The Language Ombudsman issued a statement calling for higher fines for the use of Russian
Olena Ivanovska, the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, supported the idea of significantly increasing financial penalties for repeat violators of language laws.
In an interview with Lb.ua, the official emphasized that current administrative penalties have proven ineffective in combating those who systematically ignore the use of the Ukrainian language.
As of today, the first violation of language regulations carries a fine of 3,400 to 5,100 UAH, and a repeat violation carries a fine of 8,500 to 11,900 UAH.
During a conversation with a journalist, the ombudswoman agreed that it makes sense to increase the fine by a factor of 10, but noted that “a significant increase in fines should be applied to repeat offenders.”
Such radical steps are intended to encourage businesses and officials to adhere more strictly to existing regulations.
The relevant agency has already developed a package of legislative initiatives for consideration by parliament.
According to Ivanovska, proposals to increase fines have already been prepared, and the changes are to be incorporated into the Code of Administrative Offenses.
“In the annual report, I insist on radical changes,” the ombudswoman emphasized.
The new rules are expected to make non-compliance financially burdensome.
The Ombudsman is convinced that the initial stage of enforcement should remain lenient toward citizens who have made a mistake unintentionally. She believes that a warning should serve only as a chance for those who have broken the law by accident.
“For those who violate the law systematically, sanctions must be such that ignoring the Ukrainian language becomes economically impossible,” Ivanovska stated.
Nearly 40% of Ukrainians support teaching Russian in schools
The Rada removed Russian from the list of languages requiring special protection
