Russia may ban foreign words in commercial and residential names

Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin has proposed a ban on the use of foreign words in the names of commercial buildings, residential complexes, and neighborhoods. He said the measures are aimed at supporting the Russian language and strengthening national identity.

"We set the protection of the Russian language as a priority. The Russian language must develop as an integral part of the cultural and spiritual heritage," Volodin said.

According to the new bill:

Information about goods and services must be provided only in Russian.

It is prohibited to name signs of shopping centers, stores, and residential complexes in a foreign language.

If it is necessary to use words in a foreign language, they should be formatted in the same font, color, and size as the Russian text.

This step is a continuation of legislative initiatives aimed at supporting the Russian language, adopted in 2023. This law included restrictions on the use of foreign words in government, educational institutions, advertising, media, and films.