The Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language does not support the idea of ​​introducing “language patrols” in Ukraine.

Olena Ivanovska, Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language stated that she does not support the idea of ​​creating “language patrols” in Ukraine.

“I held a number of meetings with representatives of various groups of activists – both moderates and those who advocate decisive actions. I am sincerely grateful to them for their volunteer activities, because their work is a significant support for us, – said Ivanovska.

She explained that some of the submitted initiatives have already been submitted to the specialized committee of the Verkhovna Rada, which is working on changes to the language legislation. At the same time, according to Ivanovska, some of the ideas cannot be implemented at the moment, including the proposal for “language patrols”.

“Personally, I have no idea how to bring such an initiative to society, a large part of which is traumatized by the war. Many people, for various reasons, could not learn the Ukrainian language. At the same time, the state today is forced to focus its main resources on financing the defense sector, so it does not have sufficient opportunities to fully provide language programs. In such conditions, the introduction of control mechanisms, in particular, language patrols, can be perceived as pressure and even cause destabilization. Although part of society is convinced that such decisive measures – in particular, large fines and patrols – could solve all language issues, Ivanovska added.