Sex tourism in Ukraine is visiting the country for the purposes of sexual activity. It is on rise as the country attracts many foreign visitors.[1] The main reason for the situation stem from the combined effect of various factors. Currently, in Ukraine, the effect is constituted by a high level of the population poverty and its feminization, limited options for social mobility and very active system of organized crime.[2]
The majority of the Ukrainian sex industry exists underground and prospers due to poor law enforcement and widespread corruption.[3] Despite making the criminal penalties for human trafficking and coerced prostitution tougher, the laws criminalizing organized prostitution have had little effect.[1]
In 2013 sex tourism within Ukrainian borders was reported to growing considerably, raising concern in Ukrainian society and attracting condemnation from feminist activists such as FEMEN.[4]