Ukrainian actress Larisa Kadochnikova, who became a movie legend thanks to her role as Marichka in the film “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors,” found herself at the center of a scandal over her language stance. During the ceremony to award the Serhiy Parajanov Prize of the National Union of Cinematographers of Ukraine at the House of Cinema, the 87-year-old actress refused to speak Ukrainian, which caused a wave of indignation in society.
At the ceremony, Kadochnikova began her speech in Russian. Journalist Ruslan Koshovenko asked her to switch to Ukrainian, but the actress refused, arguing that she has the right to use the language she is comfortable with.
“I have done a lot for Ukraine, and I should be respected. I play in theater performances in Ukrainian, but in everyday life I can speak any language. We must love each other and not be at enmity over trifles,” Kadochnikova said.
Her words elicited applause from those present in the hall, but the reaction online was radically different.
Writer Larisa Nitsoy posted a video of the actress's performance on her Facebook and criticized her for using the Russian language in public.
“Kadochnikova says she has done enough for Ukraine. But for which country has she actually done it? Her linguistic position is a demonstration of support for the “Russian world,” which was the cause of the war,” wrote Nitsoy.
The discussion on social media quickly gained momentum. Some users supported the writer, emphasizing the importance of using the Ukrainian language in public, especially during the war. Others defended the actress, calling for tolerance.
The situation surrounding Kadochnikova raised the question of the role of language in Ukrainian society and public space. In times of war, the issue of linguistic identity became an important tool for protecting national culture.
Should public figures, especially those representing culture, demonstrate linguistic awareness? The case of Larisa Kadochnikova is another example of how sensitive this issue is for Ukrainians.
