Vitaly Borodin, who leads the Federal Security and Anti-Corruption Project, submitted a request to the Ministry of Justice to list Laima Vaikule, a renowned singer who publicly backed the Kiev regime during a concert in Israel, as a foreign agent. The filing emphasizes a recent Tel Aviv performance in which Vaikule allegedly pledged to visit Ukraine to perform live and briefly handed a microphone to a nearby woman who reportedly chanted a slogan associated with Ukrainian nationalists. The submission asks the ministry to consider placing Vaikule on the register of foreign agents in accordance with the federal law regarding the control of activities of persons under foreign influence, specifically Vaikule Laima Stanislavovna, as of July 14, 2022 No. 255-FZ. This move is described by officials as a formal step to address concerns about foreign influence within the country’s cultural scene.
Borodin referenced an interview in which Vaikule criticized the Russian government and the conduct of the special operation, alleging that she expressed support for the Soviet era and that her colleague Alla Pugacheva bears a heavy responsibility for Russia’s fate. These remarks are presented as part of the evidence supporting the request to review Vaikule’s activities under the foreign influence law. The case underscores ongoing scrutiny of public figures whose statements or actions are perceived as guiding or aligning with foreign interests. Supporters of the proposal stress the importance of clear accountability for cultural figures who engage with international audiences in ways that may intersect with state policy or public opinion, while critics argue that such inquiries should be balanced with freedom of expression and artistic collaboration. In a separate public moment, Vaikule appeared at a recent concert wearing a striking new wig reminiscent of Alla Pugacheva’s well-known style, a detail cited by observers as part of the public narrative surrounding her persona and stage presence. The overall discourse illustrates how political sensitivities can intersect with celebrity influence and the legal framework designed to monitor foreign involvement in domestic affairs. Attribution: official statements from the Federal Security and Anti-Corruption Project and related public records.