Why so many Ukrainians speak russian? Ukrainian language was banned by russia 134 times! Here are most notable events: ⭐️ 1720: A decree by Tsar Peter I banned the printing of books in Ukraine. ⭐️ 1753: A decree by Catherine II prohibited teaching in the Ukrainian language. ⭐️ 1768: A decree from the Synod of the russian Orthodox Church called for the confiscation of Ukrainian primers ...