Lithuania's language watchdog approves two Ukrainian capital names

Lithuania's language watchdog, the State Lithuanian Language Commission (VLKK), on Thursday approved two names for the Ukrainian capital. From now one, "Kyiv" will be used alongside the traditional "Kiev".

"During the language commission's sitting today, the decision was made to legalize both versions of the Ukrainian capital's name, both the new one, and the traditional one, as equal. So, both Kyiv and Kiev are both acceptable for the official use," the VLKK told BNS.

Kyiv is the adapted version of the modern Ukrainian language, and Kiev is the historic name, the language watchdog said.

"We want to once again show Lithuania's solidarity with Ukraine and legalize this language fact," Audrys Antanaitis, the VLKK chairman, told BNS.