Kremin responded to Vitkoff’s accusations: the Ukrainian language is being restored despite the “linguicide” of occupation regimes
Ombudsman for the protection of the state language Taras Kremin openly refuted the statements made by American Special Representative Steve Vitkoff regarding the language situation in Ukraine and the existence of supposedly Russian-speaking regions that Russia could control. In a live broadcast on Radio Svoboda, Kremin emphasized that such claims contradict not only Ukraine’s official international agreements but also internal legislative documents. The language ombudsperson stressed that regardless of occupation processes, the Ukrainian language not only maintains its positions but is also actively being revived across all spheres of public life. According to him, the situation has significantly changed compared to the times before the start of the full-scale war: "Over 11 years of struggle and recovery of Ukrainian identity, we observe that the majority of Ukrainian citizens, regardless of regional affiliation, choose Ukrainian as their primary means of communication in government institutions, private conversations, and cultural contexts. This is entirely logical and aligns with the aspirations of Ukrainian society." In response to accusations from Russia and its propaganda, Kremin stated that any attempts to deny Ukraine’s language development are artificially created and aim to discredit Ukrainian sovereignty. "Russian propaganda finds it very profitable to portray the image that Ukrainians are still under the influence of Russian language and culture, but this does not reflect reality. As for control over certain territories, Russia and its supporters' position on this issue remains artificial and is based solely on efforts by Russian military forces and influence agents." He also recalled that in 2014, with the beginning of occupation and war, the Ukrainian language already made a significant breakthrough in many regions. According to sociological research, from 2014 to 2024, there has been a stable trend of increasing numbers of Ukrainian speakers. "Today, over 78% of Ukrainians consider Ukrainian their native language, whereas ten years ago this figure was around 60%. This indicates that Ukrainian society is massively moving toward identification with the state language, despite all the challenges the country faces." Kremin further emphasized that the occupying authorities of Russia are actively restoring their policy of Russification precisely in the temporarily occupied territories. This means that under the influence of Russian propaganda machinery, a campaign continues to destroy Ukrainian identity, discriminate against the Ukrainian language and culture. "On the territories controlled by Ukraine, the Ukrainian language is becoming increasingly relevant not only in official spheres but also in everyday life. This demonstrates the real return of Ukrainian identity, happening despite external pressure and internal challenges." A survey by the "Democratic Initiatives" Foundation named after Ilko Kucheriv and the Razumkov Center, published in January 2024, confirms this trend. According to these data, over 78% of Ukrainians consider Ukrainian their native language, which is a significant increase compared to 2014, when this figure was about 60%. The share of those who consider Russian their native language decreased from 15% ten years ago to 6%. This indicates the gradual triumph of Ukrainian identity amid the difficult conditions of war and occupation. He also pointed out that the Ukrainian language is one of the main symbols of Ukrainian independence and resistance to Russian aggression. Although Russia and its satellites continue to spread myths about "linguistic split" and "civil conflicts," actual research and observations show the opposite — Ukrainians are increasingly united around their language and culture, which serve as the main weapons in the fight for national independence and territorial integrity. Therefore, despite all difficulties and attempts to distort history, the Ukrainian language is experiencing an unwavering rise, and the Ukrainian people prove their identity and desire for independence through the spreading and strengthening of the linguistic sphere. It is crucial to remember that language itself is one of the main components of national unity and spiritual cohesion within Ukrainian society.