Ukraine’s broadcasting authority is drafting a resolution to implement a formal process for removing Russian publications from circulation, government officials announced this week.

The State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting initiative aims to establish clear mechanisms for enforcing existing legislation prohibiting Russian propaganda materials in Ukraine, according to Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture Tetiana Berezhna.

“There is a law on publishing activity that prohibits the distribution of products of four kinds: those that propagate war, violence and totalitarian regimes, justify the occupation of Ukrainian territories, create a positive image of the aggressor state or its institutions, and contain anti-Ukrainian content,” Berezhna explained. “In other words, at the legal level this is framed. Now the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting, the central executive body that shapes policy in this area, is working on a decree to lay down a specific mechanism.”

The Ministry of Culture is coordinating with the broadcasting committee to expedite government approval of the document. Berezhna confirmed the draft resolution will target both Russian-language books and publications originating from Russia.

This move represents a significant escalation in Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russian information influence since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The country has implemented various measures to limit Russian cultural and media products that officials say undermine national security or spread harmful narratives.

The announcement comes after Ukraine added six more Russian books to its official blacklist in January. These publications joined the “List of book publications aimed at undermining Ukraine’s independence, propaganda of violence, incitement of interethnic, racial and religious hatred, acts of terrorism, and violation of human rights and freedoms.”

The publishing industry in Ukraine has undergone substantial transformation since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatist movements in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian-language publishing has seen a resurgence, with many publishers and readers consciously shifting away from Russian-language materials.

Cultural security has become increasingly prioritized by Ukrainian authorities, who view Russian books and media as potential vehicles for propaganda that could undermine national resilience during wartime. The government has previously imposed restrictions on Russian artists, films, and music that promote narratives considered harmful to Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Publishing industry experts note that the enforcement mechanisms outlined in the upcoming resolution will be crucial for its effectiveness. Previous legislation has sometimes proven difficult to implement consistently, particularly in monitoring online sales channels and informal distribution networks.

The move is likely to receive mixed reactions internationally. While Ukraine’s Western allies generally support the country’s right to protect its information space during wartime, some free speech advocates may raise concerns about potential overreach in restricting printed materials.

For Ukrainian publishers, the resolution could accelerate the ongoing transition away from Russian-language content toward more Ukrainian-language publishing. The domestic publishing industry has shown remarkable adaptability during wartime, with many publishing houses continuing operations despite significant challenges.

The resolution is expected to detail specific procedures for identifying, documenting, and removing prohibited materials, as well as potential penalties for violations. Government officials have not yet announced a timeline for when the final resolution will be presented or implemented.