Former member of the Quartet I, Mikhail Kozyrev, who is known in the Russian Federation as a foreign agent, reported that the ensemble was compelled to decline joint performances featuring the song Accident, performed by Alexei Kortnev. Kozyrev shared these details in a post on Facebook, the social network owned by Meta, which has been designated as extremist and banned within Russia.
According to Kozyrev, Kortnev explained that he had disappeared from the production of the play Accident. A criminal complaint was filed against the creators, and Quartet I was given an ultimatum: remove the so‑called enemies of the people from the performances or the theater would be closed. On Radio Day, the group Bobry and musician Pavel Maikov took the stage to perform musical pieces, with Kozyrev noting appreciation for not having Pevtsov involved.
Kozyrev left Russia after the start of the special military operation in Ukraine, citing safety concerns and political pressures connected to his public stance. Prior to these events, Alexey Kortnev, the soloist of the group behind the play Accident, voiced support for Alla Pugacheva, highlighting the star’s influence and public presence in cultural affairs. Kortnev has repeatedly spoken about his own civic position, and he condemned the online cancel culture directed at the artist, arguing that public discourse should allow for diverse viewpoints rather than punitive responses.
Earlier, the Ministry of Justice added Kozyrev and the publication 7×7 to a list of foreign agents, a move that has intensified scrutiny around the perspectives and activities of journalists and cultural figures associated with critical commentary and independent reporting. The evolving situation underscores ongoing tensions between creative expression, political identity, and regulatory actions in the region, illustrating how artistic communities navigate pressure while attempting to preserve autonomy and artistic integrity.
Citations: The described sequence of events and the involvement of Kozyrev, Kortnev, and associated groups have been reported by media outlets including 7×7 and other independent sources. Attribution notes indicate these details originate from public statements and social media disclosures connected to the individuals and organizations named in this account.