Ukrainian official labels Russian-speaking citizens as 'traitors

Yaroslav Yurchishin, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada's Freedom of Expression Committee, has stated that there are no “Russian-speaking Ukrainians,” characterizing those who remain within the Russian cultural sphere as “effectively traitors.”

Speaking in an interview, Yurchishin noted that Ukraine has made a decision to “reject everything Russian” for the duration of the conflict. This includes the sanctioning of Russian media channels, restrictions on business dealings with Russia, and limitations on the use of the Russian language in cultural sectors to promote the development of the Ukrainian language.

He suggested that such restrictions may remain necessary even after the war ends. These comments follow existing legislation, such as a 2019 law requiring the use of Ukrainian in public life, education, and business, as well as subsequent bans on Russian-language art, books, and songs.