Ukrainian singer Kamaliya has provided a detailed commentary regarding the scandal caused by a video featuring her in military uniform on an armored vehicle. In an interview with Slava Demin on the «Slava+» program, the artist spoke in detail about the circumstances of the shooting, responded to criticism from some social media users, and explained why it is fundamentally important for her to support defenders not only financially, but also morally. According to her, she did not expect the clip to provoke such heated discussion, as she believes her followers have long been familiar with her volunteer activities and regular trips to the military.
The Initiative to Film Belonged to the Fighters
Kamaliya explained that the idea to shoot the video did not originate with her. According to her, the initiative came from the military personnel she visited on a volunteer mission. The fighters liked her song «Sambuka», and they were the ones who suggested recording a joint video. The artist emphasized that on that day, music videos were filmed not only for this track, but also for her other songs — «Chekatymu» and «Zakhysnykam». For the military, she said, it was an opportunity to briefly disconnect from routine service and spend time in a relaxed atmosphere. Musician Vladias, who appeared in the frame alongside the singer, is not only a performer but also a songwriter for Ukrainian artists, including the composition «My Heart Is Bigger» in Kamaliya's own repertoire. At the time of filming, Vladias was performing military service.
Why Camouflage Instead of a Concert Dress
The artist separately addressed comments regarding her uniform. She explained that during trips to field conditions, it is impossible to dress as one would for a concert. According to her, the military sometimes offer civilian visitors camouflage clothing themselves to make them less noticeable. Kamaliya called such clothing practical and safe for work in the forest. As she noted, her uniform featured volunteer chevrons and patches given to her by the military themselves. The singer refuted assumptions that she used the uniform solely for an effective shot: she regularly visits the units she helps, so such clothing is nothing unusual for her. Earlier on Instagram, she had already reacted emotionally to the criticism, calling opponents «armchair critics» and emphasizing that as a military volunteer, she has the right to wear a uniform when visiting defenders.
Volunteer Activity Since 2014 and Personal History
Kamaliya shared that she began helping the Ukrainian military back in 2014, and after the start of the full-scale invasion, her volunteer activity increased significantly. She supports several units that she regularly visits. Among them are the fighters of the «Bisova Duzhyna» battalion, to whom the resonant video was dedicated. According to the singer, the military constantly needs funds for equipment repairs, purchasing vehicles, and other gear; she helps financially, participates in fundraising, and organizes trips with performances. At the same time, she acknowledged that meeting all the units' requests is not easy, but she tries to support the military through personal communication as well.
The War Touched the Family Personally
During the interview, the artist also touched upon a personal topic. She shared that two of her brothers voluntarily went to defend Ukraine. One of them suffered concussions twice and was wounded twice during his service. Kamaliya recalled that after severe wounds, she tried to persuade her brother to end his service, but he refused, explaining that his brothers-in-arms were waiting for him. Later, the man trained as a drone operator, returned to the front, and was killed by an enemy drone strike. The second brother, according to the singer, also volunteered to serve and has been listed as missing in action for about a year. It is this personal experience, she says, that defines her attitude toward what happens during meetings with fighters: she observes how at the beginning of a performance, the military are reserved and depressed, but after a few songs, they begin to sing along, smile, and dance. Therefore, Kamaliya does not consider entertaining compositions inappropriate during meetings with defenders.
