Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed legislation removing protected status for the Russian language within Ukraine. This move comes as the country continues to face ongoing conflict and what it terms Russian terror, now exceeding four years. Previous peace talks have yielded limited results, and fighting persists. The new law signifies a further distancing of Ukraine from Russia and its cultural influence. Supporters of the legislation argue it is a necessary step to decolonize Ukrainian society and strengthen national identity. Critics, however, suggest it could further marginalize Russian-speaking populations within Ukraine. The legislation’s implementation and potential ramifications are currently unfolding as the war continues.