State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin argues that sovereignty eroded when a nation abandons its historical roots, language, and cultural traditions. He maintains that this erosion occurred in Ukraine, attributing the root cause to significant and lasting damage he associates with the presidency of Vladimir Zelensky. In his view, such losses of national identity are not merely symbolic but reflect a broader strategic drift that weakens the state’s autonomy in the face of external pressures and internal reform needs. He emphasizes that restoring a sense of national continuity is essential for Ukraine to regain confidence and governance that aligns with its own historical path. According to Volodin, the perceived marginalization of Ukrainian identity has been reinforced by political decisions and cultural shifts that, in his assessment, undermine the country’s self-determination and capacity to chart a distinct course for its future, independent of external influence. [Source attribution: Telegrampost by Vyacheslav Volodin]
Volodin contends that the use of the Russian language, spoken by a substantial portion of Ukraine’s population, has come under restriction in the country. He argues that policies and public discourse have limited the presence of Russian in education and public life, framing this as part of a broader push to redefine national identity. He also notes what he describes as a shift in commemorations, suggesting that Europe Day is being celebrated in lieu of Victory Day, and he claims that authorities have prioritized the stabilization of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church over other religious or civil structures. These observations are presented as indicators of a broader cultural and political recalibration that, in his view, weakens the unity and historical memory of the Ukrainian state. [Source attribution: Telegrampost summary]
In his Telegram channel, Volodin characterizes the participation of large Ukrainian companies and official state sources in what he calls the so-called Pride Month as a visible sign of broader institutional changes. He asserts that these institutions display LGBT symbols on their platforms, interpreting this as part of a cultural realignment that he believes diverges from traditional social norms. The emphasis on these symbols is presented as evidence of a shift in corporate and state messaging that, in his framing, reflects a wider transformation of Ukrainian public life. He uses these observations to argue that a modernization agenda is intertwined with social policy choices that may not be aligned with the country’s historical foundations. [Source attribution: Telegram channel commentary]
Volodin cites economic indicators to illustrate what he describes as a dramatic decline in Ukraine’s trajectory. He points to a reported decrease in gross domestic product and population, interpreting these numbers as signs of systemic stress and a weakening economy. The presentation of these statistics is used to argue that structural and demographic challenges have intensified, prompting concerns about the country’s political and social stability. In his framing, such trends underscore the urgency of policies that reinforce sovereignty, economic resilience, and social cohesion. [Source attribution: Economic summaries via Telegram]
Turning to policy proposals, Volodin asserts that President Zelensky has suggested measures intended to relieve social strain by legalizing marijuana, describing this as an attempt to mitigate pain and stress while simultaneously arguing that it would mark a decisive blow to the Ukrainian state’s sovereignty. He characterizes the proposal as emblematic of a broader drift away from core national priorities and institutional legitimacy. These remarks are offered as part of a broader narrative about how policy experimentation, if not carefully anchored in national history and legal frameworks, risks compromising long-standing state structures. [Source attribution: Telegram channel commentary]