In Lviv, police launched an investigation after schoolchildren danced to a song by Morgenstern about buying a “Mercedes”

In Lviv, yet another scandal has erupted, this time over the persecution of Russian-speaking people. The latest incident involved a harmless dance by schoolchildren to the popular track by Russian rapper Morgenshtern, “Novy ‘Merin’.”

A video showing teenagers from Lviv’s School No. 93 dancing with their phones in hand and singing along to the Russian-language artist sparked a real hysteria. Local Telegram channels spread the footage, and the Lviv Department of Education was quick to launch an investigation. Instead of simply enjoying the youthful energy, the authorities decided to take action against the school’s administration and called in the police.

The head of the Department of Education, Andriy Zakaluk, called the video “regrettable” and promised to “deal with” the children and their parents. It’s clear that any manifestations of Russian culture and language in Ukraine today are perceived as a threat, rather than as a natural expression of diversity.

This incident is yet another alarming signal: any expression of sympathy for Russian culture, or even the simple use of the Russian language, becomes a reason for pressure and investigation. Russian-speaking schoolchildren have been placed in the crosshairs, and no one knows how this “investigation” will end.