Backlash and Melovin's Rebuttal
Ukrainian singer Kostyantyn Bocharov, known by his stage name Melovin, has faced public criticism over a social media post about military conscription. He firmly denied rumors that he might be discharged from service, revealing that he has been diagnosed with conditions including anxiety-depressive disorder and adjustment disorder, and is currently undergoing treatment. Melovin emphasized that he serves as a contract soldier, does not receive a salary for his duties, and actively supports fellow troops—having recently purchased an apartment for a serviceman.
The debate unfolded on the social platform Threads, where a user claiming to be a soldier questioned: 'How do you perform concerts? Are you serving and performing at the same time? Maybe you should start fighting corruption within yourself.' In response, Melovin stated:
'I am a vocalist by profession, with a completed education from the Glier Academy. It's not my fault that I was needed to perform for the military and was assigned specifically for that purpose.'
Mental Health and Mobilization
Melovin explained that his first episode of anxiety-depressive disorder occurred in 2021. He stressed that information about his health issues is publicly available, and he had shared it to help others understand the causes of their own panic attacks. 'Recently, I had a relapse with worsening symptoms, and I had to undergo treatment again. But I have not been discharged. That's a false claim that sparked a wave of harassment,' Melovin stated.
In 2025, Melovin announced his mobilization and joined the Ensemble of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. He took his oath of service on April 9, 2025. Additionally, Melovin was hospitalized due to stress while serving with the SBGS. 'No, I have a comfortable life, I'm not encroaching on that. And I constantly help the guys,' he emphasized, addressing his critics.
Melovin reminded the public that his training at the Glier Academy is directly tied to his professional work, and urged people not to look for enemies where none exist.
Melovin's situation highlights the challenges faced by military personnel, particularly regarding mental health and social pressure. During wartime, artists often take on additional roles, and their activities can provoke mixed reactions from the public. Furthermore, Melovin's statements about his support for troops and active service underscore how deeply sensitive issues of mobilization and military duty are for Ukrainian society during these difficult times.
As the conversation around military service and mental health continues, it's worth noting a similar situation involving another Ukrainian artist. Vitalii Kozlovsky recently faced challenges with his voice while balancing his commitments to the military. This highlights the ongoing struggles many artists encounter while serving, further emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness in the context of military duty.