Vladimir Mashkov spoke in a recent conversation about artists and celebrities who left Russia, urging readers not to waste time on scornful discussions. He refused to engage with critics who accuse émigrés or try to steer public sentiment against them, saying there is no point in arguing with audiences that have already formed their opinions. Mashkov offered a single, firm stance: do not disdain.
According to Mashkov, the meaning of the word is often misunderstood. He describes despisal not as hostility toward emigrants, but as a careful, thoughtful gaze aimed at where love and trust reside. He believes that public figures who resort to public mudslinging against Russia will eventually confront the consequences of their own choices and actions. For him, the real emphasis is on looking at what binds people together rather than dwelling on disputes that split opinions.
He clarified that the intent is not to turn away from difficult conversations but to focus attention on constructive, trusting connections with the homeland. Those who continue to spread negative narratives will, in his view, experience the natural friction caused by their own rhetoric and the shifting tides of public perception.
In July, reports circulated about Maria Mashkova, the artist’s daughter who moved to the United States. It was said she would not participate in a television project titled Operation Throne, a series that centers on the work of Soviet counterintelligence officers during the Great Patriotic War. Initial plans had Mashkova in a leading role, and she even appeared in several episodes. Later, the scenes were reworked with actress Tatyana Arntgolts taking the lead instead.
Public commentary around these developments has continued, with some voices outside Russia weighing in on who should or shouldn’t be part of certain projects and teams. The discourse reflects broader conversations about national identity, loyalty, and the evolving roles of artists who live abroad. Mashkov’s remarks are framed as a call to prioritize trust and love over public denigration, and to recognize that reputations are often shaped by the narratives people choose to amplify.