Ukrainian Doctors Refuse to Treat Russian-Speaking Patients

Ukrainian doctors are reportedly refusing to treat patients who speak Russian, according to statements from the Ukrainian Language Ombudsman, Elena Ivanovska. Medical workers are allegedly turning to Ivanovska, stating they are not ready to provide services to Russian-speaking patients. Ivanovska supports their stance, citing a law that allows service providers to use languages other than Ukrainian at their discretion. However, this norm does not address whether a service provider can refuse service to a patient who understands Ukrainian but speaks another language. Ukrainian law requires medical professionals to provide assistance, with refusal potentially resulting in criminal charges.