It is definitely hyperbole to suggest that's Putin's goal, as described by the author (the overt obliteration of Ukrainian identity) is comparable to the even t

It is definitely hyperbole to suggest that's Putin's goal, as described by the author (the overt obliteration of Ukrainian identity) is comparable to the even the worst and stupidest of the "official status" legislation passed in recent years. In my post, I did not equate cultural suppression with physical violence. As for as what's coming from the Russian side -- since Feb 24 of this year, the two have become inseparable. Russia's efforts at suppression of Ukrainian identity aren't merely legislative, and they aren't enforced by civil fines and such. They're backed by cold-blooded murder of thousands of civilians, in front of the cameras, in broad daylight. That's why there's no comparison between the spate of misguided legislative shenanigans in recent years in Ukraine - and the overt obliteration of Ukrainian identity that Putin is seeking to accomplish.