Russian Speakers in Kiev

[Rufus1]

Hello Everyone,

I recently suggested to my Russian speaking Ukrainian girlfriend from Krivoy Rog that we have a holiday together in Kiev a city I like very much.

She now lives in St Petersburg and tells me that her Mum advised her not to go to Kiev because it is dangerous for Russians and Russian speakers.

I have serious doubts about this so if anyone could provide me with some information I'd be most grateful.

Thankyou for reading!!

[bm-21Lemko]

There is a big population of russian speakers in Kiev i believe 40%. I don't know if it is dangerous, but their is some resentment of western ukrainians toward eastern ukrainians because they do not want to learn ukrainian which in turn divides the nation as a whole.

are you a native of Kyiv?

[Albatross]

Hello Rufus,

A majority of the population in Kiev (70%) speak Russian as a first language, though Ukrainian is increasing somewhat in popularity. As a general rule, ordinary people just try to get understood and are less concerned about being politically correct. So no, it's not dangerous to speak Russian in Kiev.

wbr

[Rufus1]

Hello,

I'm just writing to offer my thanks to Albatross and bm-21Lemko for the information about Kiev.

I suspected that what I had been told wasn't right. I have my views about who is spreading fear and resentment among Russians in East Ukraine for their own purposes. Probably be best if I don't say to much more.

As to Kiev it's a city I like and if I go to Krivoy Rog again I'll take the time to have a walk round Kiev as I always do.