Fine of up to UAH 5,100: Language Ombudsman commented on the incident with a taxi driver in Kharkiv

In Kharkiv, a taxi driver rudely refused to serve a passenger in Ukrainian and ignored a request to turn off Russian music. During the conversation, he also spoke out in support of “oppression of Russian-speakers.”

The Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, Olena Ivanovska, reported on this incident. She noted that the man will be held accountable because he violated Article 36 of the Law of Ukraine “On Ensuring the Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as the State Language,” which obliges all services in the field of transport to be provided in the state language.

“The video posted online and the citizen’s statement contain a whole ‘bouquet’ of violations. In addition to refusing to serve in Ukraine and turning off Russian music, the taxi driver expressed views that can be interpreted as propaganda. I have decided to initiate state control. We are also preparing an appeal to the National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine to take the necessary measures,” Ivanovska emphasized.

She also reported that, according to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, a fine of 3,400 to 5,100 hryvnias may be imposed for such actions.

The language ombudsman called on taxi services to pay attention to the knowledge of the state language among drivers and to promptly respond to passenger complaints.