The moral duty of public figures: why 'tourism' is unacceptable
In an interview with the publication WAVE (an RBK-Ukraine project), the famous TV host Anatoliy Anatolich (Anatoliy Solovyanenko) voiced his position regarding the activities of artists who continue to live abroad but come to Ukraine to earn money. The showman drew a clear line between a person's right to live anywhere in the world and the ethical obligations towards the audience that provided them with popularity.
According to Anatolich, the very fact of Ukrainians living abroad is not a mistake. However, he categorically disagrees with the practice where public figures come to the country, earn money from concerts or events, and then leave Ukraine to spend these funds abroad. "I consider this unfair towards your audience, towards the people who love you here," emphasized the host. For him, this is a matter of responsibility: popularity has brought privileges to artists, and in difficult times for the country, they are obliged to return support to society.
Defending Loboda: the price of a position and the 'unofficial lawyer'
Separately, Anatolich touched upon the topic of his goddaughter, singer Svetlana Loboda, admitting that he has effectively become her 'unofficial lawyer' in the Ukrainian media space. The showman reminded that in the first days of the full-scale war, the artist clearly defined her position, although she made some unfortunate statements. Anatolich, who communicated with the singer for over an hour when she left Moscow, noted that her departure from Russia cost her millions of dollars and the status of persona non grata.
"I believe that a person who consciously declares their anti-war position, leaves Moscow, and loses millions of dollars — this says something," stated the TV host. He emphasized that Loboda does not have 'double thoughts' about returning to Russia, as her life and career there have been destroyed. At the same time, the showman admitted that he maintains close relations with the singer, despite radical views on language and politics, as she remains an important part of the family and a responsible godmother to his daughter Alisa.
The language issue: why the Russian language abroad is normal
Anatolich commented on the discussion surrounding Loboda's performance of songs in Russian. He stated that he is against the singer performing Russian-language hits specifically on the territory of Ukraine. However, he understands the artist's logic when she sings in Russian in the Baltic countries, Kazakhstan, or Uzbekistan. "Why does she sing in Russian abroad? Because there is a market... and a diaspora that wants to listen to old songs," explained the showman.
Anatolich's key argument is that Loboda is not trying to promote the Russian language in the Ukrainian media field. In Ukraine, she does not earn money but engages in charity. "If she were trying to promote the narrative 'let's speak Russian' in the media field here, I would frankly say that I am against it," noted the host. He believes that the artist's honesty lies in separating markets: earning money in Russian happens where it is in demand, while in Ukraine she is present exclusively in the format of assistance.
Criticism of 'experts' from Telegram channels
The showman also expressed the opinion that people who have been outside Ukraine for a long time should not lecture compatriots or assess public sentiment. According to him, their perception of reality is formed through Telegram channels, which often leads to a distortion of the picture of what is happening. "You are not in the political field because your opinion formation about Ukraine consists of those Telegram channels you are subscribed to, which is often erroneous," stated Anatolich. He believes that such people do not understand the real mood of society and do not have the right to criticize those who are inside the country.
