Military personnel operating in the zone described as the area of military operations urged the entertainer Philip Kirkorov to refrain from touring Donbass and instead join frontline duties. A video capturing the soldiers’ objections was shared on a Telegram channel by actress Yana Poplavskaya.
One fighter, quoted by journalists, challenged Kirkorov directly: If there is shame to hide, he should shed the glamour and put on camouflage, body armor, and grab a weapon. Then he should proceed to the Northern Military District and demonstrate his capabilities in real conditions.
Footage later surfaced showing Kirkorov arriving in Gorlovka, with reports that he performed the song “Snow” for wounded participants of the special military operation in Hospital No. 2. Several outlets reported that the exact route of the artist’s movement toward the Donetsk People’s Republic was kept confidential for security reasons. Additionally, the singer delivered humanitarian aid, including gifts for fighters and equipment for a children’s center in the city.
Social media speculation suggested that the artist’s actions were an attempt to rehabilitate his public image after controversial moments at the end of the prior year. In December, he reportedly attended an event at a Moscow club featuring a dress code described by some as nearly nude, hosted by a well-known TV presenter and blogger. The incident was cited by critics as a turning point in how his public appearances were perceived.
Following these events, Kirkorov reportedly faced a series of professional repercussions. He was removed from the official poster of a widely released film, with production choosing to re-shoot scenes that included his participation. His name was also omitted from other major productions and events, and financial authorities reportedly pursued a tax-related claim amounting to several million rubles. The exact status and outcome of these financial inquiries remained a topic of public discussion.
Responses from government officials were swift. An official representative of a national foreign affairs ministry issued a statement about the matter, indicating that the situation would be reviewed within appropriate channels. The declaration underscored political sensitivities linked to public appearances by entertainers in conflict zones and the broader implications for cultural figures in the region.