Language Ombudsman on Russian performances: the audience should not be forced

Olena Ivanovska, the commissioner for the protection of the state language, pointed out that audiences in Ukrainian theaters should not be forced to perceive performances in a foreign language. She emphasized that the law does not require citizens of Ukraine to know any other language except Ukrainian, so the Ukrainian language should be a common communicative sign for everyone in the theater.

“I perceive this painfully. According to the law, a citizen of Ukraine is not obliged to know any other language except for the state one. If I come to the theater, I should not be forced to perceive a performance in a foreign language. Ukrainian should be the common communicative denominator for all,” emphasized Ivanovska.

Ivanovska noted that the issue of using the Russian language in theaters originates from the colonial past, when the Russian language was imposed as dominant. She called for fighting for complete language resilience, which, according to her, will only be a matter of time.

Russian cartoons as a tool of hybrid warfare

The commissioner also warned parents against allowing their children to watch the Russian cartoon 'Masha and the Bear', calling it not just children's content, but also a tool of hybrid warfare that promotes Russian values and cultural influence.

“Every missile, every Shahed, every loss today is a vaccination that strengthens our young generation. For them, the Ukrainian language becomes not just a means of communication, but a symbol of struggle and freedom,” emphasized the language ombudsman.

The commissioner for the protection of the state language emphasized the importance of the Ukrainian language in theaters and warned against the negative influence of Russian content on the younger generation.