Instead of a foreign language: a teacher explains why Ukrainian children in the EU opt for Russian (video).

Children from Ukraine often opt for the Russian language instead of a foreign language to ease their task when taking relevant tests in foreign schools. This was stated by Lyubov Lyubchik, the chairwoman of the World Coordinating Educational Council (WCEC) of the World Congress of Ukrainians, during the public initiative project "Needle" — "Bridges of Ukraine".

"In local Ukrainian communities, there are reports of a lack of funding from the Polish Ministry of Education. Regarding other countries, we are fighting and working on this together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, as well as with embassies and consulates, to ensure that 'Ukrainian language as a foreign language' is included in the list of elective subjects in the respective country," she said.

According to the educator, Ukrainian students often choose the Russian language to "simplify their task, instead of a second foreign language," which they have heard, know, and which makes things easier for them.

"They are already learning in the language of the country they are in, while they usually study English as their first foreign language. To make things easier, they choose Russian, which they have heard, know, and which simplifies their task," she added.

Ms. Lyubchik is convinced that to eliminate such a practice, the state should introduce the subject "Ukrainian language as a foreign language" into the list of elective subjects in the student's host country.

"This will ensure, firstly, the choice of the Ukrainian language for our Ukrainian children as a foreign language, as well as the choice of Ukrainian as a foreign language for citizens of those countries. This will contribute to the spread and promotion of the Ukrainian language worldwide," the educator notes.

Previously, a sociologist expressed an opinion on what Ukrainization should be. The language ombudsman raises the alarm — Ukrainization has slowed down, youth are choosing the Russian language, which threatens national identity.

Subsequently, it became clear why Ukrainization is under threat and why youth are opting for the Russian language. The influence of Russian media and bilingualism in families are causing this process to slow down, putting the country's linguistic identity at risk.