Andrei Khlyvnyuk, frontman of the band Bumboks and a serving soldier, publicly stated that he is ready to renounce the title of People's Artist of Ukraine that was awarded to him. This was reported by Wave RBC.UA, citing the artist's Facebook page. The statement came amid an ongoing public debate over whether Ukrainian cultural figures should be stripped of state awards and honorary titles.
Khlyvnyuk's Statement
On social media, the musician touched on the topic of state awards and honorary titles. In his words, Ukraine will eventually have to address the issue of stripping cultural representatives of their distinctions; the only question is whether it will be for an anti-Ukrainian or a pro-Ukrainian stance. "We will have to strip 'cultural figures' of their titles and awards anyway. The only question is: for an anti-Ukrainian or a pro-Ukrainian position. I wouldn't mind getting rid of my 'People's' title — in such company it's a fierce 'cringe'," Khlyvnyuk wrote. He did not name any specific artists in his post.
Context: The Title Scandal
The statement came against the backdrop of a discussion about state titles, particularly surrounding Potap. According to several publications, Bumboks is listed on the Ministry of Culture's list, and Khlyvnyuk had previously commented on this resonant decision, responding to the accusations. Thus, his words about being ready to part with the title were perceived as a reaction to the broader scandal over awards in the cultural milieu.
How the Artist Received the Title
The title of People's Artist of Ukraine was awarded to Andrei Khlyvnyuk quite recently — on July 15, 2026. The corresponding decree was signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the Day of Ukrainian Statehood. The President's Office then reminded that, after the start of the full-scale invasion, Khlyvnyuk joined the Territorial Defense of Kyiv, was wounded as a result of mortar shelling, and subsequently returned to service.
Contradictory Data
The wording of the sources contains nuances that should be taken into account. On the one hand, Khlyvnyuk writes directly that he "wouldn't mind getting rid of" the title, which sounds like a rhetorical, conditional statement rather than a confirmed formal procedure of renunciation. On the other hand, the artist himself did not name the specific performers he has in mind, whereas the media link his words to the scandal surrounding Potap and the Ministry of Culture's list. In other words, the exact "trigger" of the statement is interpreted differently: as a personal position or as a reaction to specific events.
