© 2026 Kansas City Public Radio
NPR in Kansas City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ukrainian Parliament Candidate 'Darth Vader' Blocked From Voting

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

More on Ukraine now and one unhappy candidate for Parliament. Electrician Victor Shevchenko ran under the name Darth Vader. He showed up to vote dressed as the Star Wars villain, riding on top of a black van, blaring this "Imperial March." But when he refused to remove his mask, officials refused to let him vote. Darth Vader, who ran on a transparency platform, says, his empire will strike back. It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

Congress just eliminated federal funding for KCUR, but public radio is for the people.

Your support has always made KCUR's work possible — from reporting that keeps officials accountable, to storytelling to connects our community. Help ensure the future of local journalism.