Activist Vitaly Borodin stated that he will withhold rubles for the time being from actor Danila Kozlovsky, who won a defamation case against him concerning honor and dignity. This update comes from the Rise edition’s coverage.

Borodin explained that payment would not be made until all officials have completed their processes. He added that he preferred the scheduled meeting to be postponed, suggesting a delay was necessary for due consideration.

He recalled that there was no one present at the meeting on their side, and that they had to decline attendance because lawyers were away on business trips tied to other cities. Borodin asserted that if a decision was issued without their participation, it would amount to a violation of human rights. He also warned that if the ruling appeared to be predetermined, they would appeal, prepare for the next higher hearing, and pursue the case to its conclusion.

Kozlovsky had previously pursued Borodin with two defamation lawsuits. The court eventually accepted the case only on the third attempt after reviewing the arguments and evidence presented.

In mid-April, Borodin noted that after Russia’s special operation in Ukraine began, Kozlovsky traveled to the United States and later returned to Russia, moving between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Kozlovsky then contacted the prosecutor’s office to indicate plans to perform in theatres in St. Petersburg, signaling a continued professional activity amid the ongoing dispute.

The actor responded by stating that he does not hold a second citizenship and that he would travel to the United States solely to visit his child. He also denied Borodin’s claim that he had criticized the Russian government and reiterated that his international movements were limited to personal reasons rather than political statements.

On September 13, it was noted that Kozlovsky had sued Borodin for a nominal one ruble, a symbolic amount often used in legal disputes to pursue formal accountability rather than financial gain.

The individual who damaged the set of Princess Turandot previously explained the nature of that conduct, clarifying his intentions and defending his actions within the wider context of the dispute.