Odesa council to vote on ban of Russian-language arts in public spaces

Odesa’s municipal council is slated to vote on a proposal that would ban Russian-language music, literature and other artistic works in public institutions, parks and state-run venues, and would urge private businesses to adopt the same restriction. Supporters, including lawyer Artem Kartashov, claim Russian is used by Moscow to undermine Ukrainian identity, especially among youth. Critics such as actor Borys Barsky contend the language belongs to Ukraine’s literary tradition and that the ban primarily benefits Putin.

The plan builds on a 2019 national law requiring Ukrainian in many public interactions and mirrors restrictions already in Kyiv. Language ombudswoman Anna Nerush warned that non-compliance could pressure businesses through licensing requirements. The debate unfolds as Odesa endures daily Russian drone and missile strikes and reflects broader efforts to “decolonise” the city’s Russian legacy.