Sergey Shnurov Addresses Rumors About Citizenship and Residence
Sergey Shnurov, the founder and frontman of the Leningrad band, publicly dismissed rumors spread on various Telegram channels regarding a planned exit from Russia and a second citizenship. He stated clearly that he has no intention of leaving the country and has no plans to change his citizenship. In a conversation with RBC, he summarized the situation in one sentence: do not wait for any move from him. He affirmed his commitment to remaining in Russia and to continuing his artistic work there.
Earlier on March 4, a Telegram channel known as PUL, citing insiders close to Shnurov, claimed that he had filed for citizenship in a European state and that real estate dealings abroad were being prepared in Israel and Switzerland. These assertions were presented as the result of discreet discussions with unnamed sources. In response, Shnurov traveled to Moscow and St. Petersburg and clarified that he does not own real estate outside Russia, except for holdings in his home city of Saint Petersburg. In a statement to TASS, he urged journalists and readers not to propagate unfounded rumors.
Shnurov emphasized that journalism should refrain from circulating unsupported speculations and reiterated his residence in Russia. When asked about colleagues who might have left the country, he indicated that he did not concern himself with their choices or locations.
Since the outbreak of the special military operation in Ukraine, Shnurov has not publicly declared a stance on the conflict. Around two weeks after the operation began, he stepped down from the role of general producer at RTVI, explaining that his personal position might not align with the network’s editorial policy. He chose to pause his work with RTVI to focus on personal music projects.
In the months that followed, Shnurov shared several clips on the Leningrad group’s YouTube channel, creating content that riffed on events associated with the operation. One video offers a playful take on Russian pacifists who voiced their viewpoints online and through fashion, while another piece, the video for “No Entry,” critiques anti-Russian sanctions by juxtaposing them with a grim comparison to genocide.
Back in mid-2022, Shnurov released a video for the song “Ne Zorro,” directed at his former close associate, journalist Alexander Nevzorov, who is widely viewed in Russia as a foreign agent. Nevzorov moved to Israel after the SVO began and later faced an eight-year sentence in absentia in a Russian fraud case tied to the Armed Forces. The collaboration and the public exchanges around that period added layers to the evolving public narrative around Shnurov and his stance on current events.
In August, a photo that showed Shnurov posing in camouflage with the founder of a private military company appeared on social media. The image, later shown to be a montage, was debunked when it was revealed that another actor had been pictured. Shnurov himself commented on the incident, admitting the deception and describing it as a childish act. The co-conspirator in the original montage offered an explanation that the photo was a joke and not a real depiction.
Earlier in 2023, during an interview on a popular media platform, Shnurov weighed in on the topic of artists who publicly discuss leaving Russia. He cautioned against drawing premature conclusions and suggested that the sensationalism around such statements could be misleading. He argued that while some voices in the arts community voiced strong opinions, preferring to keep personal beliefs private might be a wiser approach for those who wish to remain engaged with their audience and their homeland.
Overall, Shnurov’s public remarks reflect a focus on personal artistic work and a preference for discretion in discussing political topics. He continues to engage with his audience through new music projects and creative productions, while avoiding definitive commentary that might diverge from his professional priorities.
Notes on attribution: information in this article reflects reports from multiple outlets over time, including coverage by RBC, TASS, and other media observers. The statements quoted here are presented to summarize the artist’s public position and do not replace direct statements from the individuals involved.