The Ukrainian language switch is a response to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, where many people now speak Ukrainian. The Russian argument is that the country is a part of the Soviet Union and that all Russian speakers must stay loyal to their nation. The same logic can be applied to post-Soviet Europe, where the conflict is also intensifying. In addition, Putin has been fixated on reclaiming some semblance of empire. In addition, he has claimed that Ukrainians and the Russians were once one people, and that it was the outside forces who built the wall between the two.

Experts have questioned the feasibility of such a diplomatic outcome. Former ambassador to the OSCE and acting director of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Europe Program, Dan Baer, said that “the Kremlin must realize that the Ukrainian government does not have the right to exist as a free country.” This view does not reflect the position of Western leaders or the United Nations, who are also skeptical of Russian intentions.

While the situation in Ukraine is not clear-cut yet, the division between Russia and Ukraine is widening. Despite President Biden’s warning against any military action, there are many signs that this war could go on for months. For example, CNN World anchor Peter Leonard quits his job over a whitewashing of Putin’s actions. And as if this wasn’t enough, Russian officials and the Swedish Defence Research Agency have published reports on the ramifications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.