Actor, model, and Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman Nazar Grabar, in a fresh interview with journalist Alina Dorotyuk, spoke about his relationship with Svetlana Loboda and why he abandoned his usual public defense of the artist. Previously, Grabar repeatedly spoke out in support of the singer when she faced a wave of criticism over her bilingual stance—releasing music in both Ukrainian and Russian. However, in conversation with Dorotyuk, the soldier admitted that he cannot unambiguously evaluate Loboda's actions because he does not know what her life is like now or what views she holds.
Last Real Contact Over Two Years Ago
Answering a direct question about his attitude toward the artist's current position, Grabar reported that the last time they communicated "in a real communication sense" was roughly more than two years ago. The only remaining form of communication, according to him, has been birthday greetings. "To be honest, I don't know what her position is, so I can't judge or defend it. I honestly don't know," the serviceman emphasized. Thus, the public defense that Grabar previously provided for Loboda has effectively ceased due to a lack of up-to-date information regarding her views.
From Public Defense to a Neutral Stance
The shift in tone in Grabar's statements contrasts with his previous rhetoric. During the period when Ukrainian society was actively discussing Loboda's bilingualism, the actor urged people not to cross the line in criticizing the artist and to take into account her contribution to supporting the country. He noted that a significant portion of Loboda's aid is not publicized, and her financial investments in the needs of the military—including the purchase of vehicles for evacuating the wounded—deserve recognition. Now, however, Grabar consciously refrains from making assessments, citing the lack of personal contact and knowledge of the singer's current convictions.
Personal Tragedy and the Artist's Role in the Family's Fate
The context of Grabar's public statements cannot be separated from his personal experience. At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he voluntarily joined the ranks of the Armed Forces, sustained an injury, and lost his brother Ilya at the front. Despite this tragedy, Grabar has repeatedly spoken publicly in support of Loboda. According to him, she was one of the first to support his family after his brother's death. This very fact, along with the artist's general assistance to the Ukrainian army, became the basis for his previous calls for restraint in criticism.
Society Divided: Support and Criticism
The context of public opinion was also voiced in Dorotyuk's interview. Ukrainian society, according to the journalist, is divided regarding Loboda: a portion of the audience continues to support the singer and attends her concerts, while another part considers her bilingual stance unacceptable during wartime. Grabar, without entering into this debate, limited himself to stating that he lacks the information that would allow him to take an unambiguous position. His response essentially marked the transition from the role of a public defender to an observer who does not assume the right to evaluate someone else's actions without knowing their motives.
