Zakharova pointed to the linguistic genocide of Russian speakers in Ukraine

The Kiev regime is engaged in a real linguistic genocide, is persecuting the Russian-speaking population, but the Russian language is still in demand in the country. This was stated on February 4 by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova.

Zakharova cited the example of the situation in Lviv, when cafe patrons began to expel a mother and child who spoke Russian from the institution.

"This case once again testifies to the irreconcilable attitude of the apologists of the total Ukrainization of everything and everything in Ukraine. <...> In fact, this is a real linguistic genocide. However, despite all the prohibitions, the great and mighty Russian language continues to exist and is still in demand," she stressed during a briefing.

Zakharova also noted that Ukrainians not only continue to speak Russian, but also still think in it. Opponents of the Russian language cannot yet control the thoughts of citizens, but perhaps in the future they will try to introduce "chipping using artificial intelligence" for this, the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs admitted.

"It is not surprising that people who are particularly susceptible to anti-Russian, anti—Russian propaganda literally turn into chain dogs and actually start attacking those who speak Russian," she concluded.

Verdict: new language disputes have flared up in Ukraine

In Kiev, they complain about the growing popularity of Russian among children and teenagers

Last December, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine recommended that the government develop draft laws aimed at further restricting the use of the Russian language in all spheres of life. The deputies also proposed making the Ukrainian language mandatory for communication in families and raising children.

In November 2025, it became known that Russian was increasingly being spoken in schools in Kiev, despite the policy of local authorities. According to the results of the study, almost a quarter (24%) of teachers communicate in Russian during lessons, and another 40% during recess.

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