Russian music should be limited as much as possible - language ombudsman

Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language Olena Ivanovska has said that she believes that blocking Russian music on popular streaming platforms is a necessary step to protect the cultural space of Ukraine.

"My position is unequivocal. The spread of such content in Ukraine today is not just a paradox, but actually a challenge to national security and cultural identity. Russian music, especially that created or supported by individuals who openly approve of Russia's aggressive policy, should be limited as much as possible in our information spaces," Ivanovska said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine, answering questions about blocking Russian music on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music and other platforms.

In her opinion, the most effective way in this matter is to appeal to monopolists and large global platforms with a clear position based on Ukrainian legislation.

"In particular, Article 15 of the Law On Culture directly stipulates the impossibility of performing songs and other cultural products by Russian citizens or those who support the aggressive policy of the aggressor state. It is on this legislative basis that we can rely, demanding that streaming platforms comply with our national interests," she added.

In addition, she believes that it is important that such initiatives are supported at the level of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) and other state bodies, which will give them weight and official status, which in turn will increase the chances of successful implementation of the relevant restrictions.

"A working group has already been created under the Directorate for Internal and Humanitarian Policy of the Ukrainian People's Republic, where we participate. I believe that blocking Russian music on popular platforms is a necessary step to protect the cultural space of Ukraine. 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, evoking understanding and support from both Ukrainian citizens and the international community," the ombudswoman said.

As for Russian-language songs by Ukrainian performers, Ivanovska noted that this is a delicate and difficult issue, since currently the current language legislation does not provide for sanctions or restrictions on a creative product created in a language such as Russian, even if these are songs by Ukrainian artists.

"At the same time, we see a strong public demand for strengthening linguistic identity in the sphere of culture. Calls for support for the Ukrainian language in music and art in general are increasingly heard on social networks and in public discussions. Many believe that even the work of Ukrainian performers should be as Ukrainian as possible, especially at this critical time for the country, when language is a symbol of resistance and national unity. In view of this, there are grounds to consider the possibility of making appropriate changes to the legislation," she added.

In particular, she said that the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian Policy is currently preparing amendments to the language legislation for consideration, and this opens a window of opportunity for discussing and implementing new norms that could regulate the issue of using the Russian language in the work of Ukrainian artists.

"Relying on the civic initiative, we can actively participate in this process - formulate proposals, conduct discussions, discuss these issues with experts, legislators and society. It is important that this be done with an understanding of cultural specificity, freedom of creativity and at the same time in the context of protecting the Ukrainian language as the main symbol of our statehood," the language ombudsman emphasized.

As reported, on February 19, a petition on the website of the Cabinet of Ministers calling for blocking songs in Russian on streaming platforms in Ukraine gained the necessary number of votes for consideration. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, in response to the petition, noted that international law, Ukrainian legislation and the broadcasting rules of foreign platforms do not have legal grounds for banning or restricting a musical product on the basis of language.