Last Updated on June 20, 2022
Ukraine’s parliament voted to ban certain Russian books and music in attempts to rid the nation of Russian culture and influence.
In a vote which passed Sunday, the sale and production of certain books are now severely limited. Post-1991 Russian citizens are not allowed to print books in Ukraine unless they give up their Russian passports and become Ukrainian citizens. The ban is targeted at authors who were still Russian citizens after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
Also, books printed in Russia and Belarus are not allowed to be imported into Ukraine. This law established a new requirement that requires special permission for the importation of books from any other country as well.
Media outlets and public transportation are also not allowed to play music made by post-1991 Russian citizens.
However, Russian music artists can apply to get an exemption from the ban if they condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As BBC reported, the artists seeking exemptions “must state that they support the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine, call on Russia to immediately stop its aggression against Ukraine, and undertake to refrain from any steps that contradict these written statements.”
This new law also made it mandatory that radio and TV stations broadcast more content produced by Ukrainians. 40% of songs on the radio must be Ukrainian and 75% of actors on Ukrainian broadcasts must be Ukrainian.
“The laws are designed to help Ukrainian authors share quality content with the widest possible audience, which after the Russian invasion do not accept any Russian creative product on a physical level,” Ukraine Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko said.
These “derussification” laws will be fully in effect after Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky signs them.
Stay tuned to National File for any updates.
