Pro-war singers Shaman and Grigory Leps visited the southwestern Russia’s Kursk region to entertain wounded soldiers and farewell children being evacuated due to Ukraine’s incursion. The artists performed acoustic versions of their hits on a makeshift outdoor stage, with Shaman altering the lyrics of his song “Ya Russkiy” to “Ya Kurskyi” as a nod to the local audience. The children present were being evacuated to the Artek youth camp in Crimea, and the Defense Ministry shared footage of Shaman and Leps performing for soldiers at a local cultural center. Over 130,000 Russians have been displaced from border areas since the incursion, with around 20,000 residents of the Kursk region remaining in Ukrainian-controlled areas.
The displacement of over 130,000 Russians from border areas and the reported 2,000 individuals missing represents a scale of displacement not seen in the region since World War II. Approximately 20,000 residents of the Kursk region remain in Ukrainian-controlled areas, according to authorities. The artists gifted autographed guitars and delivered “vitamin kits” to soldiers during their performance at the local cultural center. The children present at the event were being evacuated to the Artek youth camp in Crimea, as efforts to protect civilians amidst the ongoing conflict continue.
In a message from The Moscow Times, it is highlighted that the organization faces unprecedented challenges as Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated them as an “undesirable” organization, putting their staff at risk of prosecution. The authorities believe that their work discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership, but The Moscow Times strives to provide accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia. Despite facing repression and attempts to silence independent journalism, the journalists of The Moscow Times refuse to be silenced and continue their work with the support of the public.
Shaman and Grigory Leps’ visit to the Kursk region to entertain wounded soldiers and send off evacuated children is a show of support and solidarity amidst the conflict with Ukraine. The artists performed for soldiers at a local cultural center, gifting autographed guitars and delivering essential supplies like “vitamin kits” to support the troops. The presence of over 130,000 displaced Russians and 2,000 missing individuals in the region is a sign of the significant impact of the ongoing conflict, leading to one of the largest displacements in the region since World War II.
The children present at the event were being evacuated to the Artek youth camp in Crimea, indicating efforts to ensure their safety and well-being amidst the escalating conflict. The artists’ performance of their hits, including Shaman’s altered lyrics to acknowledge the local audience, provided a moment of distraction and entertainment for those affected by the conflict. The Russian Defense Ministry’s release of footage from the event showcases the artists’ dedication to supporting the troops and civilians impacted by the conflict, highlighting the importance of cultural initiatives in times of crisis.
Despite facing challenges and attempts to silence independent journalism, The Moscow Times continues to provide accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia, with the support of the public. The message from The Moscow Times emphasizes the importance of defending open journalism in the face of repression, urging readers to support their work. The ongoing conflict in the Kursk region and the surrounding areas underscores the need for reliable reporting and coverage to ensure that the voices and experiences of those affected by the conflict are heard and understood.
