Why Vitalii Kozlovsky Joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces
In an exclusive interview, Ukrainian singer Vitalii Kozlovsky revealed that his decision to enlist was driven by a profound sense of guilt stemming from a 2018 performance in Moscow. He stated that this event directly led to his feeling of obligation to defend his country. Many Ukrainian artists have faced public scrutiny over past performances in Russia since the full-scale invasion began.
“I have apologized many times. And perhaps precisely because of this, I developed the feeling that I must go and defend the country, to become a volunteer. This was one of the reasons. Because I felt guilty—not before anyone specific, but before myself,”
Vitalii Kozlovsky
Kozlovsky performed in Moscow on May 9, 2018, alongside Russian artists Nadezhda Babkina and Diana Gurtskaya. Following the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he made a decisive shift to using only the Ukrainian language, completely abandoning Russian.
“I have completely abandoned Russian. It is entirely absent from our family now. My son doesn't even know a single word of Russian—for him, the language is incomprehensible,”
Vitalii Kozlovsky
Service in the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Vitalii Kozlovsky enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and was assigned in September 2023 to the 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade (military unit A4718) as a reserve soldier. He served there for less than a month before being discharged to the reserve. Prior to this, the singer also spent six months in the presidential orchestra, where he encountered hazing during his service.
This period of military service has become a significant part of his personal journey, as Kozlovsky now actively discusses issues of patriotism and civic duty. His experience reflects the deep personal transformations many Ukrainians have undergone since the war began.
Kozlovsky's service and his reflections on his past performance in Moscow highlight a profound shift in consciousness among many Ukrainians. His family's complete rejection of the Russian language symbolizes a broader cultural movement within society aimed at reclaiming national identity. This personal story stands as a powerful example for others seeking ways to support their nation during a time of immense struggle.