The pace of Ukrainization has slowed down, in particular due to the convergence of the media space – Kremin

During the war, slowing down the pace of Ukrainization is not only a cultural problem, but also a threat to national security. Propaganda through the Internet and social networks strengthens the influence of the enemy, and a neutral position on the language issue only contributes to this.

Taras Kremin, Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, answered the question UNN about how to solve the situation with people who do not want to switch to the Ukrainian language, motivating it with principles.

The issue of the Ukrainian language is a matter of the constitutional system, and accordingly, whoever endangers the issue of national security should definitely be the subject of attention from law enforcement agencies. I don’t see the point of talking about it additionally in the conditions of war, when the war continues 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 an authorized representative, I suggested that the authorities take immediate response measures, which are posted on our official website. For our part, we continue 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 languages,” the language ombudsman added.

He also answered UNN’s questions about what contributed to the growth of convergence of the media space in Ukraine.

This is due to the fact that the Internet environment is hardly regulated by separate legislative acts. The language law stipulates that the language of the Internet in Ukraine is Ukrainian, but only for media registered in Ukraine. However, we have various social networks used by young people, there are Telegram channels, there is TikTok, which are gaining huge popularity in Ukraine. Therefore, there are questions for both law enforcement agencies and the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting to prepare consolidated recommendations, including for the regulation of 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 conditions, the Internet has become, in particular, a source of Russian disinformation and propaganda, which negatively affects issues related to national security and defense.

“As an authorized representative, I believe that the Internet in Ukraine needs additional attention and focus on stabilization mechanisms to ensure the rights of Ukrainians,” the language ombudsman concluded.

The main reasons for the slowdown of Ukrainization, which the language ombudsman noted earlier:

1. Russian influence on Ukrainian identity through the occupation of social networks, Telegram channels and media space, especially in the south and east of Ukraine, which affects the consciousness of young Ukrainians.

2. Reduction of the number of people who consider Ukrainian as their native language among students, parents and teachers.

3. Decrease in the use of the Ukrainian language in the educational environment.

4. Language problems among young people, in particular, a small number of students who communicate in Ukrainian with friends or at home.

Let’s add

In the conditions of war, language is a matter of national security. The Russian language was and remains a tool of influence that the enemy uses for propaganda and division of society, spreading its narratives in the media and social networks, manipulating public opinion.

We will remind that the Russian language in the occupied territories is used to displace the Ukrainian language and destroy the national identity. For example, the Central Committee recently reported that the occupiers in Donetsk region are opening centers for the promotion of the Russian language.

In addition, Russia has adopted a law on mandatory testing of the knowledge of the Russian language for the 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 conditions is a conscious or unconscious aiding and abetting of the enemy.

We will also recall the historical experience when Russia destroyed the Ukrainian language for centuries through bans, Russification and repression. Support for Russian now is a continuation of colonial policy. Even Donbas was historically a predominantly Ukrainian-speaking region. Russification intensified there during the Soviet era.

Earlier

The commissioner for the protection of the state language stated that in 2024 there are signs of slowing down of Ukrainization. He stressed that the establishment of the Ukrainian language as the state language in all spheres of public life should become a strategic task for Ukraine.