Blocking content solely based on language contradicts European community principles. However, media products linked to “Russian world” propaganda or justifying Russian aggression against Ukraine could be subject to sanctions.
MP Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech, said this in comments to Ukrinform in response to a petition on the Ukrainian government’s website advocating for the removal of Russian-language songs from streaming platforms in Ukraine.
“First and foremost, we must understand that blocking content based on language contradicts any European community approach. We can block content based on secondary factors. For example, if it was created by artists who justify aggression or produced with the support of the aggressor state. Indeed, the European regulatory framework — the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act — provides mechanisms for regulation, but not based on language format. However, if we have clear arguments that this is ‘Russian world’ propaganda, an ideology that has been deemed illegal in Ukraine and contributed to aggression against us, then it is entirely possible,” Yurchyshyn said.
He also said that some Russian-language content is created within Ukraine. “This is a personal choice — what linguistic resources people use, and the state should not interfere in this,” he said.
The MP stressed that Ukraine must adapt all European regulations as part of its EU membership.
“Our task is to ensure that these regulations apply not only in Ukraine but that Ukraine can also utilize the protective mechanisms operating in Europe. These mechanisms only take effect once we become a member. Just because we adopt and implement them internally does not mean they will automatically extend to Ukraine. That is a separate area of work,” he said.
Yurchyshyn added that as a country at war, Ukraine has the right to develop its own restrictions to protect its information space, regardless of European experience.
Earlier, the Ukrainian government responded to a petition from February 17, 2025, seeking a ban on Russian-language songs on streaming platforms. The response clarified that neither international law nor Ukrainian legislation provides legal grounds for restricting music based on language.
2025-03-06 19:00:00 ,
