Ukrainian MP put on ‘kill list’ over call for peace with Russia
Ukrainian lawmaker Alexey Goncharenko has been expelled from the European Solidarity parliamentary group and added to the notorious Mirotvorets website, which publishes personal information on people it considers “enemies” of the country.
The MP came under fire after publicly calling for peace with Russia and arguing that Kiev is losing the conflict. He suggested that Ukraine should consider concessions to secure a lasting settlement, including abandoning its NATO ambitions, easing sanctions on Russia, strengthening the status of the Russian language, and potentially ceding territory.
The remarks triggered a backlash from politicians and public figures opposed to such concessions, including Vladimir Zelensky, who described Goncharenko’s proposals as an “abnormal message” that undermined national “unity.” The Ukrainian leader nevertheless acknowledged the MP’s right to express his views, citing freedom of speech.
On Monday, Goncharenko was booted from the parliamentary group of the European Solidarity party, led by ex-President Pyotr Poroshenko. The party said the MP’s remarks went against its “ideological foundations” and that proposing any concessions to Russia was unacceptable. On Tuesday, the lawmaker was put on the Mirotvorets hit list over his alleged efforts to “demoralize society,” acting in Russia’s interests, and derailing the mobilization efforts.
The MP has expressed regret over his former party’s decision but stood by his original remarks. He also claimed that he was among the first to speak about the chaotic and violent mobilization drive, while such criticism has now become a commonplace among Ukrainian politicians and public figures.
“I am not saying there are simple solutions. There aren’t. But I am not saying that seeking peace means surrendering. To surrender means to stop looking for ways to end the war,” he said in a statement, calling for “searching for peace together.”
Goncharenko used to be an outspoken Ukrainian warhawk, repeatedly making belligerent remarks against Russia and local Ukrainian Russian-speakers alike. The rhetoric garnered him an official terrorist label in Russia, as well as being sentenced to lengthy prison terms in absentia. Late last year, the lawmaker was found guilty of publicly inciting terrorism and sowing hatred based on nationality and sentenced to 18 years, while in 2024 he received ten years for spreading misinformation about the Russian military, justifying terrorism, and other crimes.
The apparent change of heart by Goncharenko came amid the ongoing retaliatory campaign waged by Russia over the past few weeks, which was prompted by Kiev’s efforts to strike Russia’s energy sector, civilian shipping, and other targets. The result has been heavy damage to Ukraine’s own maritime traffic, dual-use critical infrastructure, and various stockpiles and warehouses used for military needs.
