Maxim Volkov, who coordinates the Bi-2 concert schedule and logistics, explained that authorities moved to relocate the musicians to Israel after a key meeting at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He described the sequence of events in a detailed interview with RBC, outlining how the decision unfolded and who was involved in the process. The remarks highlight how diplomatic channels and consular support can shape the outcome for touring artists when passport concerns arise during international visits.
Volkov indicated that the organizers had been actively seeking a safe path for the Bi-2 members who hold Russian passports, aiming to avoid deportation to Russia and the potential consequences there. He emphasized that Thai authorities, following discussions at the foreign ministry on the morning of January 31, chose to channel the group toward Israel. In his account, the collaboration and assistance from Israeli and Austrian consuls played a crucial role in sustaining the musicians’ travel plans and ensuring proper visa and entry procedures were observed during the transition.
Earlier statements attributed to an Israeli official suggested that the deported Bi-2 members were en route to Israel, a claim that underscored the sensitive nature of the incident and the broader diplomatic considerations at stake. The channeling of the group toward a safe destination reflected ongoing efforts by multiple governments to resolve the situation in a manner that minimizes risk for the artists and respects international norms regarding travel documentation and residency.
As the situation developed on January 31, reports confirmed that the drummer, two guitarists, the keyboardist, and the arranger of Bi-2 had been redirected toward Israel, with coordination between the Israeli consul and Thai immigration authorities. The episode illustrated how complex travel plans can be when musicians perform across borders, and how government agencies must work together to handle unexpected complications while safeguarding the artists’ rights and safety.
In a related note, a separate project involved a neural network that completed a song by Yegor Letov and produced a video to accompany it. This creative effort stood in contrast to the real-world challenges faced by the Bi-2 band, offering a glimpse into the intersection of technology, music, and cross-border movement. The juxtaposition serves as a reminder that artistic endeavors can proceed on digital channels even when physical travel encounters hurdles, and that new media tools continue to shape how audiences experience music across geographies.