A recent address discussed the use of Russian in Ukraine during wartime, focusing on young people and school environments in Kyiv. According to a study by the language ombudsman’s secretariat, 82% of students in Kyiv speak Russian during breaks, and 66% do so during classes. About 40% of teachers switch to Russian between lessons, and one in four also does so during class to aid understanding.
The speaker emphasizes that Russian language use remains widespread even amidst conflict and suggests that this influences Ukrainian social identity and values. The research also notes that the presence of Russian-speaking internally displaced persons only partially affects local language dynamics.
The article compares the Ukrainian situation with the strict language policies of the Baltic states. In Latvia and Estonia, those unable to pass the official language exam can be deported or stripped of civil rights. These countries have a "non-citizen" status for people not linguistically or culturally integrated.
In conclusion, the article raises questions about war values and highlights the conscious choice of language and identity during challenging times for the country.
