DISINFO: Russian is now only allowed in private communication and religious ceremonies in Ukraine
SUMMARY
In line with the new Language Law, Russian is only allowed in private communication and for the religious ceremonies. In practice, Ukrainians are divided into Ukrainian-speakers and “outlaws”. And the latter ones are limited in their ability to study, receive health care and use other social goods.
RESPONSE
A recurring pro-Kremlin narrative criticising the new Law on the Language in Ukraine. See the recent cases here and here. On April 25, 2019, the Verkhovna Rada passed the law "on ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language as a state language". The law establishes mandatory use of the Ukrainian language in most areas of public and communal life, including the mass media, education, science, etc. Indeed, Russian is allowed in private communications and religious ceremonies. But in addition to that, Russian and other languages can be present in book publishing, the press, including radio and television, education and the service sector. The law allows the use of other languages in the healthcare system and law enforcement. In addition to this, the law stipulates that in accordance with the European Charter for Regional Languages and Languages of National Minorities, the government should develop a law safeguarding language-rights of the minorities within six months of the language law entering into force.