Yaroslav Zhelezniak, who chairs the Parliament’s finance committee, estimates legalisation could generate up to $25 million a year, enough to finance about 30,000 drones.

A bill co-authored by Zhelezniak passed its first parliamentary vote in July and is awaiting a second reading.

Ukraine currently prohibits the production, distribution and possession of pornography, with penalties of up to seven years in prison. Zhelezniak said creators faced a choice between criminal prosecution for their work and tax violations if they declared their earnings.

“These women either don’t pay taxes and face criminal charges for that, or they pay taxes and get charged with violating pornography laws,” Zhelezniak said. “It’s a tragicomic situation.”

Tax authorities said 7,900 Ukrainians earned more than $131 million through OnlyFans in 2023.