French actor Gerard Depardieu, who also holds a Russian passport, has repeatedly expressed that his affection for Russian culture endures despite geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine. In a recent interview with a German publication, he elaborated on his perspective, stressing that personal loyalty to a nation can coexist with broader global events and politics.
Last year, Depardieu publicly voiced opposition to Russian special operations and announced a charitable plan. He stated that proceeds from a concert held in April would be used to aid the Ukrainian people, signaling a desire to separate cultural appreciation from conflict and to contribute to humanitarian relief.
Remarkably, he reiterated that his sense of identity remains tied to Russia and its cultural heritage, even as circumstances evolve. He conveyed that for him, love for a country is ultimately rooted in its culture, art, and shared stories rather than political developments alone.
During the conversation, Depardieu acknowledged that discussing sensitive political subjects can be challenging and often unproductive. He underscored that art and politics should not be conflated, and he described the war as a personal misjudgment by leaders in charge, calling it a painful and misguided episode.
In the same spirit of independence, he noted that he has chosen to pause certain professional ventures connected to his own production activities within Russia, indicating a shift in focus toward projects aligned with his values and audiences worldwide.