Maxim Pokrovsky, who leads the Nogu Svelo group, found himself at the center of a new regulatory decision when the Russian Ministry of Justice added the band to its list of foreign agents on March 31. The move drew attention not only within Russia but also abroad, as Instagram became a stage where the guitarist publicly addressed the development, despite Meta being banned in Russia for alleged extremist content. In this moment, Pokrovsky spoke from a position of public visibility, reflecting on how quickly public perception can shift under political pressure and legal scrutiny.
Earlier, the artist had faced a legal challenge over claims of discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. On March 27, the Moscow Khoroshevsky Court announced a development in that case, indicating that administrative proceedings were being suspended or adjusted under the court’s ruling. This legal trajectory underscored the ongoing tension between individual expression and state-imposed constraints on speech in the public arena, particularly when a performer is in the crosshairs of national policy and media narratives.
In a candid public note, the musician described the latest designation as a different course of action, characterizing the development as becoming a foreign agent on the public record. He referenced the year 2023 as a season of heavy media attention, acknowledging how quickly notoriety can rise and how news cycles can amplify controversial stances. He asserted that there was no intent to orchestrate a “scam,” emphasizing a desire to be transparent about the situation while continuing to navigate its consequences within the broader context of his career and public role.
According to the declaration issued by the Ministry of Justice, Pokrovsky had openly voiced support for Ukraine, a country described as non-hostile by the performer, and had reportedly engaged with foreign organizations while offering critical commentary about Russians. The proceedings also noted involvement in fundraising activities to support Ukraine, painting a picture of an artist who uses his platform to engage with international audiences and issues beyond the borders of Russia. Since the onset of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, Pokrovsky has released a sequence of songs and videos that critique the actions of Russian troops. At present, the leader of Nogu Svelo resides outside the country, continuing to contribute to his art from abroad while the legal and political landscape continues to evolve around his public image and professional activities.