Restrictions on the distribution of Russian-language cultural content may be tightened in Ukraine. Olena Ivanovska, the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, has announced that amendments to the legislation are being prepared, in particular to Article 15 of the Law «On Culture». However, there is currently no talk of a complete ban on all works in the Russian language.
- In Ukraine, there is ongoing discussion regarding amendments to Article 15 of the Law «On Culture» concerning Russian-language cultural products.
- The Language Ombudswoman, Olena Ivanovska, has called on the National Security and Defence Council to assess the threats to Ukraine’s cultural sphere.
- It is proposed that a mechanism be developed to screen cultural works that may promote Russian influence.
What restrictions on Russian-language content are being proposed?
Elena Ivanovskaya She emphasised that Ukraine’s current language legislation does not provide for an automatic ban on works solely on the basis of the language in which they were created. At the same time, in her view, the state should take more active measures to counter the spread of Russian influence through culture, education and the information sphere.
The Ombudswoman proposes involving the National Security and Defence Council in developing a mechanism for assessing cultural products that may pose a threat to national security. This refers to works in various genres, in particular Russian-language texts, which may be used to propagate the ideas of the «Russian World».
Amendments to the Law «On Culture»: what is known
Ivanovskaya said she hoped that amendments would be made to Article 15 the Law «On Culture», which regulates restrictions on the public use of cultural products associated with the aggressor state.
At present, the law contains restrictions on the public performance and display of certain works by Russian artists. However, the use of the Russian language does not in itself mean that a cultural product is automatically subject to a ban.
Previously, the broadcasting ombudswoman had called for clear legislative regulation of the performance of Russian-language songs in public places. She emphasised that local restrictions require clear, nationwide legal mechanisms.
Will all Russian-language music and films be banned?
At present, there are no grounds for claiming that a complete ban on all Russian-language songs, films, books and other works will be introduced in Ukraine. Ivanovo focuses, first and foremost, on mechanisms to counter Russia’s cultural influence and the need to update legislation.
Separately, Ukraine had previously considered approaching the international streaming platforms Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music with proposals to restrict the distribution of Russian content.
At the same time, the specific list of works to which the new rules may apply, and the timetable for the possible introduction of the changes, have not yet been determined.
The National Security and Defence Council has not yet considered the threats to the Ukrainian language
During the interview, Ivanovska stated that, during her time in office, the National Security and Defence Council had never considered the issue of threats to the Ukrainian language as a separate matter. She expressed the hope that the new leadership of the National Security and Defence Council would devote more attention to this issue.
The Ombudswoman also emphasised the need to strengthen the position of the Ukrainian language in education and the cultural sphere.
