Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed legislation removing the protected status of the Russian language within the country. This move comes despite Russian remaining widely spoken by a significant portion of the Ukrainian population. The law’s enactment follows a noted decline in Russian language use since the start of the Russian invasion. Previously, Russian enjoyed official use in certain regions and contexts. Supporters of the legislation argue it strengthens Ukrainian language and culture, while critics express concerns about the rights of Russian-speaking citizens. The change reflects Ukraine’s broader efforts to distance itself from Russia following the February 2022 invasion. The full impact of the law on everyday life remains to be seen.