Ukrainian Lawmakers Just Won't Stop Fighting Each Other

    Ukraine's parliament members are getting physical over a Russian language bill. Drinks are thrown! Fists are swung!

    Jessica Testa
    by Jessica Testa

    BuzzFeed News Reporter

    1.

    STRINGER / Reuters

    Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn (right) watches as deputies lunge at each other on May 24. The Ukrainian parliament today announced that a controversial Russian language bill has been signed and sent to the president. The proposed law would keep Ukrainian as the country's only official language, but upgrade Russian to a "regional language" for use in certain public institutions. Many argue the law would violate the Constitution and harm national identity. Lawmakers have spent months fighting over the law. Literally.

    2. May 24

    Maks Levin / AP

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    Maks Levin / AP

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    Maks Levin / AP

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    STRINGER / Reuters

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    Maks Levin / AP

    Opposition lawmaker Mykola Petruk after the fighting.

    8. June 5

    Efrem Lukatsky / AP

    Lawmakers surround the tribune.

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    GLEB GARANICH / Reuters

    10. July 3

    STRINGER / Reuters

    Fighting breaks out again the day the bill is voted on.

    11.

    STRINGER / Reuters

    Deputies block the podium during the vote.

    12. July 30

    STRINGER / Reuters

    Deputy Oleg Lyashko throws tea at vice-speaker Adam Martynyuk.