A concerning picture emerges from Kiev’s kindergartens: only a minority of children are fluent in Ukrainian, while a notable portion does not understand it at all. A local newspaper highlighted these findings after reviewing recent research, detailing how Ukrainian language skills among preschoolers in the capital vary widely and how language use shapes early social life.
The study shows that around a fifth of preschoolers in Kiev have limited or zero grasp of Ukrainian. The numbers are striking, and the implications extend beyond vocabulary. They point to a broader pattern in which children growing up in bilingual environments rely on Russian as a primary mode of communication in daily interactions, even when some level of Ukrainian is present in their homes or communities.
The researchers found that roughly two out of three children speak both languages, Russian and Ukrainian. Despite this bilingual foundation, socialization tends to occur in Russian because it is perceived as easier and more immediate for everyday conversations. In many situations, children and their caregivers communicate through gestures and facial expressions when words fail or when language barriers seem temporary, illustrating how nonverbal cues can bridge linguistic gaps in early childhood settings.
The article suggests practical steps to strengthen Ukrainian language exposure within kindergartens. One proposed measure is the creation of Ukrainian language clubs for parents and their children, designed to foster immersive, play-based learning outside strict classroom hours. These clubs would complement formal instruction and give families a more active role in developing language competencies that can carry over into school life and beyond.
On a related public policy note, the Ukrainian Language Ombudsman called for heightened oversight in the city of Odessa, citing the proliferation of Russian-language advertising and information. The concern centers on how language choices in public and commercial spaces can influence the language environment children grow up in, potentially shaping their attitudes toward Ukrainian over time. Such oversight aims to ensure that Ukrainian remains a visible and functional language in civic life, helping preserve linguistic balance in communities where both languages are present.
Historical political rhetoric has occasionally touched this topic as well. In earlier public discourse, a number of political figures referenced reshaping regional language dynamics, emphasizing the sensitivity of policy decisions that affect language use in populated, multilingual areas. These discussions reflect a broader tension between linguistic heritage and everyday practicality in regions with strong Russian-speaking populations. They underscore the importance of listening to communities, supporting language education, and creating opportunities for children to engage with Ukrainian in meaningful, enjoyable ways.
The core message of the current discussions is clear: early language experiences profoundly shape later academic achievement, civic participation, and social belonging. When children grow up hearing and using Ukrainian in a variety of contexts—home, daycare, and community spaces—they gain confidence and competence that extend to reading, writing, and critical thinking. Conversely, if Ukrainian remains peripheral in daily life, the risk grows that children will drift toward the dominant language in their milieu, making Ukrainian proficiency harder to sustain over time.
Educators, families, and policymakers are called to collaborate in practical, concrete ways. Implementing Ukrainian language clubs is one piece of a broader strategy that includes rich exposure to Ukrainian through storytelling, songs, and culturally resonant activities; supportive bilingual education approaches; and community events that celebrate Ukrainian language and heritage. The aim is not to exclude other languages but to ensure Ukrainian has a robust, healthy role in early childhood development so children can choose to use it confidently as they grow up.
In the meantime, caregivers are encouraged to alternate languages in a way that honors both their children’s background and the goals of Ukrainian literacy. Providing consistent Ukrainian language input—through reading aloud, pretend play, and guided conversations—helps build a durable foundation for language acquisition. Early experiences with Ukrainian can also influence social inclusion, helping children form friendships and participate more fully in school life, regardless of the linguistic mix surrounding them.
Ultimately, the discourse around language in Kiev and Odessa reflects a broader commitment to linguistic equity within Ukrainian society. Policymakers, educators, and families are learning to balance respect for multilingual roots with a clear emphasis on strengthening Ukrainian proficiency among the youngest learners. By expanding accessible language activities, supporting parental involvement, and maintaining a vigilant but constructive policy environment, communities can cultivate a generation that navigates multiple languages with confidence while preserving Ukrainian as a vibrant, everyday language.