Russia threatens 277 indigenous languages with optional status in schools

Russia is making indigenous languages optional in schools starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, threatening 277 languages. This move signals a reduction in state support for these languages. The Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service reported that this change is a continuation of Moscow's policy to suppress national identity and cultural diversity. This follows previous steps, including making non-Russian language study voluntary in 2018. Russia has withdrawn from international agreements on minority rights and is promoting a concept of a "single Russian nation," potentially leading to the elimination of national republics and the replacement of "native language" with "language of the people of Russia."