The head of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, instructed authorities to open a criminal case against actor Artur Smolyaninov.
An official statement on the Telegram channel said that in a Western interview, Smolyaninov made remarks that were interpreted as hostile to Russia.
At the same time, it was not specified which legal provisions England would invoke in pursuing the case.
The case stemmed from Smolyaninov’s interview with Novaya Gazeta Europe, a publication that was blocked in Russia. In that conversation, the actor expressed emotional support for Ukraine and indicated willingness to participate on its side in the current conflict.
The actress who shared experiences about Ukrainian friends affected by attacks on critical infrastructure described feeling deep anger toward those she viewed as antagonists in the conflict.
When asked whether he would join a war, Smolyaninov replied that if he did, it would be on the Ukrainian side, describing the appeal as a matter of solidarity with people who had been attacked by others who share a bloodline with him. He also stated a perception that Russia’s future might take many forms or dissolve altogether, and he even speculated on hypothetical regional outcomes or smaller political entities arising from the fragmentation of the country.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented, noting that the Kremlin does not share the actor’s views but emphasizing that the matter is for the relevant authorities to assess.
Deputies’ reaction
Following the interview publication, State Duma deputy Sultan Khamzaev called the actor a traitor and said he would petition the Investigative Committee to initiate a criminal case. He also suggested cancelling contracts for any state-funded projects involving the actor, a view reported by RIA Novosti.
After the case was opened, Khamzaev thanked Bastrykin for the response and argued that Smolyaninov’s statements could amount to calls for infringing territorial integrity and for extremist activity.
Deputy Yana Lantratova told the agency she would invite colleagues to discuss measures against artists who oppose Russia’s actions. She said the move was necessary for the country’s interest and security.
Another deputy, Yevgeny Popov, believed Smolyaninov’s words violated the rights and freedoms of other Russian citizens, calling for protection of residents from perceived threats and for ensuring that those denied certain rights by courts could still hold Russian citizenship. And Andriy Klishas, chair of a parliamentary committee, urged not to engage in actions that would worsen relations with Ukraine or restrict the rights of Russian citizens.
Fine for discrediting Russia and leaving Russia
Smolyaninov has previously opposed military actions after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and left Russia in the autumn. In October 2022, he was fined for discrediting the Russian army, with the amount reported as thirty thousand rubles. The exact trigger for that enforcement action was not publicly disclosed.
He also stated that in April 2022 he gradually reduced his work opportunities after an interview with journalist Ekaterina Gordeeva, who has been designated a foreign agent in Russia. Gordeeva’s commentary criticized Moscow’s actions in Ukraine, and this coincided with Smolyaninov receiving fewer offers to work in Russia during that period. He noted that offers from abroad were available, but he chose to remain tied to opportunities at home while they existed.
As of now, the actor and his collaborating colleagues indicate that he has relocated to Latvia, where he sought acting opportunities. He described facing fewer roles there than in Russia and noted the need to pursue projects more broadly to maintain his career, as opportunities in his new base were not as plentiful as before.
Smolyaninov, aged 39, is recognized for portraying Lyuty in Fyodor Bondarchuk’s 2005 film “9th Division,” along with appearances in the films “Burnt by the Sun 2,” “Kalashnikov,” “Found Alive,” and “Maria.” He was associated with the Sovremennik Theater troupe from 2006 until 2022.