Alla Pugacheva asserts that the “illusory ambitions” of the Kremlin in Ukraine “make our country a pariah and our citizens’ life tough.”
In solidarity with her spouse, a Russian singer has opposed Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine and requested to be placed on her country’s foreign agents list.
The spouse of Alla Pugacheva, musician and TV host Maxim Galkin, was put on the foreign agents register by Russia’s law ministry on Friday.
In a country where dissent is becoming increasingly dangerous, his criticism of Russia for deploying troops into Ukraine has placed him on the wrong side of the authorities.
He is accused of engaging in political actions for Ukraine and receiving cash from Ukraine.
Ms. Pugacheva wrote on Instagram, “Please include me among the foreign agents of my cherished nation, as I stand in solidarity with my husband.”
She hailed Mr. Galkin as a “genuine and uncorrupted patriot” who seeks “prosperity for his country, peace, and free expression.”
She also stated that the “illusory ambitions” of the Kremlin in Ukraine “make our country a pariah and our citizens’ life miserable.”
The term “foreign agent” carries negative connotations from the Soviet era and must be prominently displayed on all published content.
They must also meet stringent financial and administrative criteria.
Ms. Pugacheva, 73, is one of the most well-known and popular vocalists in Russia, having begun her career during the Soviet era.
She has received countless awards since then.
Mr. Galkin, age 46, is her fifth husband; they wed in 2011.
In April, Mr. Galkin was fired from his prime-time show after criticizing a missile attack in Ukraine that killed a three-year-old.
Due to his anti-war sentiments, he has also lost multiple advertising contracts.
