Larisa Kadочnikova commented on her refusal to speak Ukrainian.

At the award ceremony for the Serhiy Parajanov prize, People's Artist of Ukraine Larisa Kadочnikova decided to speak in Russian. She explained that the use of any language is her right. The General Director of the National Academic Drama Theater named after Lesya Ukrainka, Kyrylo Kashlykov, expressed the theater's collective position regarding the language.

Larisa Kadочnikova explained her attachment to the Russian language but declared that she performs in Ukrainian on stage. She hopes that her address will help understand the situation. Kyrylo Kashlykov confirmed that the theater refused to use the Russian language in its name and performances.

'I am still ashamed'. The legendary actress Larisa Kadочnikova revealed how she did not invite Parajanov to her home out of fear pic.twitter.com/7XLgT9VBEO

— GLAVCOM (@GLAVCOM_UA) January 10, 2025

Some supported Larisa Kadочnikova's decision, although many Ukrainians reacted negatively to it.

The composer who left Ukraine expressed support for the actress, defending her language and culture.

Larisa Kadочnikova holds the title of 'People's Artist of Russia' and does not see a problem with it. She notes that she received this honor for her work at the Moscow Theater 'Sovremennik' and her leading roles in feature films.