In Ukraine, The Russian Language Has Lost Its Special Protection

• 12.06.2026, 21:20

Zelensky signed an important language law.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law (No. 4699-IX) removing Russian from the list of languages to which the provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages apply in Ukraine.

As reported the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, this is an important decision for the protection of the Ukrainian linguistic space and the fulfillment of our European obligations.

“The Russian language has been excluded from the list of languages to which Ukraine applies the provisions of the Charter. This is a fair and logical decision. The language of an aggressor state cannot benefit from the protective measures created to support the languages of indigenous peoples and national communities,” he noted.

Stefanchuk emphasized that Ukraine is protecting its official language, respecting linguistic and cultural diversity, and stripping Russian imperial influence of the privileges it has abused for years.

“This decision is about the dignity, justice, and linguistic security of Ukraine,” he added.