In a recent interview on the NTV channel, the conversation turned to Ani Lorak and the pressures she faced amid political turmoil in Ukraine. The discussion highlighted how, after the events of Euromaidan, the singer experienced intense public scrutiny and hostility from some nationalist groups in Ukraine. The interview framed these experiences as part of a broader climate affecting artists who found themselves in the middle of a national conversation about identity and allegiance.
Philip Kirkorov spoke candidly about his relationship with Lorak, noting that he stood by her during a challenging period. He described Lorak as a formidable artist and a close friend, emphasizing that he regards her like a sister. This personal testimony underscored the sense of solidarity that can exist among colleagues who share not only professional ties but deep personal trust. The singer, according to the interview, faced significant adversity, yet she pressed forward with determination and resilience, qualities Kirkorov attributed to her strength.
According to Kirkorov, Lorak endured severe public backlash in Ukraine, sometimes described as a difficult descent through a harsh cycle of criticism and condemnation. He stated that she confronted seven difficult stages and managed to endure those trials, presenting her as someone who repeatedly chose perseverance in the face of backlash. The account reflects the broader challenges that public figures can experience when political tensions intersect with entertainment careers.
Ani Lorak, who was born in Kitsman, Ukraine, rose to international recognition when she represented Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, finishing in second place. Her career also illustrates how artists can maintain professional momentum across borders even as political dynamics shift around them. While Lorak has not performed in her hometown since 2017, her touring and recording work continued to span multiple countries, including activity within Russia when geopolitical events influenced the cultural landscape. The narrative here captures the complexities artists face when borders and loyalties are in flux, and how public perception can evolve over time.
In early 2024, Lorak pursued Russian citizenship, a move she discussed publicly in Moscow after her application was filed. Reports indicate that after receiving citizenship, she performed sparingly, with the release of a new track titled Dancing and limited interactions with media. This portion of the story reflects a broader pattern seen among artists navigating dual markets and the administrative processes associated with citizenship—an issue that resonates with audiences across North America and Europe who follow cross-border cultural careers. The emphasis remains on the artist’s creative output and selective public engagement during this transition period.
Additionally, the case mentions Regina Todorenko as another public figure who obtained Russian citizenship in a related context, illustrating how common such moves can be among entertainers who work extensively in multiple regions. The wider conversation touches on how citizenship status can intersect with career opportunities, media access, and the ability to tour internationally in a climate where international relations influence the arts economy.
Overall, the discussion reflects how personal relationships, national sentiment, and the realities of a global music market intersect for performers who cross national boundaries. It highlights the human side of transnational careers—the friendships, the resilience in the face of public scrutiny, and the ongoing creativity that defines an artist’s path across different stages of life and career. For audiences in North America, these themes resonate as universal questions about identity, belonging, and the role of artists as cultural ambassadors beyond any single border. In such a context, Lorak’s experiences are a reminder that music often travels ahead of politics, connecting listeners with stories of perseverance, collaboration, and artistic expression that endure across changing landscapes. [Citation: Interview coverage and profile discussions on NTV]