Russian rock star labeled ‘traitor’ over Ukraine support
A call with the notorious Russian prankster duo Vovan and Lexus has landed Andrey Makarevich – the leader of a Russian rock band that has been popular since Soviet times – in hot water. The performer, who was tricked into believing he was talking to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, openly declared his support for Kiev and wished its troops a speedy victory against his own country.
Following Monday’s prank call, Russian State Duma MP Sultan Khamzaev filed a complaint with the Investigative Committee over the singer-guitarist’s statements. The lawmaker called him a “traitor… who is ready to finance our enemies.” “[Makarevich] wants our nation to collapse. It means he should be recognized as an extremist and a terrorist,” Khamzaev told RIA Novosti.
Vovan and Lexus asked Makarevich, who is now 70, if he could support the Ukrainian military. The musician avoided a direct answer by replying, “Maybe.” However, he claimed that he had already provided “fairly significant” aid to Ukraine, but did not elaborate.
The rock star also said he wishes victory for Kiev and was “counting the days” until it happens. He told fake ‘Zelensky’ that Ukraine should “endure and prevail,” and offered to stage a “wild concert” there to celebrate Kiev’s presumed victory.
Asked about Russia, the musician, who left for Israel with his family just days after the start of the Russian military operation in February 2022, replied that he has “no wish to return.”
“I’m not planning to go back and I’m surely not planning to sing for [the Russian people],” he said, adding that he “feels at home” in Israel now.
In 1969, Makarevich founded popular Soviet rock band Mashina Vremeni, launching a solo career in the 1980s while still fronting the band. He was awarded the title ‘People’s Artist of Russia’ in 1999.
Initially supportive of the Russian government, Makarevich was a member of the presidential Art and Culture Council. His stance changed in 2014, when he criticized Moscow’s support for the people of Donbass after the Maidan Coup in Kiev.
Despite this, he continued to work with the Russian authorities and became a member of the State Duma’s Public Council on Culture in 2019. In 2022, he condemned Russia’s military operation against Kiev and left the country. In September 2022, the Russian Justice Ministry declared Makarevich a foreign agent.
