Following a children’s party featuring life-size puppets Haggi Waggi and Kisi Misi and the upbeat track The Party by Verka Serduchka, the prosecutor’s office issued a formal warning to Alexander Kudinov, who leads the Prazdnik detstva event agency. This incident drew media attention and prompted a closer look at how performances and music are selected for public events. The agency clarified that the event relied on a longstanding playlist that had been used for previous occasions and that Verka Serduchka’s song, which features the Ukrainian artist Andrey Danilko, was not part of the planned program. The video that triggered the prosecutor’s office review came from a live chat that captured content as it happened, rather than being a piece that the team had intentionally curated for viral spread. In his explanation, Kudinov emphasized that there was no deliberate intent behind playing the song; the moment was simply a spontaneous reaction to the crowd’s energy, and the majority of attendees, including children, continued to enjoy the festivities without interruption.
The prosecutor’s office, after reviewing the matter, urged Kudinov to refrain from repeating such incidents and noted that preventive guidance was provided to the staff. Kudinov also spoke about his broader commitments, describing support for national humanitarian efforts and participation in relief drives. He highlighted that the focus of the event was on creating joyful memories for young participants and their families, with attention to safety, inclusivity, and the seamless integration of music and activities to ensure everyone could participate in the celebration. This perspective underscores the balance event organizers strive to maintain between lively entertainment and responsible planning, especially when children are involved.
The incident relating to Serduchka’s song was formally acknowledged in late February, and the incident took place during a matinee held in Gryaz, located in the Lipetsk region. While the exact sequence of events may vary depending on the source, the underlying message remains: organizers must carefully vet music selections and have procedures in place to manage the entertainment lineup, particularly for public children’s events. The event in Gryaz serves as a reminder that keeping audiences engaged while adhering to guidelines is a dynamic process that involves coordination among performers, staff, and authorities, ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all participants.