commitments. 

13 May 2026 

The EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community (EL*C) strongly condemns the violent attack against Ukrainian lesbian feminist activists in Ivano-Frankivsk following peaceful protests against the draft Civil Code of Ukraine No. 15150. 

Across Ukraine, protests have erupted against the draft Civil Code, adopted by Parliament in the first reading on 28 April 2026. Human rights organizations, feminist groups, legal experts, and LGBTI communities have raised serious concerns that the proposed code undermines human rights protections, contradicts European integration commitments, and may weaken legal recognition and protection for diverse families and partnerships. 

Demonstrations and public actions have taken place in several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Lviv, Lutsk, and Cherkasy, demanding that lawmakers withdraw or fundamentally revise the draft. Protesters argue that the proposed Civil Code contains discriminatory provisions and ignores existing European Court of Human Rights standards and Ukraine’s obligations within the EU integration process. 

LGBTI activists and organizations have played a particularly visible role in these mobilizations. In many cities, local authorities have reportedly obstructed peaceful assemblies, while organizers have faced administrative protocols and pressure from local officials and police. 

This weekend, in Ivano-Frankivsk, following a protest action, Olena Shevchenko – head of the NGO Insight and Co-Chair of EL*C – and Anastasiia Gerasymenk – co-founder of the charitable organization Women’s March–, were attacked by a group of radicalized individuals rallying under the slogan “For Traditional Values”. 

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers followed the activists after the demonstration, assaulted them from behind, tore away their posters, pushed them to the ground, and fled the scene. 

Following the attack, activists report that the Ivano-Frankivsk police initially refused to properly process the complaint regarding a hate-motivated attack. Police officers reportedly attempted to downplay the incident as “just a scuffle,” while refusing to provide a copy of the complaint protocol or the registration number of the case. 

EL*C considers this attack to be a hate crime motivated by hostility toward LGBTI people and feminist activists. We are deeply concerned by reports of police misconduct and the apparent unwillingness of local authorities to adequately respond to violence against human rights defenders. 

Civil society representatives emphasize that the debate around draft law No. 15150 is not only a legal issue, but also a broader question about the future direction of Ukraine as a democratic and rights-based European state. 

“Ukraine’s European future cannot be built while human rights defenders are attacked in the streets and their complaints ignored,” said Olena Shevchenko, EL*C Co-Chair and head of Insight NGO. 

EL*C calls on Ukrainian authorities to act immediately 

EL*C stands in solidarity with Ukrainian lesbian, feminist, and human rights movements and calls on Ukrainian authorities to: 

• Ensure an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into the attack; 

• Properly classify the assault as a hate-motivated crime; 

• Guarantee the protection of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression; 

• Withdraw or fundamentally revise draft Civil Code No. 15150 in line with Ukraine’s human rights obligations and European integration commitments. 

Since 2022, Ukrainian LGBTI people have been defending their country alongside all Ukrainian citizens against Russia’s aggression. Their rights, dignity, and safety must be protected now. 

For media inquiries, please contact: 

• Kika Fumero, Media Officer of EL*C 

• Phone number: +34 666899735 

• Email address: kika.fumero@lesbiangenius.org