Language ombudsman sharply disputes Putin’s demands on Russian language status and emphasizes the importance of Ukrainian identity
Olena Ivanovska, Ukraine’s Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, has unequivocally condemned recent initiatives by Russian leadership, particularly Putin’s demands to grant the Russian language official status and to legitimize the Moscow Patriarchate.
She stressed that such actions are blatant manifestations of ideological warfare aimed at discrediting Ukrainian culture, destroying national identity, and returning the country to a colonial status.
According to her, Russian today is not just a means of communication but a tool of imperial policy, devised over centuries to diminish Ukrainian worth, undermine our culture, and attempt to erase our identity.
Ivanovska highlighted that Ukraine has already paid an enormous price for its independence and remains committed to defending its values, traditions, and the state language at all costs.
She added that any regression in language policy is a step toward losing sovereignty and statehood.
The Ukrainian language is an integral part of the ongoing struggle for freedom and independence, and its protection remains a top priority.
The current situation with the Russian language in Ukraine no longer pertains solely to linguistic issues but poses a significant security concern.
Those who support slogans like “army, language, faith” should realize whose side they are on – either backing Ukraine’s sovereignty or betraying its values.
The ombudsman emphasized that Ukrainian is a symbol of our strength and freedom, and no one will allow it to be destroyed or taken away, as it is a weapon in our fight for independence.
According to Ivanovska, the issue of granting the Russian language official status in Ukraine is now largely irrelevant.
Given the scale of the invasion and the deep shifts in Ukrainian consciousness, many people are refusing to speak Russian, which has since become a language of the enemy.
Therefore, calls to legitimize Russian linguistically resemble attempts to revert to the past, but modern Ukraine is moving forward with determination and resolve to defend its language and culture.