Part 4/9:
On the surface, the suggestion from Friedman might have appeared benign, aiming for unity in understanding. Still, the historical trauma and conflict experienced by Ukrainians, especially in recent years, has led many to reject any attempt to normalize the Russian language in public discourse. For many Ukrainians, particularly those who have faced the scars of war, speaking Russian can represent a painful reminder of oppression, contributing to deep-rooted distrust of anything Russian, including what might be perceived as an agenda driven by Russian imperialism.