Ukraine's Culture Ministry published a list of international celebrities Thursday, including prominent Russian writers and musicians, who are seen as deserving of the support of the Ukrainian state.
Russians on the so-called “white list” include rock musicians Yury Shevchuk, Andrei Makarevich and Zemfira, as well as writers Boris Akunin and Viktor Shenderovich.
Ties between Moscow and Kiev have deteriorated to a post-Soviet low over the past year amid fighting between Russian-backed rebels and Ukrainian troops, but some prominent artists in Russia have spoken out against Russian aggression and declared their support for Ukraine.
At a July 3 concert in Tbilisi, Zemfira tied a Ukrainian flag to her microphone, while Makarevich has been attacked by Russian officials and had concerts canceled in Russia after he performed in Ukraine.
The list also featured a few non-Russian names, including Hollywood actors Tim Roth, George Clooney and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and European rock legends Martin Gore of Depeche Mode and Klaus Meine of the Scorpions.
The "white list" comes on the heels of a black list of cultural figures — mainly Russian ones — for whom Kiev has banned entry to the country. Figures on that list include Russian crooner Iosif Kobzon, French actor Gerard Depardieu, U.S. director Oliver Stone and U.S. actor Steven Seagal.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.