Зеленский оговорился на Русском. Языковой скандал в Украине: Хоронить только на УКРАИНСКОМ языке

Summary

The video opens with host Alexander Shelest commenting on what he describes as Zelensky’s apparent slip into Russian during a recent interview. It then turns to a dispute over a military grave in Kropyvnytskyi.

Dispute Over the Memorial Inscription

A Russian-language inscription on the monument to Ukrainian volunteer Ivan Petukhov has prompted objections. The grave is in the Far Eastern Cemetery’s Alley of Honourable Burials, which has about 860 graves. According to the report, Petukhov’s is the only monument in the alley with Russian inscriptions.

Inga Dudnik, whose daughter was killed in the war, says using Russian on a memorial to people killed by Russian forces is painful and inappropriate. She has prepared a petition asking the city to review the monument, replace its Russian-language elements, and establish a Ukrainian-language standard for the alley.

Petukhov’s mother, Ella, says the inscription reflects her son’s own identity. He was Russian-speaking, volunteered to defend Ukraine, and continued speaking Russian while serving. She disputes that there is a legal requirement to change the inscription.

Other bereaved relatives express differing views. One says she spoke Russian before joining the Armed Forces but used Ukrainian at positions so wounded comrades would recognize her as one of their own. Another supports Ukrainian-only inscriptions under the rules for the burial site while acknowledging the family’s grief.

Official Response

A representative of the state-language commissioner says Ukrainian should be used in the burial area because it is a public space managed by local authorities and is therefore covered by the state-language law.

The city council says it will seek guidance from the commissioner and consider whether the rules for the memorial alley need clarification or amendment. Dudnik says the petition is due to be submitted on October 26.

Host’s Commentary

Shelest focuses on the distress caused by the dispute. He criticizes what he sees as pressure on a grieving family over their son’s language and memorial choice, arguing that Petukhov’s service and sacrifice should not be diminished because he spoke Russian.

Presenters and Contributors

• Alexander Shelest, host
• Inga Dudnik
• Ella Petukhova
• Iryna, surname not given
• Zhanna, mother of Farid Lipchenko
• Yelizaveta Sachura, representative of the state-language commissioner
• Serhiy Yakunin, head of the Kropyvnytskyi City Council press service