The star of the military drama “Passenger Call Sign” Anton Shagin disclosed that he helped raise funds for SVO soldiers in collaboration with the organization “Popular Front,” a detail reported by RIA News.
Shagin explained that the group began purchasing essential military-technical gear, including thermal cameras, binoculars, and various unmanned aerial vehicles. He emphasized that the needs are significant and that the costs are high, yet the resources exist thanks to widespread support. He praised the compassion and responsiveness of the public and colleagues who contributed to the campaign, noting that the effort underscored a shared resolve to back those serving on the front lines. The actor stated that roughly 33 million rubles were collected through these combined efforts and that every kopeck would benefit soldiers, with priority to the Oplot regiment. (Cited: RIA News)
Shagin also reflected on the timing of his support, mentioning that the project connected with the film has a real-world purpose beyond entertainment. He described the production as an attempt to convey to undecided viewers the underlying motivations and factors behind the SVO, signaling an effort to provide transparency about the situation. (Cited: RIA News)
Regarding the film itself, Passenger Call Sign premiered on March 14 and reached audiences in more than two thousand cinemas across the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Uzbekistan. During the opening weekend, the screen count exceeded ten thousand screenings, illustrating a broad distribution. The film centers on events in Donbass in 2015 and presents them as precursors to the initiation of a broader special military operation, offering viewers a narrative that connects historical moments to ongoing developments. (Cited: RIA News)
There was a separate public note from Shagin about travel and reception in Europe: he recalled being denied entry to a festival featuring the Pupo singer due to a prior performance at the Kremlin, a remark that underscores the sometimes complicated intersection of culture and politics on the international stage. (Cited: RIA News)