On January 28, 2026, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine hosted a creative meeting with Pavlo Grytsenko, Doctor of Philology, Professor, Director of the Ukrainian Language Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, entitled “The Ukrainian Language in Modern Statehood: Challenges, Problems, and Ways of Overcoming them.”

The event, organized and conducted by the Research Service, was attended by Ukrainian MPs, employees of the Secretariat of the Verkhova Rada of Ukraine, assistants and advisors to Ukrainian MPs, as well as the Research Service employees.

During the meeting, Pavlo Grytsenko spoke about the essence and role of the Ukrainian language, its development from the historical past till the present. According to the linguist, for centuries Ukrainians have been doomed to disappear from the historical arena of civilization, suffering destruction and various assimilation practices. "Only a special force saved us. Now we can say with certainty: it was our inherent Ukrainian-centrism, the main expression of which was the Ukrainian language," emphasized Pavlo Grytsenko.

Referring to historical sources, the lecturer showed copies of old prints, dictionaries, maps, and unique artifacts, including the Peresopnytsia Gospel, and pointed out that the Ukrainian language has always been inseparable from the cultural and political life of the nation.

Pavlo Grytsenko also underlined the current functioning of the Ukrainian language and its role in the international arena. In his opinion, the issue of the language policy is a matter of national security and the future of our state. “As long as our language, culture, and consciousness remain Ukrainian-speaking and Ukrainian-minded, Ukraine will exist! I do not see the future of the Ukrainian language in a negative light. I am deeply convinced that Ukraine will remain Ukrainian,” the linguist concluded.