Anatoliy Anatolich spoke about his godfather Vlad Yama, who emigrated to the USA

Ukrainian TV presenter Anatoliy Anatolich talked about his attitude towards the decision of his godfather, choreographer Vlad Yama, to stay abroad after the start of the full-scale war. The showman stated that he does not condemn people who left Ukraine, but believes that public figures have a responsibility to their Ukrainian audience.

Anatoliy Anatolich spoke about this in an interview on the YouTube channel WAVE RBK-Ukraine.

What Anatoliy Anatolich said about Vlad Yama

The host recalled that at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he personally transported his wife, children, mother, and mother-in-law to France. The journey and stay abroad took about two weeks, after which he decided to return to Ukraine.

According to Anatolich, he had the opportunity to stay with his family, but he believed he should be in Ukraine. In particular, after the liberation of Kyiv and Chernihiv regions, the host traveled to Irpin, Bucha, Borodyanka, and Yahidne.

At the same time, Anatolich did not condemn the decision of those who did not return after leaving.

"Those who did not return, I do not condemn. Well, that is their choice," the TV presenter said.

In Anatolich's opinion, it is important to differentiate between those who live and work abroad and continue to support Ukraine, and public figures who earn from the Ukrainian audience but spend their earnings outside the country.

He also believes it is wrong for well-known Ukrainians who constantly stay abroad to attempt to assess social processes in Ukraine, primarily relying on information from social media and Telegram channels.

"If you live there, work, do not interfere, donate, well, that is your choice, how can I condemn you," Anatolich explained.

At the same time, the host separately emphasized that this position also applies to his godfather Vlad Yama. He does not intend to impose his own vision on the choreographer of where he should live.

Why the host believes that stars have a responsibility to their audience

Anatolich explained that his attitude towards the emigration of media people is primarily connected with the responsibility towards Ukrainians, thanks to whom they became popular and received high incomes.

The host recalled an incident in the first weeks of the full-scale war when he was with his family near Kagarlyk. In a small store, a shop assistant recognized him and was surprised that the showman had stayed in Ukraine.

According to Anatolich, it was during that time that he felt especially acutely how important it was for people to see famous Ukrainians nearby.

"I think it was very important then, not only when the president said that I am here, but when stars said that we are here, we are hiding in basements with you," he shared.

The TV presenter added that before the war, popularity gave media people many advantages. Therefore, after the start of the full-scale invasion, in his opinion, it was time to support the audience in return.

Anatolich noted that during the first year of the full-scale war, he did not receive fees for concerts held, as the funds were directed to help the Defense Forces.

He also called the highest manifestation of devotion to Ukraine the actions of those citizens who were abroad at the time of the invasion but voluntarily returned to defend the country.

At the same time, regarding Ukrainians who decided to remain outside the country, Anatolich reiterated that it is each person's personal choice.

It should be noted that presenter Anatoliy Anatolich was involved in a traffic accident in Kyiv for the first time in 20 years .