Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a deputy from the Voice faction in the Verkhovna Rada, stated that parliament has passed a bill prohibiting Russian music and books in Ukraine. He noted that 303 of 450 deputies voted in favor of banning the performance of Russian music in media and public spaces.
Another measure would ban the import and distribution of books and printed materials from Russia, a separate bill supported by 306 lawmakers. The ban on music and books also extends to Belarus, the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic.
A reader poll conducted on the Telegram channel of the Ukrainian news agency UNIAN asked for opinions on the bill. More than 20,000 respondents participated. About 51 percent supported the measure, with comments such as, Yes! Finally. How long can one listen to this, especially in public places.
Conversely, 35 percent criticized the initiative, saying, No. Why impose bans? As the saying goes, taste and color matter. A further 14 percent indicated indifference.
On June 16, the Khmelnytsky regional council announced a moratorium on listening to music and watching films from Russian sources, and a ban on advertising in Russian.
Russian music and books remain accessible in some parts of Russia under different rules. Yet incidents occur, such as a late May episode in a Belgorod karaoke venue where the manager refused to play a track by the Ukrainian group Okean Elzy for a special occasion.
Vesti will not be shown to Moldovans
On June 19, Moldovan President Maia Sandu signed legislation banning Russian news programs from broadcasting in Moldova. Liliana Vicu, head of Moldova’s Television and Radio Council, announced the move on the Rlive YouTube channel. The law defines disinformation and imposes stiffer sanctions, potentially depriving a license for seven years when misinformation is proven.
Officials explained that the crackdown aligns with security concerns tied to the Russian military operation in Ukraine. After the February 2022 conflict began, Moldova declared a 60‑day state of emergency, during which restrictions targeted Russian television programs, including news and political talk shows. The Sputnik Moldova site was blocked, and prosecutors warned of investigations into misrepresentation of events in Ukraine. The Russian embassy labeled the measures as political and biased.
EU sanctions and broadcasting limits
On June 3, a Council of Europe announcement described new EU sanctions targeting the Russian Federation, including a ban on broadcasting several Russian TV channels across Europe. The aim was to curb disinformation while allowing channel staff to remain in Europe for interviews and research purposes. In Russia, authorities have designated various foreign media as foreign actors, with organizations such as Voice of America, Radio Liberty, Deutsche Welle, and the BBC Russian service facing restrictions or blocking. Ukrainian media outlets have also faced blocking by Roskomnadzor. More than 120 individuals, 46 media outlets, and 76 nonprofits have been labeled foreign agents.