On November 2, 2026, during clashes in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka, the head of the President's Office Kyrylo Budanov communicated with protesters in Russian. This fact sparked outrage and active discussions on social media. As a result, Budanov acknowledged his violation of the language law and is required to pay a fine.
Fine Amount and Payment Terms
The Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language Olena Ivanovska announced that the fine for Budanov would range from 3,400 to 6,800 hryvnias. According to her, the head of the President's Office has already acknowledged the violation and committed to paying the fine within the established deadlines.
Context of the Incident
The incident occurred during high-profile events near the deployment site of the National Guard in Kyiv region. While communicating with people, Budanov switched to the Russian language, which drew criticism from the public. Ivanovska stated that he should not be an exception in the enforcement of the language law.
Public Reaction
The use of the Russian language by a high-ranking official triggered active discussions on social media, where users expressed their outrage. Many believe that such actions contradict the principles of protecting the Ukrainian language and culture. This highlights the importance of adhering to language legislation, especially in public speeches.