Maxim Galkin (known in the Russian Federation as a foreign agent), humorist
The case against Maxim Galkin, a prominent humorist, was brought before the Zamoskvoretsky District Court. Court documents on the capital’s judiciary portal indicate that the case was registered on May 11 and falls under the category of other actions challenging decisions or inaction by state authorities and military command. The filing suggests that the dispute centers on the status of a foreign agent and questions surrounding the acts of government bodies.
The public response in Russia was swift and negative on social networks. Reports from state news agency RIA Novosti highlighted strong backlash to the comedian’s attempt to challenge his designated status through legal channels.
Commentators among the online audience offered stark reactions. Some urged a harsher response, reminding readers of statements once made and suggesting punitive measures such as revoking travel documents or citizenship. Others speculated about his motivations, implying that monetary incentives might be driving the actions, and questioning the artist’s ties to his homeland.
Other commenters implied that Galkin might be pursuing opportunities abroad or seeking financial gain outside Russia. They suggested that past comforts in Russia were no longer sufficient and questioned whether earnings were increasingly tied to activities outside the country.
The Russian Ministry of Justice added Galkin to its list of foreign agents on September 16 of the previous year, citing funding received from Kiev amid political activity. Galkin himself stated that he did not consider himself a foreign agent. Following the announcement, Alla Pugacheva, his wife, sought guidance from law enforcement and referenced the status as well.
By September, Galkin had ceased residence in Russia, having performed concerts abroad since February 2022 and subsequently relocating to Israel. Pugacheva joined him with their children, who now attend a Russian-Jewish school, a setup that reportedly costs substantial sums per child annually. The couple’s movements included a trip to Moscow on May 3 to bid farewell to Valentin Yudashkin before returning elsewhere.
In January, TASS published footage from a Dubai concert in which Galkin was observed delivering a slogan associated with Ukrainian nationalists, a detail that drew additional scrutiny in the media and public discourse.
Zemfira Ramazanova (known as a foreign agent in the Russian Federation), singer
Zemfira Ramazanova, who left Russia at the outset of the current conflict, filed the same foreign-agent petition with the Ministry of Justice and the Zamoskvoretsky court, mirroring the route taken by Galkin. Court records list the presiding judge and the teams led by a shared legal figure, Natalia Khairetdinova.
Ramazanova embarked on an international tour following her departure, performing across Latin America, Europe, and beyond as part of a tour titled Borderline Tour-2022. The ensemble included dates in Limassol, Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Vienna, Prague, Offenbach, Hamburg, Berlin, Paris, The Hague, and London. At one Cyprus performance, audience members reportedly displayed the Ukrainian flag, while the artist retrieved the canvas without displaying it publicly. Reports indicated concert-goers attempted to bring Ukrainian flags to venues, but security personnel intervened at entry points.
The Ministry of Justice added Ramazanova to the foreign agents list on February 10 of the current year, alleging public support for Ukraine through performances in countries at odds with Russia and receiving external financial backing. Ramazanova has publicly addressed her supporters online, expressing appreciation for the encouragement and sending well-wishes to her listeners, a message posted on social media platforms that have faced restrictions in Russia.
Shortly after, a new track titled PODNHA appeared, released on March 10, dealing with themes of attachment to one’s homeland. The song includes lines suggesting the difficulty of loving and choosing one’s country, a sentiment attributed in part to a disclaimer penned by a close associate in the entertainment industry.
The topic drew the attention of politicians, with media outlets noting that some lawmakers urged sanctions on Ramazanova’s Russian assets. Reports suggested a value assessment of property in Moscow and outlying regions, including estates in Bashkiria. Such figures include private properties and other real assets, with references to vehicles left behind when relocating abroad.
In response to these developments, Ramazanova’s broader public statements emphasized gratitude toward supporters and resilience in continuing artistic work abroad, a stance that reflected ongoing tension between public perception and state classifications.
Media coverage also noted a critical response from parliamentarians, who questioned the singer’s ties to Russia and suggested measures to curb perceived influence. The discourse highlighted debates about ownership of assets and the potential implications for those labeled as foreign agents.
Opinion of co-author of the foreign agents act
Oleg Matveychev, a deputy and vice-chairman of the State Duma Information Policy Committee, commented on the situation for Podium. He expressed skepticism about the success of the claims made by Galkin and Ramazanova, noting that legal standards require clear evidence of external funding or influence. He pointed out that if funds were indeed provided from abroad, or if donations were involved, such matters would need to be proven within the framework of the law. The statement underscores that many artists operate internationally and may receive support while pursuing activities outside Russia.
Matveychev added that the two figures did not engage in outright deception but rather continued to provoke public discourse and eventually sever ties with Russia through their international careers and possessions abroad. His remarks framed the situation within a broader legal and political context, where actions are weighed against statutory provisions governing foreign influence and funding.