State Duma deputy and Honored Artist of Russia Elena Drapeko commented on actress and comedian Tatyana Lazareva, who is recognized in Russia as a foreign agent and who moved her work to Spain. The remarks appeared in the publication Arguments and Facts.
Drapeko criticized the phenomenon of Russians leaving the country, arguing that departures reflect negatively on Russia itself. He described Lazareva in unequivocal terms, saying that she is virtually unknown and that her actions only gain attention by criticizing Russia. In his view, if no one notices these moves, there would be nothing to talk about, and the public discourse would lose its impact.
According to Drapeko, artists who leave Russia and refrain from voicing strong criticisms do not serve the national interest. He suggested that they inflate their own importance and that watching such departures is, in his words, entertaining for some audiences. The deputy stressed that the motivation behind these moves is not rooted in artistic contribution but in seeking attention by challenging the home country.
Drapeko argued that the mindset of these artists prevents them from understanding the perspectives of those who stay, particularly when the focus shifts to supporting or opposing public positions within Russia. He asserted that many of these individuals are so caught up in their own narratives that they lose touch with broader realities and the sentiments of the public.
In a related claim, Drapeko emphasized that patriotism should be reflected in media content. He suggested that radio and television should feature songs and programs that honor national symbol and collective memory, arguing that such content reinforces an emotional connection to the country’s history and present realities. The conversation touched on the existence of a patriotic media outlet named Pride, which Drapeko described as having been established in Russia to promote patriotic messaging across radio platforms. [Citation: Drapeko’s statements reported by national media]
Observers note that the discussion surrounding Lazareva’s move to Spain and the broader question of how public figures navigate national loyalty continues to provoke debate within Russian cultural and political circles. Supporters of Drapeko argue that public figures bear responsibility for the impact of their words and actions on national morale, while critics contend that personal decisions about residence should be separated from artistic merit and national duty. This tension underscores ongoing conversations about freedom of expression, national identity, and the responsibilities of celebrities who gain prominence in a global context. [Citation: analysis of public reaction across multiple outlets]
Ultimately, the dialogue around this topic reflects a larger theme in contemporary Russian discourse: the balance between personal choice and public expectation, and how media and culture shape perceptions of patriotism. Whether one agrees with Drapeko or not, the incident illustrates how state actors frame cultural movements and how such framing can influence audience attitudes toward both leaving the country and remaining faithful to a shared national narrative. [Citation: summary of public commentary]