In Russia and Crimea, people are persecuted for Ukrainian songs: already 44 criminal cases.

According to inkorr.com: In Russia and Crimea, Ukrainian songs have become a reason for persecution: since February 2022, at least 44 people have been punished for performing or listening to Ukrainian compositions. They were accused of 'discrediting' the army, using extremist symbols, and hooliganism. Among the songs that became a reason for persecution are 'Chervona Kalyna', 'Stefania' by Kalush Orchestra, and 'Huljanochka' by Verka Serdyuchka.

«The maximum number of protocols – six – were received by participants of a wedding feast in Bakhchisarai. According to the police, the song 'Chervona Kalyna' was played at the celebration, which the Russian authorities consider to be a military song used by the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (recognized as extremist in Russia).»

Among those detained for interrogations were the winner of 'Miss Crimea 2022' Olga Valeyeva and her friends who sang 'Chervona Kalyna'. Residents of Crimea have also received fines for listening to compositions by bands such as 'Vopli Vidopliassova' and Gordon Black.

Criminal cases due to Ukrainian music

In Russia and on the annexed peninsula, the police have initiated criminal cases due to anti-war posts and video materials with Ukrainian songs. Even publications in the Ukrainian language have led to the conviction of a former political scientist from St. Petersburg, while a lecturer at Moscow University was accused of inciting hatred for publishing music from Ukraine on social media. These cases illustrate the scale of persecution and restrictions in Ukraine's musical culture.

Thus, in Russia and in occupied Crimea, Ukrainian songs have become the center of attention and have led to persecution and accusations. Performing Ukrainian music is regarded as 'discrediting', which underscores the sensitivity of this issue in the region.