An interesting development in Ukraine today that will go under the radar for most country watchers but which is badly-timed from the point of few of diffusing Russian-Ukrainian tensions: provisions of Art. 25 of the Ukrainian Language Law go into effect.
These require that the minority language print media furnish Ukrainian versions of their publications. Here's the relevant provision. This does not apply to publications in English and "EU languages" and mainly affects Russian publications. 
I re-read the Venice Commission verdict on this law, which is (predictably) highly critical of provisions that discriminate against Russian, including Art. 25.
True to my consistent opposition to toxic nationalism, I'd have to agree with the Venice Commission and conclude that I find many provisions of this law quite appalling, and do not see how they can constitute a viable basis for fostering Ukraine's European identity.
Also, they serve useful propaganda for the Kremlin. ria.ru/20220116/yazyk…
Now, one might argue that drawing attention to provisions of this dubious law is a way of deflecting from Russia's aggressive build-up on Ukrainian borders, and that *that* is the real issue, and not the question of how the Russian minority is treated in Ukraine.
And I will agree that it is certainly the elephant in the room. But it is important to remember that Russian-Ukrainian relations are an equation with many variables, and keeping an eye on other variables is an important exercise on its own terms.
In general, I am just opposed to toxic nationalism in all of its forms, including its Russian and Ukrainian varieties.
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