In times of war, even the languages we use can carry profound symbolism.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been vocal about his decision to avoid speaking Russian publicly, despite being fluent in the language.
This choice reflects not only his personal stance but also the broader sentiment of a nation under attack, according to WP.
A Clear Stance
In an interview with American podcaster Lex Fridman, Zelensky explained his reasoning.
He said that speaking the language of the aggressor, which continues to attack his country daily, feels inappropriate.
“Today alone, there were 73 missile strikes. People died. This is our daily reality,” Zelensky stated.
At the onset of the war, Zelensky addressed Russian citizens in their own language, pleading for peace. However, he saw no meaningful response.
“They are silent. They don’t hear. Some are afraid. The reasons vary,” he explained, adding that he now prioritizes speaking Ukrainian, which holds deep importance for him.
Misconceptions About the Russian Language
During the interview, Fridman asked Zelensky about claims that Russian is banned in Ukraine. Zelensky refuted these assertions, clarifying that there is no legal prohibition on the language.
However, he noted that the war has led to a widespread lack of respect for Russian.
“I don’t respect the leader, the dictator of today’s Russia, or that nation pretending nothing is happening,”
Zelensky remarked. He highlighted the tragic irony that, while claiming to "protect Russian speakers," Russia has killed many in eastern Ukraine.
A study found that since the war began, 62% of Ukrainians have abandoned Russian-language content entirely.
Zelensky has previously addressed Russians directly, urging them to resist conscription, flee, or surrender if sent to the front lines. In a 2022 appeal, he stated,
“Russian commanders do not care about the lives of their people. They just need to fill the empty spots left by those killed, injured, or captured.”
