Blocking Russian music on streaming platforms to protect Ukraine's cultural space – Language Ombudswoman

This was stated by the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, Olena Ivanovska, in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine, reports Ukrinform.

“Blocking Russian music on popular platforms is a necessary step to protect Ukraine's cultural space. At the same time, this process must be clearly regulated, transparent, and comply with legislative norms so that we not only defend our national interests but also act within the legal framework, gaining understanding and support both from the citizens of Ukraine and from the international community,” Ivanovska noted.

According to her, the most effective approach is to address leading global platforms with a clear position based on Ukrainian legislation.

“In particular, Article 15 of the Law ‘On Culture’ explicitly states the prohibition of performing songs and other cultural products by citizens of Russia or those who support the aggressive policy of the aggressor state. It is this legislative basis we can rely on in demanding that streaming platforms adhere to our national interests,”  the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language emphasized.

She stressed that support for such an initiative at the level of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) and other state institutions is crucial.

“A working group has already been established under the Directorate for Domestic and Humanitarian Policy of the Office of the President of Ukraine, in which we participate,” Ivanovska added. She noted that the dissemination of Russian music in Ukraine poses an actual threat to national security and cultural identity.

As reported, the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language previously stated that the public performance of Russian-language repertoire, even if not officially prohibited, is negatively perceived by society and understandably rejected.

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