Singer Shaman is facing accusations of advancing the Kremlin’s political agenda through his patriotic music
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has announced the indictment of pop singer Shaman, real name Yaroslav Dronov, for “glorifying” his country’s army. Kiev has previously categorized Russian entertainers, including children, as tools in information warfare.
The SBU’s statement on Tuesday claims that Shaman is part of a “Kremlin-controlled group of performers” furthering government actions in the conflict with Ukraine. A linguistic analysis of Dronov’s comments allegedly supports the agency’s accusation that he is engaging in “information sabotage.”
Following an investigation conducted alongside the Ukrainian prosecutor general’s office, the SBU aims to “hold the propagandists of Ruscism accountable,” the statement added, employing a term that equates pro-Russian policies with fascism.
While the SBU did not disclose its course of action, the charges against Dronov carry a potential prison sentence of up to eight years. The agency has also been linked to politically motivated assassinations, such as the killing of Russian journalist Darya Dugina in August 2022.
Ukrainian authorities have consistently criticized prominent Russian artists for allegedly promoting Moscow’s interests. Earlier this month, Kiev’s Center for Countering Disinformation described the viral pop song ‘Sigma Boy’ as a weapon in the “information war,” claiming it enhances Russia’s global image. Sung by 11-year-old Betsy (Svetlana Chertishcheva) and 12-year-old Maria Yankovskaya, the song praises the titular ‘sigma boy’ as a dance partner that every girl would like for herself.
In apparent response to Ukraine’s designation, the Russian military produced an orchestral cover of the hit, dedicating it to active-duty service members dubbed in the updated lyrics as “real” sigma boys sought after by girls as they return home victorious.
Shaman’s music similarly evokes patriotism, with his signature track titled ‘I Am Russian’ celebrating the pride of belonging to the Russian community.
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