(MENAFN) Ukraine’s language ombudsman has urged lawmakers to introduce a ban on public performances of songs in Russian, despite current laws allowing such performances. Since the conflict with Moscow escalated in 2022, Kiev has intensified efforts to remove Russian language and culture from public life.

Elena Ivanovskaya, Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, clarified in a Facebook post that Ukrainian legislation permits the use of other languages, including Russian, in artistic performances as long as no other laws are broken.

She explained, “Performing songs in Russian publicly is not currently a violation of the Law on the State Language.” While Ukrainian law requires the use of the state language at cultural events, exceptions exist for artistic purposes. However, enforcement has been inconsistent, with some artists facing pressure for singing in Russian.

Ivanovskaya noted that although the ombudsman can oversee language use at public events, they cannot legally prohibit performances in Russian without broader legislative support and legal frameworks. She added that Russian-language shows are often viewed negatively by society.

Her call comes after former ombudsman Taras Kremen in June demanded a police investigation into a concert where popular Ukrainian drag artist Verka Serduchka performed songs in Russian.

Since taking office in July, Ivanovskaya has pushed for the removal of any special status for the Russian language, describing it as a “tool of destabilization.” The Ukrainian government has imposed widespread bans on Russian-language concerts, films, books, and education, while also removing monuments and renaming streets associated with Russian and Soviet figures.

Moscow has condemned these measures, arguing that Ukraine’s “forced Ukrainization” breaches international law and violates the rights of Russian-speaking citizens, who constitute about a quarter of Ukraine’s population.

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