Yaryna Yasynievych Urges Parliament to Protect Children from Nicotine Addiction

During the event, public representatives called on the Verkhovna Rada to urgently adopt draft law No. 14110 or No. 14110-d. These bills provide for regulating nicotine products on par with tobacco products, including restrictions on their sale and advertising.

“Today, Ukraine is fighting not only for territory — we are fighting for the people without whom our future is impossible. Human capital is one of the state’s most valuable resources, and we cannot allow the tobacco industry to undermine it, especially among children and youth. Nicotine products cannot be advertised as “discreet” and “easy to use.” Protecting children from nicotine addiction is an investment in a strong and capable Ukraine. The RPR Coalition calls on Parliament to act without delay,” said Yaryna Yasynievych, co-chair of the Council of the Reanimation Package of Reforms Coalition and Program Director of the Pylyp Orlyk Foundation.

Nicotine pouches (snus) appeared in Ukraine back in 2019, yet they remain accessible to minors. Ahead of the new school year, nicotine heating sticks, which do not contain tobacco and are also outside proper regulation, have also appeared on the market.

The consequences are already visible: 3% of children aged 13–15 use nicotine pouches. That is ten times higher than among adults, where the figure stands at 0.3%.

Draft laws No. 14110 and No. 14110-d have been supported by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the World Health Organization. More than 50 countries worldwide have already regulated or banned nicotine pouches, and 16 countries have banned their sale entirely.

The RPR Coalition calls on the Verkhovna Rada to move from statements to concrete action and to ensure proper protection of children and youth from nicotine addiction as soon as possible.

Public statement in support of urgent legislative regulation of nicotine products