The Ukrainian city of Odessa, one of the country's largest centers and with an overwhelming Russian-speaking majority, is expected to decide this week whether to approve a controversial proposal to ban the use of the Russian language in art and public spaces.

The initiative aims to expand existing restrictions on the Russian language, imposed through Ukrainian national legislation. If adopted, it would ban Russian-language content in music and literature on the streets, in parks, in public institutions, as well as in state-owned art and entertainment venues. The local council would also recommend similar restrictions in private spaces.

However, the daily use of Russian by citizens would not be banned. The move has sparked strong reactions in a city with a rich cultural heritage in the Russian language and where the language continues to be widely used.

According to supporters of the initiative, the restriction of the Russian language is part of the process of “decolonizing” Odessa and protecting Ukrainian identity. Lawyer Artem Kartashov, who has advised local authorities on the program, considers Russian an instrument of Moscow’s influence, especially among young people.

The proposal also foresees the removal of Russian-language books from display in public libraries. Old Odessa songs, widely known in the countries of the former Soviet Union, will also be played in public spaces.

Opponents of the measure argue that the Russian language cannot be identified only with Vladimir Putin's politics. The famous comedian, Borys Barsky, has sharply criticized the initiative, emphasizing that Russian is also the language of great literary authors.

The debate comes at a time when Odessa is under constant attack from Russian drones and missiles. For millions of Ukrainians, Russian remains the first language, including many of the soldiers fighting against Russia.

Ukrainian is the only state language in Ukraine, and a 2019 law requires its use in a range of public and professional areas, including education, public services and customer communications. Employees must initially address citizens in Ukrainian, but can switch to Russian if the customer requests it.