President Vladimir Putin extended his appreciation to a roster of public figures for their contributions to national culture and the arts. The commendation was conveyed through official channels, highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy and the role of artists in shaping a shared national identity. Among those acknowledged were Rodion Gazmanov, Natalya Senchukova, and Viktor Rybin, the leader of the Dune group, whose work was cited as furthering the development of Russia’s cultural landscape. The president also singled out saxophonist Veronica Kozhukharova, sculptor Andrei Korobtsov, and actress Aglaya Shilovskaya for their notable artistic achievements that enrich the country’s artistic heritage. (Source: Official legal information portal)
In a related move, several of these artists were added to Ukraine’s sanctions list in connection with a January 7, 2023 concert commemorating Russia Day held in Kherson, and for subsequent visits to Crimea and for publicly supporting a military operation. The sanctions reflect ongoing political tensions surrounding cultural events and geopolitics in the region. (Source: Official legal information portal)
Viktor Rybin has continued to engage with audiences beyond traditional concerts, recently appearing on the Neformat podcast aired by Channel One. During the discussion, Rybin recalled a memorable moment from 1996 when, as a young performer, he faced an unforeseen turn of events that involved an unintended wardrobe mishap and the reactions of bystanders and media. He described the incident plainly, noting that he did not anticipate the attention it would generate and that the experience left a lasting impression on his career. (Source: Neformat podcast transcript)
The discussion of such episodes is often paired with reflections from industry insiders. For instance, journalist Otar Kushanashvili spoke publicly about the possibility of a personal partnership with singer Alla Pugacheva, a statement that has circulated in media discourse for years and continues to be cited in conversations about relationships within the Russian entertainment industry. (Source: Kushanashvili interview archive)