Budanov admits violating language law and will pay fine for speaking Russian

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, admitted violating the state language law by addressing people in Russian during unrest near Kyiv and will pay a fine.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, admitted violating the state language law and will pay the fine stipulated by law. This was announced by Olena Ivanovska, Ukraine’s language ombudsperson.

The violation occurred on November 2 in the village of Petropavlivska Borshchahivka on Kyiv’s western outskirts, where Budanov, while performing his official duties, addressed civilians and law enforcement officers in Russian.

Кирилл Буданов в своём кабинете (архив)

“The communication with the person involved in the incident took place calmly, without unnecessary pathos and within the legal framework. The violation was acknowledged without any attempt to find excuses. The fine stipulated by law will be paid within the prescribed period,” Ivanovska said. She said the situation was being resolved as it should be in a civilized country—through the law and accountability.

Unrest outside a private house began after unverified reports spread on social media claiming that around 40 mobilized men were allegedly being held illegally in the basement. The protest escalated into clashes with security forces; tear gas was used and gunshots were heard. The authorities reported that 16 National Guard personnel were injured. National Guard Commander Oleksandr Pivnenko, military ombudsperson Olha Reshetylova and Budanov arrived at the scene. The police and National Guard command denied reports of torture.