Ukrainian President Orders Analysis of Online Casino Restrictions

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has directed law enforcement agencies and ministries to conduct a thorough analysis of the issue surrounding online gambling following a public petition. The petition, which garnered significant attention, urged for restrictions on online casinos citing concerns over their adverse effects on soldiers and society at large.

In response to this, President Zelensky has instructed the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, and the National Security and Defense Council to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the situation and present proposals by the end of next week.

The call for action comes in the wake of revelations by junior sergeant Pavel Petrichenko of the 59th separate motorized rifle brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who highlighted the issue of gambling addiction among military personnel. Petrichenko emphasized the challenges faced by soldiers, including prolonged separation from family and exposure to stressful environments, which can exacerbate psychological vulnerabilities.