More than thirty years after its independence, Ukraine is still governed by laws adopted during the Soviet Union. Despite numerous attempts to adapt the legislation to the needs of modern society, many of the norms of the Soviet era remain in force today. In this article, we will consider the reasons why these laws are still in force, how they affect the modern life of Ukrainians, and what can be expected from future legal reforms.

Why are laws from the USSR still in force?

After gaining independence in 1991, Ukraine was faced with an urgent need to create a new legal system. However, this process turned out to be much more complicated and lengthy than expected. Today, there are many laws developed during the Ukrainian SSR that regulate important aspects of public life. But why are these laws still in force? Here are a few main reasons:

1. Legislative vacuum after independence
After the collapse of the USSR, Ukraine was left without a full-fledged legal system. The country urgently needed to regulate numerous areas of life, but there was neither time, experience, nor resources for this. Instead of developing new laws, the government decided to leave in force part of the Soviet legislation, which continued to perform its function, although it did not always correspond to the new realities. This temporary solution, unfortunately, dragged on for decades.

2. Inertia of updating legislation
The process of creating new laws is complex and lengthy. In order to develop new legal norms, it is necessary to involve specialists, hold public discussions, and prepare agreed documents. In addition, any change in legislation causes a lot of controversy among both business and government institutions. This slows down the reform process. One example is the repeated attempts to reform the Labor Code, which caused a great public outcry and did not lead to its complete update.

3. Partial effectiveness of some norms
Some Soviet laws remain effective even today, which also contributes to their preservation. For example, regulations governing working hours or vacations are still important for protecting workers' rights. Since these laws are not critically outdated and serve their purpose, their updating is often not on the list of priorities.

Examples of Soviet-era laws that are still in effect
1. The 1971 Labor Code of the Ukrainian SSR
The Labor Code, adopted in 1971, remains the main regulatory document regulating labor relations in Ukraine. This document regulates hiring, firing, vacations, and working conditions. Despite numerous amendments, most of the provisions of this code are still in effect. Here are examples of some of its articles:

Article 165. Issuance of soap and disinfectants
In work related to pollution, workers are given soap free of charge according to established standards. It also provides for the issuance of skin cleansers in work involving exposure to harmful substances. Modern workers may find it more convenient to choose their own personal hygiene products, but Soviet regulations do not provide for such a choice.
Article 166. Provision of milk and medical and preventive nutrition
Employees working in hazardous conditions shall be provided with free milk or other equivalent food products. Medical and preventive nutrition shall be provided in jobs with particularly hazardous conditions. While this practice makes sense for workers' health, in modern conditions it may be more beneficial for workers to receive monetary compensation or the opportunity to choose products.
Article 162. Employer's obligation to finance occupational safety
This article requires employers to allocate funds for occupational safety measures. Despite the importance of this provision, modern companies could find alternative options, such as insuring employees against accidents. Insurance companies would have more incentives to ensure proper control of working conditions, since they would have to pay compensation in the event of injury to employees.
2. Housing Code of the Ukrainian SSR of 1983
The Housing Code regulates the provision, use, lease and privatization of housing. This code was adopted to ensure citizens' rights in the housing sector under the Soviet system, but some of its norms are still valid today.

For example, the norms that allow the privatization of housing provided by the state or municipality remain relevant for citizens who have not yet completed this process.
There is also a system for registering citizens in need of improved housing conditions. Although it has undergone changes, its basis dates back to Soviet times.
3. Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (1984)
This code was adopted during the time of the Ukrainian SSR and still regulates administrative offenses. Despite numerous amendments, some of its articles look outdated or not very clearly regulated for modern conditions.

Article 135. Travel without a ticket
This article provides for administrative liability for travel without a ticket. However, the law does not regulate modern aspects, such as whether a controller can detain a passenger or whether the "hare" is obliged to wait.

to the police, or can the controller call it at all.

What future awaits Soviet laws?
Should we expect these Soviet laws to be changed in the near future? This question has no clear answer. On the one hand, updating the legislation is an important task for the legal system of Ukraine. However, the war and economic crisis postpone these plans for an indefinite period.

On the other hand, many norms of Soviet legislation remain relevant or do not create significant obstacles in the everyday life of citizens. Some of them can be modernized or replaced with more modern versions only when resources and opportunities for large-scale reforms appear.

Soviet legislation is a legacy that Ukraine has been carrying for over thirty years. Some of these laws have long lost their relevance, while others still perform their function. Regardless of when the legislation will be updated, it is worth remembering that the process of change is a complex and long-term path that requires a balanced approach. Ultimately, the question is whether we will be able to effectively adapt the legal system to the needs of modern society and its challenges.