Actor Mikhail Bashkatov has spoken openly about his stance on staying in Russia. In a discussion shared through the Telegram channel “Paragraph,” he clarified that leaving the country has never been part of his plans. He emphasized that relocating abroad was never a serious option, not even considered as a backup or afterthought. Bashkatov underscored that his life and work are rooted in Russia, and his choices reflect a commitment to his home country rather than a distant future elsewhere.
According to his remarks, the star of the series “Give Youth!” views his family as the primary reason for remaining. He suggested that his personal ties and responsibilities at home are integral to his decision to stay, painting a picture of continuity and homeland loyalty that goes beyond career considerations. He does not envision himself thriving in another country, and his future seems tightly linked to Russia and its cultural landscape.
Meanwhile, December 2022 saw another prominent figure, Andrey Burkovsky, depart Russia with his family. He relocated to the United States, where he has continued to expand his acting career and pursue new opportunities. In January 2023, Burkovsky joined a production titled “Chekhov in Chelsea,” directed by Alexander Molochnikov, a collaboration that also featured Russian model Vlada Roslyakova and actress Suzanne Shadkovsky, known from Gossip Girl. This move marked a notable shift in his professional journey, positioning him within a different artistic community abroad.
Burkovsky later acknowledged in February that his decision to work overseas had attracted online hostility. He faced negative attention from some corners of the public, yet he stated that the indifference of these critics did not deter him from his chosen path. The experience highlighted the social dynamics that accompany international career moves in the arts and how public perception can shape, or complicate, the narrative around such transitions.
In March, further developments emerged when a project, the series “Mediator” featuring Burkovsky, reportedly disappeared from Kinopoisk amid the broader context of his relocation. This disappearance raised questions about the visibility of foreign-based performers on domestic platforms and the shifting accessibility of credits and appearances tied to international work. The episode underscored how career moves can influence the online footprint and public cataloging of an actor’s body of work, especially when cross-border projects are involved. (attribution: Paragraph Telegram channel)