28 October 2026
(PHOTO: Intent)
At its session on October 28, the Odessa City Council did not support a draft resolution calling for a moratorium on the public use of Russian-language cultural products in Odessa. Following this, shouts of “Shame!” rang out in the chamber.
This was reported in the broadcastof the special session, which was hosted by Intent.
The draft resolution was initiated by Councilwoman Olga Kvasnitskaya. The document called for a temporary ban on the public use of Russian-language cultural content in places accessible to the general public. This specifically referred to the performance of music, the screening of films and theatrical productions, as well as the public display of literature.
Anna Nerush, a representative of the language ombudswoman, explained that the moratorium does not apply to private communication. According to her, it was intended to help limit the use of Russian songs and other cultural products in public places.
Nerush also noted that artists and business representatives sometimes justify the use of Russian-language content by citing the absence of a local moratorium. She said that similar measures are already in place in Kyiv and other cities.
Deputy Anastasia Bolshvedvorova noted that the Ukrainian language has become more prevalent in Odesa, calling this a wonderful development. At the same time, in her opinion, the draft lacks an enforcement mechanism. It is unclear who will respond to violations, who will impose sanctions, and on what grounds.
Bolshvedvorova also pointed out that the necessary prohibitions already exist in the law. The draft, she said, merely makes recommendations to businesses, so a moratorium would not change anything.
Inna Popovska, director of the city council’s legal department, agreed with her. According to her, the city council’s lawyers have reached the same conclusion. All prohibitions are already provided for by law, and if the law has overlooked something, it must be amended. The city council’s decision will be political in nature, and the police, just as they would without a moratorium, will be unable to respond to reports. Lawyers believe that it will not produce the desired result.
Councilmember Roman Sennik said that the Ukrainian language does indeed need to be promoted. However, he called the moratorium a populist issue, since Ukraine already has a number of laws in place to protect the state language. Sennik stated that he would vote “in favor,” but proposed renaming the document a “declaration of intent.”
MP Andriy Vagapov also promised to support the moratorium. At the same time, in his opinion, the document duplicates existing legislation, and 90% of the moratorium is populism. He also noted that Kvasnytska did not use Russian narratives about Odesa as a Russian city very effectively.
Zhanna Mandrychenko raised another point. According to her, the Verkhovna Rada is currently amending laws related to Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. All the issues raised by the moratorium are already being considered by parliament.
Kvasnytska said she was surprised at how her colleagues were dismissing the work she had done with the community. She asked how many more missiles it would take to realize that language matters. At that moment, a commotion broke out in the chamber. The lawmaker was outraged that she was being interrupted.
According to her, there are gray areas in the law. It does not explicitly ban Russian-language content in public spaces. The bill, she explained, is not a mechanism but a foundation. The mechanism must be developed by the executive committee through permits and approvals.
Igor Koval, the acting mayor of Odesa, asked that the rules for speaking be followed.
Bolshvedvorova stated that she supports Kvasnytska. However, she reminded her that, as a lawyer, Kvasnytska should understand that mechanisms are legal matters. Bolshedvorova then suggested that she appeal to the president to ban the Russian language in Odesa altogether. Her words sounded somewhat sarcastic.
Deputy Kutsenko pointed out that during Kvasnytska’s speech, she was given more time than the deputies from “Trust the Deeds.” She suggested that the reason was that Kvasnytska is a fellow party member of Koval. He replied that he is an independent.
In the end, the Odesa City Council did not support the introduction of a moratorium. Eighteen council members voted in favor of the draft resolution, two abstained, and another 21 did not vote. The document did not receive the required number of votes. After the results were announced, shouts of “Shame!” rang out in the chamber.
Ірина Глухова