Criminal Charges Filed Against the Band 'Zhadan and the Dogs'
Russian occupying forces have initiated a criminal case against the Ukrainian band 'Zhadan and the Dogs' due to their support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and fundraising efforts for military needs. The band's frontman, Serhiy Zhadan, responded to these accusations with irony. News of the case emerged via the Telegram channel of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Military-Civil Administration of Kharkiv Oblast, a body set up by the Russians during their occupation of part of the region.
Allegations and the Band's Activities
The occupiers accuse the artists of consistently backing Ukrainian paramilitary groups. Specifically, they claim that during a summer tour, the band 'Zhadan and the Dogs' raised 2.2 million hryvnias for the 'Khartyia' corps of the National Guard of Ukraine. Current band members—Serhiy Viktorovych Zhadan, Oleksandr Volodymyrovych Merenchuk, and Yevhen Yevhenovych Turchynov—are serving in the NGU 'Khartyia,' which the occupiers view as a criminal offense.
Among other cited evidence, the occupiers highlighted the song 'Night,' recorded by the band in collaboration with Tina Karol. The music video for this track was filmed at a Kharkiv metro station featuring soldiers from the NGU 'Khartyia' corps. Serhiy Zhadan, who joined the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine 'Khartyia' in March 2024, is now a target of criminal proceedings, accused of financing terrorism and participating in an illegal armed formation.
'I love my job,' Serhiy Zhadan remarked in response to the allegations.
The basis for launching the criminal case was materials indicating systematic support by these individuals for Ukrainian paramilitary units.
This situation highlights the tension between Ukrainian artists actively backing their country during wartime and Russian authorities seeking to suppress any form of resistance. Such actions by the occupiers may reflect their insecurity over control of the territories they hold and attempts to intimidate others who voice support for Ukraine. The developments surrounding the band 'Zhadan and the Dogs' could also impact the cultural sphere and the future activities of Ukrainian artists amid the conflict.
The ongoing scrutiny of the band 'Zhadan and the Dogs' is not an isolated incident. Recently, another case has emerged involving the same group, highlighting the contentious relationship between Ukrainian artists and Russian authorities. This situation underscores the increasing pressure on cultural figures in Ukraine who express their support for the armed forces. For further details on a similar legal challenge faced by the band due to a collaboration with Tina Karol, see this related news article.