War in Ukraine: Ukrainian parliament bans Russian music
Eva Deschamps / June 20, 2022
The Ukrainian parliament has banned music from artists of Russian nationality in public spaces. A bill to this effect was passed on Sunday with a two-thirds majority, MP Jaroslav Sjelesnjak announced on Telegram.
The reasoning of the law states that the musical product of the aggressor can act on the separatist moods of the population. Music from Russia would make Russian identity more attractive and aim to weaken the Ukrainian state, according to this reasoning. Exceptions to the ban apply only to artists who have publicly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The import and distribution of books and other printed products from Russia, Belarus and the occupied territories have also been banned. Since 2016, Russian books have been censored.