Do you speak Russian in Ukraine?

As an expert in linguistics and sociolinguistics, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question about the use of Russian in Ukraine. It's important to understand that language is not just a means of communication but also a significant part of a country's culture and identity. The situation with language in Ukraine is complex and multifaceted, influenced by historical, political, and social factors. Historical Context: Ukraine has a long history of being influenced by various powers, including the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Russian Empire. This has led to a linguistic landscape where multiple languages have been spoken over the centuries. Following the Soviet Union's annexation of Western Ukraine in 1939 and the subsequent incorporation of the entire country into the USSR, Russian became the lingua franca due to the Soviet policy of Russification. Post-Soviet Era: After Ukraine gained independence in 1991, the status of the Russian language has been a subject of debate. The constitution of Ukraine designates Ukrainian as the only official state language. However, due to historical reasons and the fact that a significant portion of the population is either native Russian speakers or bilingual, Russian continues to be widely spoken and understood, especially in urban areas and among the older generation. Linguistic Statistics: According to the information you provided, Ukrainian is the native language of 67.5% of the population, which includes speakers of Surzhyk—a mix of Ukrainian and Russian. Russian is the native language for 29.6%, and other languages make up the remaining 2.9%. These statistics indicate the prevalence of both Ukrainian and Russian in the country. Current Sociopolitical Climate: The use of the Russian language in Ukraine has been a sensitive issue, especially following the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia and the ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of Ukraine. There has been a push to promote the use of Ukrainian and to reduce the dominance of Russian in public life. This has led to a decrease in the use of Russian in official and educational settings, although it remains prevalent in informal communication. Language and Identity: Language is closely tied to national identity, and the choice to speak Russian or Ukrainian can be seen as a political statement. For some Ukrainians, especially in the western regions, speaking Ukrainian is a way to assert their national identity and distance themselves from Russian influence. Conversely, in the eastern regions and among the Russian-speaking population, the use of Russian may be a matter of comfort, cultural heritage, or a practical choice due to its widespread use. Education and Media: In educational institutions, there has been a shift towards Ukrainian as the medium of instruction, although Russian-language schools still exist. Media outlets operate in both languages, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the population. Conclusion: The use of Russian in Ukraine is a complex issue that reflects the country's history, politics, and cultural identity. While Ukrainian is the official language, Russian continues to be widely spoken and understood. The situation is evolving, with efforts to promote Ukrainian and reduce Russian's dominance, especially in official and public spheres. It's crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity and an understanding of the broader sociopolitical context.

The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian, an East Slavic language which is the native language of 67.5% of Ukraine's population (including Surzhyk). Russian is the native language of 29.6% of Ukraine's population (mostly urban areas) and the rest (2.9%) are native speakers of other languages.