Russian pop singer Philip Kirkorov, awarded the title of "People's Artist of Ukraine" in 2008, was included in the list of persons who represent a threat to the national security of Ukraine, because of his support for the Russian annexation of Crimea. This is stated in the SBU commentary.
"The basis of such recommendations were Philip Kirkorov's repeated propaganda concerts and statements, in which he expressed his support for the annexation of Crimea by Russia, and also insisted that the occupied peninsula is part of the Russian Federation. At the same time, he regularly performed in the Republic of Crimea, entering the peninsula outside Ukrainian checkpoints," the SBU said.
It is noted that the SBU has evidence that Kirkorov deliberately denied the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and in his statements justified the aggressive actions of the Russian Federation.
In particular, on March 18 of this year, Kirkorov performed at the event "Big festive concert in honor of the seven-year anniversary of the reunification of Crimea with the Russian Federation", which took place with the participation of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, thereby supporting the occupation of Crimea.
In his statements at this concert, Kirkorov said that "Crimea is my favorite place in Russia," and also made a number of other propagandist statements, as he had done many times before, the SBU noted.
The day before, it became known that the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine included Philip Kirkorov in the "black list". The Russian is a threat to national security.
Before that, Kirkorov was banned from entering Lithuania for five years because of his support for the annexation of Crimea.
Note that Kirkorov is a People's Artist of three states at once: Russia (2008), Ukraine (2008) and Moldova (2018). The title of People's Artist of Ukraine was awarded to Filip Kirkorov by President Viktor Yushchenko after his protégé Ana Lorak's successful performance at the Eurovision Song Contest. As stated in the decree - "for a significant personal contribution to the development of cultural ties of Ukraine and the Russian Federation, high performing skills and many years of fruitful creative activity."
