The Power of Language in Ukraine's War: A Deep Dive

 Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, language has taken center stage in the conflict, not just as a means of communication but as a battleground for identity, resistance, and propaganda. The war has not only reshaped Ukraine's linguistic landscape but has also given rise to a unique media phenomenon, a militarization of language, and a surge in decolonization efforts.

The Birth of the "Tele Marathon"

In the early hours of Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian television channels joined forces to create a unified media front known as the "Tele Marathon." This initiative became Kyiv’s megaphone for wartime rhetoric, ensuring a consistent national narrative.

The significance of language in Ukraine is deeply rooted in its history. Russia has long sought to suppress the Ukrainian language, dating back to the 19th century under the Russian Empire, when policies were enacted to diminish its use. During Soviet rule, Russian became the dominant language of education and culture, while Ukrainian intellectuals, including writers, faced persecution and execution.

Ukraine's independence in 1991 marked a turning point, establishing Ukrainian as the official language. However, Moscow's influence persisted, with Russia using language as a pretext for intervention. The 2014 annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Donbas were justified under the false claim that Russian speakers in Ukraine faced discrimination.

Ukraine’s Linguistic Revival and the 2019 Language Law

In response to Russian aggression, Ukraine passed a comprehensive language law in 2019, reinforcing Ukrainian as the dominant language in media, education, and public life. Petro Poroshenko, then the Ukrainian president, championed this move with the slogan "Army, Language, Faith," emphasizing language as a pillar of national identity. However, he lost the election to Volodymyr Zelensky, a Russian-speaking comedian-turned-politician who initially promoted a multilingual and cosmopolitan vision of Ukraine.

Zelensky’s stance evolved dramatically after Russia's full-scale invasion. He now exclusively addresses Ukrainians in Ukrainian and has overseen a policy of linguistic decolonization, leading to the renaming of thousands of streets and places once linked to Russian imperial or Soviet figures.

The Militarization of Language

Wars inevitably transform language, and Ukraine’s conflict is no exception. Since 2014, Ukrainian vocabulary has been infused with wartime expressions.

• "Ickthamnets" – Originally a Russian phrase meaning "they are not there," used by Putin to deny the presence of Russian troops in Crimea. Ukrainians adapted it to describe Russian soldiers occupying their territory.
• "Vatnik" – A term once referring to a Soviet padded jacket, now used to describe someone blindly loyal to Russian propaganda.
• "Orcs" and "Mordor" – Borrowed from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, these terms are widely used to refer to Russian soldiers and Russia itself, reinforcing the perception of a battle between good and evil.
• "Swyny" (Pigs) and "Moskaly" – Derogatory terms for Russians, the latter once a neutral historical reference but now carrying a negative connotation.

Just as Russian propaganda dehumanizes Ukrainians by calling them "Nazis" or "vermin," Ukraine has developed its own set of terms to dehumanize the Russian enemy, a common wartime phenomenon.

Ukraine’s Self-Image in the War

Ukrainian soldiers are widely revered as heroes, often depicted in mythical or religious imagery. One striking example is the mural of "Saint Javelina" in Kyiv, portraying a Madonna figure holding a Javelin anti-tank missile, symbolizing the saintly virtues of sacrifice and defense.

World War II terminology also plays a role in Ukraine’s rhetoric. Russian-installed leaders in occupied territories are called "Gauleiters", a Nazi-era term for regional officials under Hitler. Russia’s ideology is often labeled "Rashism" (a mix of "Russian" and "fascism"), flipping Moscow’s narrative that Ukraine needs "denazification" on its head.

Even Stepan Bandera, a controversial Ukrainian nationalist from World War II, has been integrated into wartime language. Molotov cocktails are sometimes referred to as "Bandera smoothies", blending historical references with dark humor.

Humor as a Weapon

In the bleakness of war, humor has become a powerful tool for Ukraine. Memes, songs, and satirical terms help boost morale and mock the enemy.

• "Mogilization" (from the Ukrainian word for "grave") – A cynical twist on Russia’s mobilization efforts, suggesting that Russian conscripts are being sent to their deaths.
• "Analogov Nyet" – A sarcastic take on Russia’s claims of having "unparalleled" military technology, particularly after a supposedly advanced missile system was shot down over Ukraine.
• "Kursk People’s Republic" – A joke reference to Ukraine’s recent incursions into Russian territory, mirroring Russia’s naming of occupied Ukrainian regions as "People’s Republics."

Such linguistic creativity is not just about defiance; it also plays a role in psychological warfare, undermining Russian narratives while keeping Ukrainian spirits high.

The Language of Mobilization

As the war drags on, the discourse around conscription and mobilization has also evolved.

• "Uklyonist" (Draft Dodger) – A term for those avoiding military service.
• "Busification" – A newly coined word describing the practice of forcibly taking men off the streets and sending them to enlistment centers, sparking public concern.

With no clear path for demobilization, Ukrainian society is grappling with the realities of prolonged war, and this is reflected in its evolving language.

The Push for Linguistic Decolonization

Since 2022, Ukraine has accelerated efforts to erase Russian influence from its linguistic and cultural landscape. This includes:

• Removing Russian literature from school curricula.
• Renaming streets and cities that bore Soviet or imperialist names.
• Dismantling monuments to Russian writers and historical figures.

This process of "toponymic decolonization" is seen as a crucial step in affirming Ukraine’s independence, not just politically but also culturally and linguistically.

Conclusion

The war in Ukraine is not just being fought on the battlefield but also in the realm of language. Words have become weapons, rallying cries, and tools of resistance. As the conflict continues, so too will the evolution of wartime language, shaping Ukraine’s national identity for generations to come.