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'It hinges on international law': Zelensky on peace deal status of UOC MP and Russian language

12.12.2025, 15:56

The status of the Russian language and the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP) will be shaped by European legislation and international law.

President Volodymyr Zelensky made this statement during a conversation with journalists, as reported by Ukrinform.

When pressed about whether Americans back Russia's stance regarding the status of the Russian language and the UOC-MP, Zelensky responded, "In our proposed framework agreement, these 20 points are outlined in accordance with international law. International law is a reality that everyone should acknowledge and is the only means that can unify us all. We've crafted our approach to certain points with the understanding that Ukraine will eventually join the European Union. Thus, our stance on these matters will align with European legislation — adhering to the principles that are foundational to the EU."

Previously, the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, Olena Ivanovska, has indicated that the demands set forth by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for recognizing Russian as an official language and legitimizing the Moscow Patriarchate are completely unacceptable.

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