Verkhovna Rada deputies submit draft declaration defining Russia’s current political system as ‘Ruscism’

A draft declaration that defines the “existing political system in Russia” as “Ruscism” (a portmanteau of “Russian” “and “fascism”) and condemns its “ideological foundations and social practices” as “totalitarian and hateful” has been submitted to Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada.

According to the Ukrainian outlet Strana, the statement’s authors include deputies from the country’s ruling party, which suggests it’s likely to be approved by parliament.

The declaration would also call on the international community to recognize Russia’s ruling regime as a criminal one. The statement is currently under consideration by a parliamentary committee. If passed, it will be sent to the U.N., the European Parliament, the Council of Europe (PACE), the OSCE, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and foreign governments and parliaments.