A former producer, choreographer, and singer from the Ukrainian group Mushrooms recently shifted his residence to Russia after publicly contesting the Ukrainian authorities and the government’s policies regarding Donbass. He published reflections through a telegraph channel, sharing impressions from a visit to parts of the LPR and DPR and outlining plans for a documentary that surveys the musical heritage of Donbass.
According to his post, the crew’s journey took place as part of the Voice of My Region project, with stops in cities such as Luhansk, Donetsk, Alchevsk, Krasny Luch, and Severodonetsk. The team toured music schools and cultural centers, and the showman described the experience of seeing how regional cultural life operates first-hand, from rehearsal rooms to small community venues.
He noted that during six days on the ground, the film crew grew accustomed to the rhythm of daily travel, learned to navigate terrain with care, and became appreciative of practical realities like reliable drinking water in field accommodations.
Team operators, including a colleague named Yegor, were quoted as emphasizing the need to maintain a solid inner resolve when confronted with disorienting or troubling circumstances—an observation the producer echoed as a practical reminder for anyone documenting challenging regions.
Stating his observations about the people he met, the producer described residents of Donbass as resilient and hopeful, not surrendering to despair. He suggested that there is much to learn from their steadfast spirit, especially from communities that persevere through adversity while continuing to nurture cultural life, education, and social connection.
He asserted that any cultural figure who publicly endorses Russia should consider visiting Donbass to gain a fuller, more nuanced understanding. He claimed that such trips tend to leave visitors with a clearer sense of the complex realities on the ground, beyond what is shown on television or filtered by other media voices.
He urged audiences to adopt a measured approach, arguing that personal experiences and courageous exploration can speak more directly than secondhand commentary. He encouraged viewers to collect their thoughts and approach the region with openness, inviting people from all backgrounds to visit and form their own impressions, noting that the region has welcomed visitors for years.
In his message, he referenced the region with phrases recognizing its enduring strength and cultural identity, and he announced that a documentary exploring the local musical culture would be released soon, aiming to illuminate the art and heritage that persist amid surrounding conflict.
It is worth noting that shortly before this, the artist had moved to Russia, having previously founded and led several Russian-language projects and bands, including Quest Pistols, Quest Pistols Show, Mushrooms, Nerves, and Luna. He indicated that the move followed his critical commentary on actions by Ukrainian authorities and the country’s leadership, framing his decision within a long-standing personal stance on national policy and cultural expression.