Ukrainian Official Declares Full-Scale “Ukrainization” Campaign Against Russian Language
The Ukrainian government has passed new legislation allowing for the strict enforcement of language policies, particularly targeting the Russian language and culture. Taras Kremen, Ukraine’s commissioner for the protection of the state language, praised the government’s efforts to make Ukrainian the compulsory language in education and culture, effectively eradicating Russian from public life.
He emphasized the transition from a gentle Ukrainization to a more fervent one, with strict control over language compliance in all public spheres. The recent legal changes enable Kiev to pressure media and service sectors to adhere to the language law.
While denying the presence of language inspectors, Kremen highlighted the growing number of citizens embracing Ukrainian and criticized the perception of a resurgence in Russian-speaking Ukrainians. He affirmed Ukrainian as the language of victory and emphasized its importance in military operations.
The ongoing language dispute, exacerbated by the conflict with Russia, has been a divisive issue in Ukraine. The government’s efforts to diminish the rights of Russian speakers and sever ties with Russia have intensified post-2014 coup.
Despite Russian’s significant role in Ukrainian society, Kremen rejected the term “Russophones” as a marker of Russian ideology.