In its latest step of ‘derussification,’ Ukraine has banned Russian music in media and public spaces. On Sunday, Ukraine banned Russian music from being played or performed on television, radio, schools, public transport, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, and other public spaces. The proposal received 303 votes from the 450 parliamentarians.
According to the bill approved in the Ukrainian parliament, the ban will apply to all Russian music and music created or performed by artists who were Russian citizens after 1991. However, the bill allows an exemption from the ban for artists who have condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Oleksandr Tkachenko, Ukraine’s culture minister, was “glad to welcome” the new regulations.
“The laws are designed to help Ukrainian authors share quality content with the widest possible audience, which after the Russian invasion do not accept any Russian creative product on a physical level,” Oleksandr Tkachenko said.
According to the document, the ban will “minimize the risks of possible hostile propaganda through music in Ukraine and increase the volume of national music products in the cultural space.”
Ukraine says the new rules are another step necessary to undo policies aimed at crushing Ukrainian identity.
