Ban on Russian music on streaming services: petition under consideration by Cabinet of Ministers
22 February 06:37
A petition to ban Russian-language music on streaming platforms in Ukraine has gained the required number of votes in three days. The petition appeared on the website of the Cabinet of Ministers on February 17. As of Saturday, February 22, it has been signed by more than 28 thousand users, reports Komersant ukrainskyi
The initiative, authored by Leonenko Oleksandr Leonenko, collected 28,184 signatures between February 17 and 21, 2025.
The author and signatories of the petition ask the government to ban songs in Russian on streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify and others. They also demand to introduce legislative initiatives to implement this ban and to conduct information campaigns popularizing Ukrainian music.
The petition appeared after the songs of Russian artist Morgenstern appeared in the top 100 of Ukrainian music on Apple Music streaming, which caused a great resonance in the society.
Content and purpose of the petition
In the text of the petition to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine citizens put forward a clear demand: to prohibit the reproduction of songs in Russian on such popular streaming platforms as Apple Music, Spotify and others, regardless of the nationality of the artist. The authors of the petition note that this decision has not only cultural but also security significance for the country, which has been confronting Russian aggression for more than a decade.
“We, the undersigned citizens of Ukraine, appeal to you with a demand to ban songs in Russian on streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify and others,” reads the opening part of the petition.
The authors then cite six key arguments in support of their position.
- national security – in conditions of war, Ukraine’s information space must be protected, as Russian-language music can promote hostile narratives and undermine Ukrainian identity;
- funding of the aggressor – listening to Russian music generates profits for the performers and the russian budget, part of which goes to the war against Ukraine;
- propaganda – even if songs in russian are not performed by russian citizens, they may contain propaganda or inappropriate contexts that are contrary to Ukrainian national interests;
- development of Ukrainian music – limiting Russian-language content will help popularize Ukrainian performers and strengthen national culture;
- influence on young people – young people actively consume music, so it is important to form the right cultural orientations without the influence of hostile ideology;
- freedom of choice – banning Russian-language music does not limit listeners – there is a lot of quality music in other languages, which opens new opportunities for cultural enrichment.
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In particular, they note:
“In the conditions of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the protection of information space and national security are critical. Russian-language music can carry ideas and messages that are harmful to Ukrainian identity.”
Another valid point is the economic aspect:
“Every time Ukrainians listen to Russian-language music, they contribute to funding the aggressor. The money that Russian performers receive goes to the Russian budget, and some of it is used to finance military actions, including missiles that kill Ukrainians.”
Cultural and social dimension
The petition also emphasizes the need to support Ukrainian culture and protect young people from the influence of Russian propaganda.
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“The ban on Russian-language music will contribute to the development and popularization of Ukrainian music. Citizens of Ukraine have the right to access to cultural products that support their identity and national values”, – the author notes.
It is separately emphasized that the ban will not limit the freedom of choice of Ukrainians:
“Ukrainians will be able to enjoy more music made in other languages. It will also open new opportunities for popularization of other peoples’ music”.
Proposals to the government
Leonenko Oleksandr Leonenko and the signatories of the petition offer concrete steps for the realization of the initiative. In particular, the text notes:
“The Cabinet of Ministers has the authority to initiate changes to legislation that may regulate the activities of foreign companies operating in Ukraine. For example, it is possible to introduce requirements for streaming platforms that operate in Ukraine regarding the content offered”.
It is also proposed to influence the content licensing rules by obliging streaming platforms to remove Russian-language music from their catalogs.
The call to action sounds clear:
“Block Russian-language songs on streaming platforms, introduce appropriate legislative initiatives to implement this ban and conduct information campaigns popularizing Ukrainian music and culture.”
Next steps
Since the petition has gained the necessary number of votes, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is obliged to consider it within the timeframe established by law.
