Odesa, Ukraine’s third-largest city and a region where many people speak Russian, is considering a proposal to ban the Russian language in public spaces, including music, literature, streets, parks, public institutions, and state-run arts and entertainment venues. The proposal, currently under review by local councillors, would also suggest limiting Russian-language content in privately owned spaces, though it would not stop people from using Russian in private conversations. This move comes amid ongoing tensions with Russia, which has frequently targeted Odesa with drone and missile attacks. Odesa is a city where Russian is widely spoken, even though Ukrainian is the only official language and is used by the majority of residents. Some view Russian as a tool of Russian influence, while others argue that it is an important part of Ukrainian culture and history. The proposed ban would include removing Russian-language books from public library displays and banning the use of old Odesa songs, which are popular across the former Soviet Union. This has sparked debate about the role of language in shaping identity and national unity. Odesa lawyer Artem Kartashov, who has advised local authorities on a program to "decolonise" the city's Russian heritage, argues that Russian is a weapon of Russian influence and that banning it is necessary to protect Ukrainian identity, especially among young people. In contrast, comic actor Borys Barsky, a well-known entertainer in Odesa, argues that Russian is not only the language of Russian President Vladimir Putin but also of famous writers like Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Mikhail Bulgakov. He questions whether such language restrictions truly benefit people who love Ukraine but speak different languages. The proposed language restrictions have led to fines for some businesses in Odesa. For example, Barsky’s Mask Theatre was fined for using Russian in publicity materials, and a later inspection found additional violations, such as a cafe sign using the Russian word for coffee. Barsky argues that the restrictions are excessive, calling the situation “not even like Orwell or Kafka, it's just madness.” Meanwhile, Odesa’s state-appointed language ombudswoman, Anna Nerush, believes the restrictions could encourage businesses to follow the rules, as they often need permits for advertising. However, she acknowledged that hearing Russian in public might be distressing for some people, such as former prisoners of war or those from occupied territories. In recent years, many native Russian-speakers in Ukraine have shifted to using Ukrainian, especially after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Photographer Natalia Mykhailenko, who leads tours highlighting non-Russian elements of Odesa’s history, argues that language laws are essential for Ukraine’s future, even if they are not always democratic. Anthropologist Anastasia Piliavsky, part of a group called Ukrainian Cosmopolis, believes that Russian-speakers are being treated as second-class citizens and that the issue is not about language but about freedom. The support for the new language proposal remains uncertain, with opposition from a group of influential councillors linked to former mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov. A 2022 national poll showed 80% support for Ukrainian to dominate all areas of public life, while a more recent survey of Kyiv students found that 82% chose to speak Russian during breaks, even though Ukrainian is required in classrooms. Physics teacher Pavlo Viktor, whose online lessons have been followed by millions, initially faced criticism for using Russian in his videos and for suggesting he would speak Russian to children during missile attacks if that was their preference. Viktor argues that the transition to Ukrainian should be polite and gradual, aiming to create an environment where people want to switch to Ukrainian rather than being forced to.