Russian-language content may be banned in public, regardless of the performers’ citizenship

In Ukraine, a ban is being proposed on the public performance of Russian-language songs and the screening of films and other content, regardless of the performers’ citizenship. Establishments that provide venues for such events would also face penalties.

Language ombudswoman Olena Ivanovska explained the initiative during the “Culture on the Agenda” program. Her remarks were reported by Suspilne Culture.

Currently, the Law on Culture restricts public Russian-language content only when it is produced by citizens of Russia. This is set to change under a new version of Article 15, prepared by a working group of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian Policy at the initiative of MP Oleksandr Sanchenko.

The proposed restrictions apply to concerts, public events, and public spaces, but not to private creative work. Concert hall, restaurant, and café owners would also be held accountable.

The following penalties are proposed for violations:

• for a first offense — a warning or a fine of UAH 13,600 to 17,000;
• for a repeat offense within a year — a fine of UAH 20,400 to 25,500.

Reports of violations will be accepted on the language ombudswoman’s website for further review.

No exceptions are предусмотрed for archival films screened for scientific or educational purposes. As Ivanovska explained, films may be shown in their original language only with subtitles or simultaneous translation.

The ombudswoman also raised the issue of regulating Russian-language content online. She also spoke about contacting Google regarding Russian websites that the search engine displays in response to Ukrainian-language queries.

Bill No. 15412 is still awaiting consideration in the Verkhovna Rada — the proposed amendments have not yet been adopted.

We previously reported:

• Fines for using Russian in school chats: ombudswoman reminds parents and teachers of the rules
• Fines of up to UAH 170,000: parliament seeks to ban Russian-language music in establishments
• Public spaces without the “Russian world”: a landmark decision has been adopted
• “Hop-hop-hop”: Serduchka sings in Russian — Kremin has no objection
• Russian music played loudly in eateries: Mykolaiv police draw up administrative reports against offenders