KYIV, Feb 1 — Ukrainian officials have been told to stop using profane language when communicating with the public as the stress of Russia’s nearly two-year-old invasion mounts, two government agencies said yesterday.

Moscow’s assault has killed tens of thousands, destroyed swathes of territory and displaced millions, and many Ukrainians routinely disparage Russian President Vladimir Putin and his forces through vulgar language.

A state anti-corruption watchdog on the Telegram messaging app said it occasionally receives complaints about officials cursing on social media or during public appearances.

The National Agency for Corruption Prevention and Ukraine’s civil service agency issued a joint statement urging officials to adhere to officially outlined codes of conduct.

"Officials from ministers to mayors should refrain (including during non-working hours) from disseminating information, in particular posting comments on websites and social networks, which could harm the reputation of state bodies,” they said.

The agencies suggested limiting vulgar language to private settings and only certain "critical” situations, "such as a series of air-raid sirens (or) attempts by the aggressor state to impose false narratives.” — Reuters