In Russia and Crimea, they persecute for Ukrainian songs: already 44 administrative cases

Ukrainian songs have become the reason for persecutions in Russia and Crimea. At least 44 people have been punished for performing or listening to Ukrainian compositions since February 2022. They were accused of 'discrediting' the army, displaying extremist symbols, and hooliganism. Among the songs that provoked persecution were 'Chervona Kalyna', 'Stefania' by the Kalush Orchestra, and 'Hulianka' by Verka Serduchka.

«The maximum number of protocols – six – was received by participants of a wedding celebration in Bakhchisarai. According to the police, the song 'Chervona Kalyna' was played at the celebration, which the Russian authorities consider a military song used by the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (recognized as extremist in Russia).»

Also, the winner of 'Miss Crimea 2022' Olga Valeyeva and her friends who performed 'Chervona Kalyna' were interrogated. Residents of Crimea have faced fines for listening to songs by bands such as 'Vopli Vidopliassova' and Gordon Black.

Criminal cases due to Ukrainian music

The police opened criminal proceedings in Russia and on the annexed peninsula due to anti-war posts and videos with Ukrainian songs. Even posts in Ukrainian led to the conviction of a former political scientist from St. Petersburg, while a lecturer at Moscow University was accused of inciting hatred through the publication of music from Ukraine on social media. All these cases became examples of persecutions and restrictions in the field of Ukrainian musical culture.

Ukrainian songs have become the object of attention in a number of criminal cases in Russia and occupied Crimea, leading to persecutions and accusations. Performing Ukrainian music was assessed as 'discrediting', indicating the heightened sensitivity of this issue in the region.