Ksenia Sobchak, Urgant, Slepakov and Other Celebrities Abroad

Ksenia Sobchak

Journalist Ksenia Sobchak spent a month in Israel with her son Plato before returning to Russia in April. Local outlets reported that she acquired Israeli citizenship, while others mentioned the sale of Moscow real estate, a claim Sobchak dismissed by posting a lighthearted clip from the Moscow region. (Source: regional media coverage and social posts)

As she shared from the road, Sobchak described being by the Jordan River and along the Rublevo-Uspenskoye highway, hinting that Israel has its own ice, ducks, and a restaurant reminiscent of Arkady Novikov’s, before noting that the mural-like scenery around her suggested she might be at the Wailing Wall. (Source: social media uploads and public statements)

She clarified that reports about selling a Moscow apartment were inaccurate, noting that she has not resided in the city for eight years. (Source: direct statements)

Ivan Urgant

TV presenter Ivan Urgant reportedly returned to Russia after spending about a month in Israel, a fact Sobchak confirmed. During a segment of the YouTube program “Attention, Sobchak!” she claimed Urgant was in Moscow meeting with Channel One’s CEO, Konstantin Ernst, to discuss continuing the Evening Urgant program in a different format. (Source: broadcast discussion and public posts)

Urgant had previously announced on social media that he was on vacation with plans to return home. On March 28, his father confirmed the family’s arrival in Russia, also noting he was unaware of any Israeli citizenship discussions or the fate of Vecherniy Urgant. (Source: family statements and social updates)

Semyon Slepakov

Sobchak announced on her program the return of comedian Semyon Slepakov to Russia.

“Slepakov announced his departure from the country, but it appears he has since come back,” Sobchak remarked. (Source: program recap and public posts)

News of Slepakov’s departure came amid tensions in Ukraine. Shortly after, Slepakov said he planned to return home and hinted that he might appear in Moscow unexpectedly. (Source: Telegram messages and public statements)

“I will be traveling abroad soon so there is no misunderstanding later. Secretly and without exposing the purpose, you might just see me in Moscow,” Slepakov wrote. (Source: Telegram post)

Jasmine

Towards the end of March, singer Jasmine moved from Israel back to Moscow with her children and her 85-year-old grandmother. She shared a warm note on her VKontakte page, addressing concerns that she had fled Russia. The post included a clip and the remark that they had returned home because the children did not want to leave Grandma Sonya and her legendary pastries. (Source: social post and accompanying video)

Earlier, Jasmine had expressed genuine affection for Russia and indicated that her travels to Israel were just for holidays. (Source: public statements)

Emmanuel Vitorgan and Irina Mlodik

In the days following the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, Emmanuel Vitorgan and Irina Mlodik left Russia with their two young children. They explained that they often vacation in Jurmala and vowed to return soon, keeping an active artistic schedule. A creative evening in Moscow followed on April 7. (Source: personal comments and public events)

Alexander Vasiliev

With Channel One pausing some entertainment programs, fashion host Alexander Vasiliev headed to Paris. He noted that sanctions could complicate show production and the fashion business. In March, Vasiliev returned to Moscow to work on various projects and shared a video message about his schedule. (Source: social posts and public remarks)

“These spring days in Moscow include teaching at Moscow State University, delivering a series of lectures, and a project about a resort-focused museum. After that, filming for the show will resume. Hello from Moscow,” Vasiliev said. (Source: online video message)

Olga Buzova

In March, singer Olga Buzova traveled to the UAE. Some fans speculated about a permanent departure from Russia, but she later denied the rumors and posted a photo from Moscow on her Telegram channel, indicating ongoing connections. Shortly after, she traveled to St. Petersburg. (Source: social updates and posts)

***

Many celebrities have spent time abroad for political, entertainment, or personal reasons. It is possible that figures such as Andrei Makarevich, Zemfira, Renata Litvinova, Vera Polozkova, Face, Chulpan Khamatova, Kirill Serebrennikov, Ingeborga Dapkunaite, Anton Dolin, Kantemir Balagov, Maxim Galkin, Alla Pugacheva, Nyusha, Dzhigan, and others are currently overseas. (Source: industry chatter and public statements)