The Ukrainian artist Andrei Danilko, known on stage as Verka Serduchka, explained why he uses Russian in his music and conversations. The interview appeared on the Ltv channel Nail News.ru, where Danilko spoke candidly about his language choices and the complexities they bring in Ukraine today.
Danilko noted that he does not want to force himself to switch languages, especially since many of his songs were written in Russian. He acknowledged that this choice can evoke mixed reactions among Ukrainians who are weighing national sentiment, personal history, and artistic expression. He emphasized that language is not a sign of allegiance, but a reflection of his artistic process and the material he has created over the years.
He described the emotional atmosphere surrounding the subject as tense and conflicted. The mood in the country is fragile, and public events such as concerts can feel fragile as well. The singer added that translating a piece that was never translated to begin with can seem artificial or removed from its original feel, which can affect how audiences perceive a performance.
Danilko argued that it is not he who uses the language of the attacker, but rather the attacker who uses Russian in certain contexts. He believes that language choices are shaped by broader dynamics rather than personal hostility, and he stressed that his ability to communicate with colleagues like Latvian pop singer Laima Vaikule is not dependent on a single language. The discussion touched on how language can act as a bridge or a barrier depending on the situation and the people involved.
In Jurmala, Danilko was the sole invited guest at the Vaikule Rendezvous festival, where the discussion of language and culture gained particular resonance. The event highlighted ongoing conversations about national identity, cultural exchange, and the role of language in public life. The exchange also shed light on how artists navigate cross-border collaborations in a region shaped by history and shared artistic ties, even as contemporary tensions influence public discourse.
Earlier reports suggested that funds raised in relation to these events would be directed toward supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces and related cultural activities. Those claims were addressed at the time, with representatives stating that the intentions behind fundraising efforts focused on humanitarian and cultural support for Ukraine, rather than any single organization or purpose. This clarification underscored the broader context in which artists operate when engaging with audiences across borders and languages, especially during periods of national strain and regional uncertainty.