Banning Russian music on streaming services: Shmygal responds to petition
6 March 2025 05:14
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has responded to a petition to block Russian-language songs from streaming platforms in Ukraine. This is stated on the website of the Cabinet of Ministers, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
In his response, the Prime Minister noted that there are currently no legal grounds in international law, Ukrainian legislation, or the broadcasting rules of foreign platforms to ban music on the basis of language.
However, he acknowledged that for the sake of Ukraine’s information and national security, legislation needs to be improved to restrict the free distribution of Russian content. In Europe, the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act are in place to do this. The Cabinet of Ministers is working on creating their Ukrainian counterparts.
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Shmyhal instructed the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, and the Ministry of Justice to further study the issue of blocking Russian-language music and inform the authors of the petition about it.
Petition to ban Russian-language music on streaming platforms
The author of the petition asked to block songs in Russian, regardless of the nationality of the performer, explaining that in a full-scale war, “Russian-language music can carry ideas and messages that harm Ukrainian identity and form a negative attitude towards our country.”
In addition, by listening to Russian-language music on streaming platforms, Ukrainians contribute to the financing of Russian aggression, and the spread of propaganda and disinformation. The ban on Russian-language music will help popularize Ukrainian music, protect young people, and shape cultural values.
The Cabinet of Ministers was proposed to introduce requirements for streaming platforms regarding their content in Ukraine or to oblige them through regulatory bodies not to provide access to Russian-language music.
The petition gathered the required 25 thousand votes in four days out of 90 needed.
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