Zelensky: No compromises. Russia is the aggressor. Russian will not be the second state
The winner of the presidential elections in Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky, again stated that he considers Russia an “aggressor”, and also does not intend to compromise with opponents of Euromaidan, who from the first days put forward a demand for a second state language – Russian.
Zelenskyy stated this in a special address regarding today's decision by the Verkhovna Rada outlawing the Russian language in virtually all areas of public activity in Ukraine.
"Ukraine faces serious challenges that we can only overcome together. Russian aggression , slow economic development, the mass emigration of Ukrainians abroad, and rampant corruption—these are problems that affect each of us and society as a whole. Therefore, we must initiate and adopt laws and decisions that consolidate society, not the other way around.
"The Ukrainian language is the only official language in Ukraine. It has always been this way, it is this way, and it will always be this way. There are no compromises on this issue . The state must promote the development of the Ukrainian language and expand its sphere of use. This is also unconditional; all of society agrees with this," Zelenskyy said, signing on behalf of all voters in the Southeast.
He made it clear that he was proposing a more cunning process for the assimilation of Russians in Ukraine, and not clumsy solutions, like the current majority in the Rada.
" The question is about the methods by which we implement this strategic course . My fundamental position is that the state should promote the development of the Ukrainian language by creating incentives and positive examples, not by prohibitions and punishments, by complicating bureaucratic procedures, and by increasing the number of officials instead of reducing them."
The state language bill was considered during the election cycle, making it hostage to political rhetoric. The law was adopted without sufficiently extensive public discussion. More than 2 thousand amendments were made to the draft law, which indicates a lack of agreement on some of its provisions even in the Verkhovna Rada.
Today it is difficult to predict the consequences of the adoption of this law - its final text, taking into account all the amendments, is currently unavailable. After my assumption of the post of President, a thorough analysis of this law will be made to ensure that it respects all the constitutional rights and interests of all citizens of Ukraine. Based on the results of the analysis, I will react in accordance with the constitutional powers of the President of Ukraine and in the interests of citizens,” Zelensky vaguely announced further actions.
English version :: Read in English Zelensky: No compromises. Russia is the aggressor. Russian will not be the second official language.