The Valuev Circular, issued on July 30, 1863, by Dmitry Valuev, played a significant role in shaping the status of the Ukrainian language and literature within the Russian Empire. This directive explicitly prohibited the publication of religious, educational, and training materials in Ukrainian. It was a part of a larger strategy by the Russian government to control the cultural and linguistic identity of various ethnic groups under its rule, particularly in Ukraine, which was seen as an area of potential insurrection and Russian nationalism was deemed essential for maintaining control.

The circular highlighted the Russian administration's belief that the promotion of the Ukrainian language posed a threat to the unity of the empire. It positioned the Ukrainian language as inferior and an impediment to civil order, leading to a significant decline in the availability of Ukrainian-language literature. Writers, educators, and religious institutions found themselves greatly hindered in their efforts to use their native language in publishing materials aimed at fostering education and cultural identity, all while grappling with the existential challenge this posed to their community.

This act not only diminished the cultural landscape of Ukraine but also fueled a sense of nationalist sentiment and identity among the Ukrainian population. Over the following years, resistance to such policies grew, eventually contributing to the broader national revival movement in Ukraine. Discontent with these restrictions set the stage for future advocacy for Ukrainian rights and autonomy within the empire.