The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun the process of correcting the incorrect spelling of Ukrainian toponyms in foreign sources. This information was provided by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybyha.
According to Sybyha, it is important to restore Ukrainian names for foreign geographical objects, as this is a matter of respect for one's own country. He emphasized that other countries have geographical commissions that maintain registries of geographical names, so such work is necessary in Ukraine as well. The Foreign Ministry plans to hold discussions and prepare the necessary steps for this process.
«Whether it is correcting the incorrect use of our city names by foreigners or transitioning to Ukrainian names for foreign toponyms - it is primarily about respect. More precisely, it is about our self-esteem as a state. Others will respect us only if we respect ourselves,» he emphasized.
The Minister additionally noted that the use of Ukrainian names concerns only Ukraine, imposing nothing on anyone. Earlier, the language ombudsman explained why the city of Kyiv has the highest number of complaints regarding the Russian language. A scandal also occurred at the Ukrainian Bodybuilding Championship due to a participant performing to the accompaniment of Russian rap.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is initiating the process of restoring Ukrainian names for foreign geographical objects with the aim of supporting national identity and highlighting respect for one's own country. Work in this direction will be an important step in strengthening national self-awareness and recognition of Ukraine in the world.