Zelensky signed a law excluding Russian from protection under European rules

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed into law a legislative act that removes Russian as a language protected under European standards in Ukraine. This decision marks a significant shift in how the country handles linguistic policies, particularly concerning minority languages. The new law, numbered 4699-IX, was introduced following updates to the official translation of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. According to this document, certain languages receive special protection based on their status within the framework established by the charter.

The law specifies that in Ukraine, the provisions of the European Charter will apply to a list of languages including Belarusian, Bulgarian, Gagauz, Crimean Tatar, Greek, German, Polish, Romanian, Slovak, Hungarian, Czech, and Hebrew. These languages are considered regional or minority languages and thus qualify for specific protections outlined in the charter. However, Russian is no longer included among these protected languages.

Ruslan Stefanchuk, the speaker of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament of Ukraine), emphasized that this move is crucial for protecting the Ukrainian linguistic space and fulfilling European obligations. He stated that the removal of Russian from the list of protected languages is both just and lawful, noting that the language of the aggressor state should not benefit from tools created to support the languages of indigenous peoples and national communities. Stefanchuk also highlighted that while Ukraine respects linguistic and cultural diversity, it must eliminate opportunities for continued imperial influence from Russia.

The process leading up to this legislation began earlier than expected. The Verkhovna Rada passed the bill at the beginning of December 2025 after a lengthy procedure. The law aims to clarify the translation of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and excludes Russian along with the non-existent Moldovan language from the ratified law. The European Charter was originally designed to support endangered or disappearing languages spoken by small populations. Countries joining the charter were required to independently determine which languages would fall under its protections.

This change reflects broader efforts by the Ukrainian government to assert control over its linguistic landscape amid ongoing tensions with Russia. By removing Russian from the list of protected languages, Ukraine seeks to reinforce its national identity and reduce the influence of a language historically associated with Russian imperialism. The decision aligns with the country's commitment to preserving its linguistic heritage and ensuring that minority languages receive appropriate recognition without granting undue privileges to languages perceived as threats to national unity.

As the implications of this law unfold, it remains to be seen how it will affect the use and teaching of Russian in Ukraine. While some may view this as a step towards greater linguistic sovereignty, others might see it as a potential challenge to the rights of Russian-speaking citizens. The government’s stance appears clear, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the Ukrainian language and culture against external influences. Moving forward, the focus will likely remain on implementing this policy effectively while addressing concerns about the impact on linguistic minorities within the country.