Alexander Zatsepin, a composer and music writer who contributed to the film scores and songs in the works of Leonid Gaidai, has repeatedly stressed his intention to stay in Russia. Discussions about his residency were reported by the publication Arguments and Facts, which sought to clarify rumors and spread rumors that had circulated in various spheres.
He explicitly rejected the claim that his daughter resides in Switzerland with her family, a detail that had appeared in some biographical sketches online. He also denied the notion that his home is France, a country where he reportedly spent time during the 1980s after his third marriage. In his own words, he challenged these characterizations and underscored the distinctions between rumor and reality when it comes to a personal life that has also been colored by public interest.
“Lies! First, the daughter lives in France, not Switzerland. Second, when I lived in France, I frequently returned to Russia for extended periods, spending six months in Moscow. Now, for the third year, I have no plans to leave Russia. I have my favorite work here, and I value the social circle that surrounds me. This place is my homeland,” Zatsepin remarked, offering a candid defense of his current whereabouts and daily routines during a time of widespread speculation and international attention.
The composer added that he maintains family ties and a small circle of friends in France, indicating a nuanced personal geography rather than a simple binary choice between countries. This acknowledgment reflects a life that has spanned multiple cultural contexts, with personal and professional commitments shaping its continuity across borders.
When asked about his stance toward Russians who relocated abroad after the onset of the special military operation in Ukraine, Zatsepin gave a measured reply. He suggested that he does not dwell on those who left, stressing that every person ultimately can choose a place to live. While he acknowledged the possibility of relocation in extraordinary times, he did not express certainty about changing his own residence in response to current events. In his view, personal circumstances, professional fulfillment, and a sense of belonging in one’s homeland should weigh heavily in such decisions.
Recently, fellow actor Leonid Yarmolnik highlighted what he views as a growing trend among Russian performers who have departed since the start of the operation, pointing to a broader dynamic within the arts world. In related commentary, Maria Aronova has previously offered reflections on what she sees as the central missteps affecting contemporary Russian cinema, contributing to a wider discourse about the sector’s evolving course and the pressures faced by its creative workforce.