Instead of Kremen: The Cabinet of Ministers is considering actor Zavalsky for the post of language ombudsman
20 June 2025 18:42
The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine has nominated actor Oleksandr Zavalsky for the post of Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language. This was reported by Ukrayinska Pravda (UP), citing its own sources in the government, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to them, the appointment was initiated by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
According to the procedure, it is the Ministry of Justice that submits a candidate for government approval. However, according to UP’s sources, Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna does not know Zavalsky personally.
Oleksandr Zavalskyi is an actor and TV presenter known as a supporter of the so-called “gentle Ukrainization”. In April 2025, he openly supported the artist Andriy Danylko in a public conflict over the language issue that arose around his stage character Verka Serdyuchka. Zavalsky then called for a tolerant attitude toward those who gradually switch to Ukrainian and spoke out against “linguistic aggression.”
However, the actor’s candidacy has caused concern among some experts and the public. According to representatives of a number of cultural and human rights organizations, Zavalsky has no professional experience in language policy, jurisprudence, or protection of citizens’ rights in the language issue.
Search for a candidate for the position of language ombudsman: context
In April 2025, more than 30 civil society organizations appealed to the authorities about an attempt by the President’s Office to weaken the institution of the language ombudsman. At the time, the potential candidates were mostly public figures not involved in language rights protection.
In particular, the initiators recalled that on April 25, 2019, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Law “On Ensuring the Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as the State Language.” The document became one of the key steps in shaping the language policy of independent Ukraine and enshrined the status of the Ukrainian language as mandatory in all public spheres of life, from education and media to services and public administration.
Over the six years of its operation, the law has had a significant impact on strengthening civic consciousness, national identity, and asserting the language rights of Ukrainians. It laid down institutional mechanisms that ensure not only the formal status of the Ukrainian language, but also its practical application in everyday life.
One of the main tools for implementing this law was the introduction of the position of the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language. In July 2020, Taras Kremin, one of the co-authors of the language law, was appointed to this position. During his tenure, the institution has become an active participant in language policy, not only responding to violations but also conducting educational and analytical work within the state and abroad.
However, on July 8, 2025, the term of office of the current Commissioner expires. The law requires that three months before this date, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications, and the Ombudsperson submit to the government an agreed candidate for the next term. This process reportedly took place behind the scenes: individuals were nominated who, although they have a background in culture, including folklore and ethnography, have no experience in human rights or language activities.
This approach has caused concern among the professional community. According to experts and civil society organizations, an attempt to appoint a person without relevant experience to a responsible position may have negative consequences for the state language policy, especially in times of war. Moreover, they point to the possible political influence of the President’s Office in order to appoint a “convenient” candidate who is not able to effectively respond to challenges in the field of language protection.
In this context, the figure of Taras Kremin, who has already proved his efficiency, independence and competence, is once again relevant. According to the law, he is eligible to be reappointed.
The authors of the public appeal call on the government to consider only those candidates who fully meet the requirements of the law, have experience in language protection, and are able to act independently of the influence of political forces. They also emphasize that language policy should not become a bargaining chip in political games – its weakening plays into the hands of the enemy and undermines the fundamental principles of Ukrainian statehood.
Read also: Ombudsman announces monitoring of content language on YouTube and TikTok
Taras Kremin comments on the situation
The current language ombudsman, Taras Kremin, who has been in office since 2020, has publicly declared his readiness to continue his work. However, according to him, there are no negotiations with him regarding his reappointment.
The final decision on the appointment of a new commissioner is made by the Cabinet of Ministers. So far, the date of consideration of Zavalsky’s candidacy has not been officially announced.
What Oleksandr Zavalsky says himself
On Friday, June 20, Oleksandr Zavalsky posted a post on his Facebook page in which he commented on his possible appointment as the language ombudsman.
Well, you can’t hide the truth in a bag. Since reputable publications have already written that I, like three other candidates, have been nominated for the post of Commissioner for the Protection of the Ukrainian Language, I have to react and express my personal position,” Zavalsky wrote.
He emphasized that he stands for a good restoration of the status of the Ukrainian language, which at the same time does not cancel the fundamental state policy of Ukrainianization.
“I will not deny that there are many positive changes, but… As always, there is one “but”: it is very difficult to reverse the trend! After all, there are those among children and adults who still speak Russian, in various institutions one can also hear the Russian language, and the language of the invader is often heard on television. Yes, some people are fined, some are punished, but this does not always evoke a positive response from Ukrainians themselves. Unfortunately, the state machine, laws and punishments alone cannot change the situation,” Zavalsky emphasized.
The actor and teacher also voiced his own step-by-step plan to improve the language situation in Ukraine. It includes the following:
- approach the problem scientifically, methodologically and practically. According to him, Zavalsky has already talked to researchers from a sociological company. And they have prepared a research plan that will provide a scientific basis for the work on Ukrainization;
- identify the causes of Russian-speaking;
- plan measures to restore the status of the Ukrainian language.
Oleksandr Zavalsky emphasized that all the measures he proposed would not require any state budget expenditures.
Artists, philologists, and activists agree with my opinion. Many of them believe that the situation in the language sphere cannot be improved by continuing the old policy. Changes are needed,” he said.
Zavalsky also emphasized that his appointment to the post of language ombudsman has not yet taken place. But he continues to fight for the Ukrainian language, regardless of his position or place of work.
Teacher, actor, director: what is known about Oleksandr Zavalsky
Oleksandr Zavalskyi is a Ukrainian actor, director, teacher, and specialist in stage speech who has been active in the field of culture, theater, and media for over 30 years. He was born on November 3, 1957 in Kyiv. In 1983, he graduated from the Karpenko-Kary Kyiv State Institute of Theater Arts, specializing in drama and film.
After graduation, Zavalsky began teaching at his native university. Since 1988, he has been working at the Department of Stage Speech at KNUTKiT, where he has been an associate professor since 2003. He has also taught at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts, the Drahomanov Kyiv Pedagogical University, and conducted trainings for journalists, politicians, clergy, museum and school staff, including at the National Taras Shevchenko Museum and the Glas TV and Radio Company.
Zavalsky’s career includes work in several theaters, including the Kyiv Puppet Theater, the Pylypenko New Experimental Theater, and the Eli Theater. He has extensive experience in dubbing: he has voiced over 20 thousand roles in feature films, TV series, animation, and news. In particular, his voice has been used for characters in Disney films and numerous television programs.
From 1985 to 1997, Zavalsky was the host of the radio programs Field Mail, Solace, and Our Zone of Concern. In 2003-2014, he hosted his own programs on the Glas TV channel, including the programs Compass and World of Orthodoxy. He is also a long-time host of sports competitions, including gymnastics tournaments.
In 2018, Oleksandr Zavalsky was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine for his significant contribution to the development of theater and stage art. In 2023, the artist was awarded the Order of St. Prince Volodymyr, III degree, by the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
Today, Zavalsky is considered one of the leading experts in the field of broadcasting culture in Ukraine. His experience and methods of teaching stage speech are in demand among representatives of various fields: from actors and journalists to civil servants.
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