protests , including a hunger strike , have been ongoing for the past two weeks . The bill aims to give regional status to the official language spoken by minorities in Ukraine . Protesters say the Ukrainian language will be undermined by the bill . The bill does n't stipulate that Ukraine may have several official state languages -- something which can be changed only through a nationwide referendum . The bill 's sponsor says the legislation is necessary if Ukraine wants to join EU .
protests , including a hunger strike , have been ongoing for the past two weeks . The bill aims to give regional status to the official language spoken by minorities in Ukraine . Protesters say the Ukrainian language will be undermined by the bill . The bill 's sponsor says the legislation is necessary if Ukraine wants to join EU .