Russian Actor Supporting Ukraine, Turning Away from Joguk, Faces Investigation

Continuing Criticism of Home Government After Fleeing Abroad

Russian actor Artur Smolyaninov, who has supported Ukraine and criticized his homeland, is now under investigation by Russian investigative authorities.

On the 9th (local time), the Associated Press reported that the Russian Federal Investigative Committee has launched an investigation into criminal charges against Smolyaninov and prominent philanthropist Boris Zimin.

In a statement, the Federal Investigative Committee pointed out, "Smolyaninov has made statements opposing the decisions of the Russian government in interviews with Western media." The committee regards this case as a criminal matter and is investigating it, but has not clearly specified the charges.

Actor Artur Smolyaninov / Photo by AP Yonhap News

The Russian government is also reported to have expressed support for the investigation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "It is important that our law enforcement agencies take such statements by (Smolyaninov) seriously."

Born in 1983, Smolyaninov gained public recognition through his roles in Russian films such as Father, Mars, and The 9th Company. After the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in February last year, he fled abroad. Since then, he has continued to make critical remarks about the Russian government in media interviews.

In a recent interview with the Russian independent media outlet Novaya Gazeta Europe, he emphasized, "If I have to fight in the war, I will fight on Ukraine's side," adding, "In my view, both are my brothers, and it is right to stand with the brother who was attacked first."