The AP Stylebook, one of the most prominent English-language style and usage guides created by American journalists, has changed its spelling of Ukraine’s capital from Kiev to Kyiv.
The decision came into effect on Aug. 14. Now, many newspapers, magazines and public relations offices across the United States will follow suit, as they use the AP Stylebook.
AP has changed its style for the capital of Ukraine to Kyiv, in line with the Ukrainian government’s preferred transliteration to English and increasing usage. Include a reference in stories to the former spelling of Kiev. The food dish remains chicken Kiev.
— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) August 14, 2019
According to Dmytro Vlasov, an Associated Press producer based in Kyiv, all the foreign bureaus of the AP received a newsletter from John Daniszewski, editor-at-large at the Associated Press, on Aug. 14 instructing them to use the new spelling from now on.
“It will henceforth be written in text, captions and datelines as Kyiv,” Vlasov wrote, citing the newsletter.
“We regard the Ukrainian spelling of Kyiv as an important adaptation because it is linked to Ukraine’s present status. To many Ukrainians, the former spelling Kiev appears outdated because it is associated with a time when Ukraine was part of the Russian and Soviet states, rather than an independent country.”
The old Kiev spelling is transliterated from the Russian language, while Kyiv is transliterated from Ukrainian. The Kyiv Post has been using the Ukrainian version of the spelling since 1997.
The former spelling will still be seen on AP in certain contexts, such as the popular culinary dish, chicken Kiev, and in historical contexts, such as Kievan Rus, the name of the early East Slavic culture and state.
