Parents in Ukraine will be fined for using Russian language in school chats.

This was announced by the Ukrainian language ombudsman, Elena Ivanovskaya. According to her, the use of the Russian language in groups is a violation of the educational process, not private communication.

The amount of the fine varies from 3400 to 11900 hryvnias (approximately €65.92 to €230.71), depending on the number of violations.

Ivanovskaya has long complained that the fines are too low and has demanded that they be increased.

The fines are significant, minding the level of salaries in Ukraine. According to recent data the average monthly salary in Ukraine is about €525. National Minimum Wage around €170 per month. In Kyiv averages higher, typically around €850 to €900 per month.