Language conflicts in Ivano-Frankivsk

The city of Ivano-Frankivsk is historically a Ukrainian-speaking city, which since 2014 clearly demonstrates its pro-Ukrainian position, stands for the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine. But since February 24, 2022, radical anti-Russian sentiments have increased in the city, as well as throughout Ukraine. However, due to the active fighting in the Left-Bank part of Ukraine and the favorable geographical location of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, most of the IDPs appeared in the city. People who are used to speaking Russian at home (some people, especially the elderly, do not know the language and cannot communicate in it), stress, psychological/ physical trauma caused by war and moving, lack of a clear understanding of the new reality, etc.faced strong opposition on the basis of the language. Residents of the community openly express their dissatisfaction, they hear Russian in public places, the service sector refuses to provide its services to Russian-speaking Ukrainians without explanation, employers refuse to hire IDPs based on the lack of a local accent. There are already cases of physical violence on a linguistic basis: in May 2022, a group of young people beat up a street musician who was singing a Russian-language song. The musician refused to sue the police. It should be noted that the mayor of the city Ruslan Martsinkiv reacts to such situations inadequately, allowing himself extremist statements in such situations.