Russian singer Anastasia Slanevskaya, known as Slava, has called on artists, bloggers and other public figures to unite and demand an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine. She posted an emotional video message on social media. The singer did not specify to whom exactly the demand should be addressed or what actions should be taken to bring about an end to the hostilities.
Briefly about the main points
- Slava addressed Russian artists, bloggers and media professionals.
- She suggested making a public statement to show that we care about the war.
- The singer did not name the specific person to whom her demand was addressed.
- The statement did not call for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.
- Her current rhetoric stands in contrast to the statements she made at the start of the invasion.
A call to action without specific requirements
In his address Glory She suggested that representatives of the entertainment industry and popular bloggers speak out together about the war. She said: «Perhaps we should all just get together and say that we do care? Perhaps we just need to say: do something to make all this stop.» The singer also used strong language in her statement.
It is clear from the artist’s comments that she is counting on a collective public response from people with a large following. At the same time, she did not explain who should «do something» to end the war, nor did she propose a specific format for joint action.
The statement made no mention of the Kremlin’s responsibility
Slava called for an end to the war, but she did not name it directly Vladimir Putin responsible for its outbreak. Nor did she mention either the withdrawal of Russian troops from the occupied territories of Ukraine or the restoration of internationally recognised borders.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on 24 February 2022 following a decision by the Russian leadership. Therefore, a general call to «stop everything» does not specify either the conditions for ending the war or which party should take the relevant decision.
A contrast with the rhetoric of 2022
Slava’s current statement contrasts with her documented remarks at the start of the full-scale invasion. The National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide noted that in March 2022, the singer spoke of her «patriotism» towards Russia, had no plans to leave the country, and criticised colleagues who did not support the war or who remained neutral.
This contrast suggests a shift in emphasis in her public rhetoric, but does not allow us to determine her motives or claim that there has been a complete change in her convictions. The new statement contains no direct acknowledgement of the Russian authorities’ responsibility for the aggression, nor any demand for the de-occupation of Ukraine.
The reaction of the media community will determine the impact of the appeal
Russian show business Following the start of the invasion, the artistic community became divided: some artists supported the Kremlin and took part in propaganda events, whilst others left the country, condemned the aggression or avoided making public comments. There are currently no reliably confirmed statements from other artists or bloggers specifically supporting Slava’s appeal. Nor has there been any report of a reaction to this appeal from the Kremlin or the Russian security services.
Public anti-war statements in Russia are made under the pressure of repressive legislation. According to OVD-Info, between 24 February 2022 and 17 February 2025, 10,778 administrative cases were brought before courts of first instance under the article on «discrediting» the army. The practical impact of Slava’s statement may depend on whether other influential figures support it and whether the appeal takes the form of specific demands on the Russian authorities.
