Yevhen Rybychynskyi on Malinin: He is now a traitor due to his statements about the war.

According to ТСН: Ukrainian poet and composer Yevhen Rybychynskyi sharply criticized Russian singer Oleksandr Malinin, who recently expressed his willingness to support the occupiers in the war.

Rybychynskyi noted that Malinin, who was previously a People's Artist of Ukraine and sang Ukrainian songs, made a choice that closed the door back for him. In the program 'Alone,' the poet confessed that he once admired his vocals and considered him a unique performer precisely because of his Ukrainian repertoire.

However, after the onset of full-scale war, his behavior changed. According to Rybychynskyi, Malinin tried to avoid public statements while hiding abroad. Even his silence was not a safeguard. During one of the concerts in Russia, the situation spiraled out of control.

‘Sasha was a People's Artist of Ukraine who recorded three albums of folk songs for Ukrainians. And it was amazing because he really sings... Very few people sing in this vocal range. He was awarded the title. Knowing that here and there he is popular, he quietly fled to Germany at the beginning of the war, thinking he could sit it out. He is asked questions about the war — he deliberately does not respond. He is invited to Saratov and is simply provoked there. And now he is a traitor,’ Yevhen stated in a conversation with Anna Sevastyanova.

Rybychynskyi also emphasized that despite Malinin's current public statements, his real life has long been nothing to do with Russia. He explained that Malinin's children had cut ties with the aggressor state, which, in Rybychynskyi's opinion, became a fatal mistake for the artist. Despite this, neither Yevhen nor Yuriy Rybychynskyi communicate with Malinin.

‘But knowing his views, he is not a traitor according to his views. His children live in Britain, singing in the royal opera — daughter or son, I don't remember. Emma, his wife, has long been a German citizen. He had a residence permit. And he was so mistaken. We do not communicate. I called dad, but dad does not pick up the phone. Dad has closed the case on him,’ the composer added.

Let us recall that recently Yevhen Rybychynskyi also commented on the life and position of singer Valeriy Leontyev and talked about their last meeting.

This situation once again underscores the complexity of the choice between art and politics, especially during wartime. Rybychynskyi's words, who has himself gone through trials and champions the defense of Ukrainian culture, reflect the deep feelings of many Ukrainians during this difficult time. Malinin's position has become a subject of public discussion, indicating how war affects the personal and professional relationships of artists.