Singer Oleg Vynnyk, who has been in Germany since the beginning of the full-scale war, explained in detail for the first time why he does not return to Ukraine. According to him, he left the country legally as a resident of Germany, but now he fears he may not be able to leave again. The artist also mentioned receiving threats. He shared this in the «Bloodless Podcast».
Oleg Vynnyk explained why he does not return to Ukraine
According to the singer, at the time of the full-scale invasion, he had already been living in Germany for about 25 years and held resident status in that country. For this reason, he claims, he crossed the Ukrainian border legally.
«At that time, when I left, I had the right to exit as a resident of Germany. I had already been living in Germany for 25 years by then. I can come back, but it seems to me that I won’t be able to leave again. I am Ukrainian, but I am a resident of Germany,» Vynnyk said.
The performer noted that the fear of the possibility of leaving again is one of the reasons why he is not currently returning to Ukraine.
Oleg Vynnyk reported receiving threats
The artist also reported that he is receiving threats and therefore does not feel safe at the moment.
«I don’t want to talk about it much; there are threats… I want to live peacefully, so my family can live peacefully. I don’t want to find myself in a situation where you are threatened. It's somewhat inhumane and undeserved. Time will tell,» the singer noted.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Oleg Vynnyk has repeatedly found himself at the center of public discussions. He has been criticized for leaving Ukraine, his prolonged absence of public statements about the Russian invasion, and for performing Russian-language songs at concerts abroad.
Statements from his former producer Oleksandr Horbenko, who questioned some of Vynnyk's claims about leaving Ukraine and assisting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, also caused additional resonance. The singer denies these accusations.
It should be noted that Oleg Vynnyk gained 16 kilograms after fleeing to Germany.