Kharkiv mayor comments on commissioner's decision to fine him over public use of Russian

The New Voice of Ukraine
·1 min read
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Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov

Terekhov was responding to a fine levied against him by Ukraine’s Language Ombudsman, which oversees the use of Ukrainian in government functions. The fine, amounting to UAH 3,400 ($92), was applied after the Kharkiv official made an official appearance using Russian – contravening existing regulations on government officials, who are required to stick to the language of government, Ukrainian, when acting officially.

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"I believe that today we have completely different issues,” Terekhov said.

“I believe that the most important thing for us today is victory. Officially, I will speak Ukrainian. As for my communication with Kharkiv citizens, I will speak Russian.”

He did not specify whether he would pay the fine for violating the language law. Terekhov has until Dec. 4 to appeal the decision.

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