The pace of Ukrainization has slowed down, in particular due to the Russification of the media space - Kremin
Kyiv • UNN
The language ombudsman said that the pace of Ukrainization was slowing down due to the influence of Russian-language content on the Internet and social media. He called for tighter control over the media space to protect national security.
In times of war, slowing down the pace of Ukrainianization is not only a cultural problem, but also a threat to national security. Propaganda via the Internet and social media increases the enemy's influence, and a neutral position on the language issue only contributes to this.
Taras Kremin, the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, answered UNN's question on how to resolve the situation with people who do not want to switch to Ukrainian, citing principles.
The issue of the Ukrainian language is an issue of the constitutional order, and accordingly, anyone who jeopardizes national security should undoubtedly be subject to the attention of law enforcement agencies. I see no point in talking about this further in a time of war, when the war is not only for integrity, not only for criticality, but also for our preservation as a Ukrainian nation. This war is genocidal in nature
He reminded that the war began with the protection of the so-called “Russian-speaking citizens” and continues with the destruction of cities, towns, people, civilians, children and adults.
“Therefore, as the Commissioner, I proposed to the authorities to take urgent response measures, which are posted on our official website. For our part, we continue to pursue offensive Ukrainization, we protect the right of Ukrainian citizens to information and services. We protect the Ukrainian language as the state language and strengthen the constitutional status of the state language,” the language ombudsman added.
He also answered a question from UNN about what contributed to the growth of Russification of the media space in Ukraine.
This is due to the fact that the Internet environment is hardly regulated by separate legislative acts. The law on language stipulates that the language of the Internet in Ukraine is Ukrainian, but only for media registered in Ukraine. However, we have all kinds of social networks that are used by young people, telegram channels, and TikTok, which are gaining immense popularity in Ukraine. Therefore, there are questions to both law enforcement agencies and the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting to prepare consolidated recommendations, including for regulating the Internet environment at the legislative level
He added that the media space on the territory of Ukraine should belong to Ukraine, because in the current environment, the Internet has become, among other things, a source of Russian disinformation and propaganda, which negatively affects issues related to national security and defense.
“As a commissioner, I believe that the Internet in Ukraine requires additional attention and focus on stabilization mechanisms to ensure the rights of Ukrainians,” the language ombudsman concluded.
The main reasons for the slowdown in Ukrainization, which the language ombudsman had previously noted:
1. Russian influence on Ukrainian identity through the occupation of social networks, Telegram channels and the media space, especially in the south and east of Ukraine, which affects the consciousness of young Ukrainians.
2. Reduction in the number of people who consider Ukrainian their native language among students, parents and teachers.
3. Decreased use of the Ukrainian language in the educational environment.
4. Language problems among young people, including a small number of students who speak Ukrainian with friends or at home.
Add
In times of war, language is a matter of national security. The Russian language has been and remains an instrument of influence that the enemy uses to propagandize and split society, spreading its narratives in the media and social networks, and manipulating public opinion.
It should be reminded that the Russian language in the occupied territories is used to supplant the Ukrainian language and destroy national identity. For example, the CNS recently reported that the occupiers in Donetsk region are opening centers to promote the Russian language.
In addition, Russia has passed a law on mandatory testing of knowledge of the Russian language for children of migrants.
And “what's the difference” or justification by principles only play into the hands of the aggressor, undermining the unity of Ukrainians. Protecting the Russian language in the current circumstances is consciously or unconsciously assisting the enemy.
Let us also recall the historical experience when Russia destroyed the Ukrainian language for centuries through bans, Russification, and repression. Supporting Russian now is a continuation of colonial policy. Even Donbas has historically been a predominantly Ukrainian-speaking region. Russification there intensified during the Soviet era.
Previously
The Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language stated that in 2024 there are signs of a slowdown in Ukrainization. He emphasized that the establishment of the Ukrainian language as the state language in all spheres of public life should become a strategic task for Ukraine.
