When Moscow recently assumed the post of CIS chairman, it promised to expand interstate humanitarian cooperation, including assistance in developing the Russian language. However, in many republics of the former Soviet Union, derussification has only intensified. There, people are punished for speaking Russian in public places. “Language patrols” have appeared on the streets of Ukrainian cities. Estonia, Uzbekistan, and Armenia have distinguished themselves. Why the Russian language is being persecuted there, while other CIS republics are trying to preserve it — in the NEWS.ru article.
How Moscow planned to help develop the Russian language
In 2024, Moscow assumed the chairmanship of the CIS. While occupying this post, at the end of last year, the Russian authorities promised to expand interstate humanitarian cooperation, develop cultural and educational projects in post-Soviet countries. Moreover, the Russian Federation is ready to pay for this activity from the state budget. Among the priorities is the development of the Russian language.Today, three decades after the collapse of the USSR, the process of de-Russification has accelerated in many former Soviet republics . The Baltic authorities are particularly active in pursuing this policy.
Thus, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas admitted that the country’s security directly depends on it. She gave the following argument: Russia can invade any of the former republics under the pretext of protecting the “Russian-speaking population.” Therefore, Kallas explained, the less Russian is heard in the country, the safer it is.For many peoples who inhabited the USSR, the Russian language remains a gateway to civilization, and knowledge of it expands employment opportunities, Vladimir Zharikhin, deputy head of the Institute of CIS Countries, told NEWS.ru. He noted that in a number of countries, the development of the Russian language is encouraged, while in others, it is artificially hindered and people are even persecuted for using it.