Russian President’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov addressed a controversial claim made by actor Artur Smolyaninov, who expressed readiness to fight on the Ukrainian side during ongoing military operations. Peskov noted that the Kremlin did not regard the actor’s statements with approval and emphasized that it falls to relevant state bodies to evaluate such remarks. This remark came in response to questions from journalists about how the Kremlin views Smolyaninov’s position and what it signals about loyalty and national service during a tense period in the region.
The public discourse around Smolyaninov intensified after his decision to leave Russia in October 2022. Reports indicated that, upon his departure, authorities prepared a protocol alleging actions aimed at discrediting the Russian armed forces. This resulted in a monetary penalty of 30,000 rubles. These events highlight the broader legal and political mechanisms in Russia used to address perceived offenses against the military and state institutions. (Source: Kremlin press briefing summaries)
In parallel, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation proceeded with a criminal case concerning Smolyaninov. Alexander Bastrykin, who leads the committee, issued instructions to initiate formal proceedings in response to the actor’s statements and actions. The move underscores how state authorities link public commentary and behavior of high-profile figures to potential criminal liabilities, especially when it concerns national security and military operations. (Source: Official investigative announcements)