Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has enacted a law that removes the Russian language from the protections afforded by the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in Ukraine. This decision reflects a significant shift in the country’s language policy amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
The law, identified as No. 14120, was described as a “just decision” by Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada. He emphasized that the language of the aggressor state should not benefit from protections intended for the languages of indigenous peoples and national communities.
“The language of the aggressor state cannot utilize the protective instruments designed to support the languages of indigenous peoples and national communities. Ukraine defends its state language, respects linguistic and cultural diversity, and strips Russian imperial influence of the privileges it has exploited for years,” Stefanchuk stated.
While the European Charter’s protections for other languages remain intact, the law specifically excludes Russian. Languages that continue to receive protection include Belarusian, Bulgarian, Gagauz, Crimean Tatar, Modern Greek, German, Polish, Romanian, Slovak, Hungarian, Czech, and Hebrew.
Additionally, the updated protections now extend to Urum, Rumey, Romani, Crimean, Karaim, and Yiddish, bringing the total number of languages covered by the charter to 18, according to the Ministry of Culture.
Ukraine's recent legislation excludes the Russian language from protections under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, reflecting a broader effort to assert national identity amid ongoing conflict. The law maintains protections for various other minority languages, emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to cultural diversity.