Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Establishes the Pylyp Orlyk Prize for Youth
On December 4, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 4712-IX “On Approval of the Regulations on Prizes and Scholarships of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine” (registration No. 14180). This document officially approved a new system of parliamentary awards, among which a special place is held by the Prize of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine named after Pylyp Orlyk — a prize for youth contribution to the development of parliamentarism and local self-government.
This prize is a renamed and updated version of the previously existing Verkhovna Rada Prize for Youth Contribution to the Development of Parliamentarism and Local Self-Government, established back in 2003. It now bears the name of outstanding Ukrainian Hetman Pylyp Orlyk — author of one of the world’s first constitutions (1710), known as the “Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk”. This document laid the foundations for the ideas of parliamentarism, rule of law, accountability of power and limitation of the Hetman’s power in favour of the Cossack council.
According to the Prize Regulations, the Verkhovna Rada will annually award 30 prizes by December 1 to persons under 35 years of age (Ukrainian citizens), as well as to youth and, exceptionally, children’s civic organisations for significant achievements in the development of democracy, parliamentarism, local self-government, and addressing social and legal issues of youth.
“The prize’s name in honour of Pylyp Orlyk is a bridge between historical heritage and modern challenges. The Pylyp Orlyk Foundation welcomes this step and is ready to participate in nurturing a generation faithful to the principles of freedom, justice and responsible governance.” — Artem Mykolainchuk, Chairman of the Pylyp Orlyk Foundation.
