Bi-2’s vocalist Leva was spotted aboard a flight bound for Tel Aviv. A video captioned News drew attention to the moment, prompting questions about where the trip originated and its purpose. In the coverage that followed, Leva is identified by his stage name, while his government name is mentioned in connection with the wider topic of citizenship and travel status among the band members.
The reports note that the artist, whose full name is listed in some outlets, is traveling from Bangkok to Israel. This move sits within a broader context of visa regimes, diplomatic routes, and the practical implications for performers who hold multiple citizenships. Observers point out that the trip occurred amid ongoing discussions about travel rights for Russian citizens who also hold Israeli passports, a dual-identity scenario that can complicate deportation and entry decisions under Thai law as well as international norms.
Earlier coverage indicated that three Bi-2 members, all Russian citizens, faced potential deportation decisions that could channel them back to Russia. In those reports, the possibility of sending the group to Israel seemed contingent on immigration authorities in Thailand, with some individuals holding dual citizenship presenting a choice between destinations. Russian citizens who carry a second nationality in Israel could navigate travel routes that were not available to those with Russian citizenship alone, underscoring how dual nationality can shape immigration outcomes in practice.
Nonetheless, the narrative shifted as events unfolded. Sources later reported that a planned deportation to Israel had been suspended after discussions with Russian officials who visited the artists. The Russian Consulate clarified that individuals with Russian citizenship would be deported only to Russia, pending formal confirmations or changes to policy. Thai authorities had not yet announced a concrete timeline for any deportation, leaving the artists in a state of limbo as diplomatic channels continued to engage behind the scenes.
The consul’s visit on January 30 did not yield a meeting with the artists, who opted to remain unavailable for discussion at that moment. Earlier, an Australian consul had attempted to arrange a visit because one member of the group held Australian citizenship. That outreach did not proceed, as access was denied or declined at the threshold, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation and the complexities involved in high-profile, multi-national talent movements through Bangkok’s immigration process.
Previously, Parfenov had spoken about censorship surrounding a performance in Dubai, a separate thread in the band’s public narrative that continues to inform discussions about artistic freedom, festival politics, and the tightrope walk performers often navigate when touring across borders with varying regulatory environments. The ensemble’s recent itinerary, including the Tel Aviv leg, sits at the intersection of artistic ambition and the realities of international travel rules, where citizenship, diplomacy, and venue logistics all influence where and how performances can occur.
As stories develop, analysts and fans alike pay attention to how governments balance security concerns with cultural exchange, especially for artists who move between countries that maintain complex bilateral relationships. The Bi-2 case exemplifies how citizenship choices can impact deportation decisions, and it also underscores the broader question of how states manage the movement of artists whose careers cross national lines. In the end, the evolving situation may hinge on formal diplomatic engagements, updated travel advisories, and the pace at which authorities finalize entry or exit arrangements for performers who contribute to the international music scene.