The 74-year-old singer, renowned for hits like "Million Scarlet Roses" and her iconic role in the 1978 film "The Woman Who Sings," has openly opposed Russia’s war on Ukraine, calling it as a tragedy that sacrifices soldiers for ambiguous objectives, burdens civilians, and isolates Russia internationally.
In the fall of 2022, Pugacheva announced her departure from Russia to Israel, citing concerns over the political climate. Earlier, she had petitioned Russian authorities to designate her as a "foreign agent" in solidarity with her husband, Maksim Galkin.
Galkin, a well-known entertainer in Russia, has also been critical of the war since its inception. The Russian Interior Ministry has accused him of "engaging in political activity" and receiving funds from Ukraine, further implicating the couple in the ongoing political discourse surrounding the conflict.
Pugacheva, once celebrated by Russian leaders like Putin and Boris Yeltsin, has been recognized for her advocacy of freedom and non-violence, notably praising Mikhail Gorbachev upon his passing in 2022.
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Source: PAP