Russian singer Alla Pugacheva requests to be declared a “foreign agent”

Famous Russian singer Alla Pugacheva says she wants to be placed on the country’s list of foreign agents in solidarity with her husband, who has been classified as such.

Her partner Maxim Galkin, a television presenter and outspoken critic of the invasion of Ukraine, was added to the register of foreign agents by the Ministry of Justice on Saturday for allegedly carrying out political activities on behalf of Ukraine and receiving Ukrainian funds.

Pugacheva has now published a statement on Instagram condemning the Russian authorities.

She called Galkin a “true and incorruptible patriot” who wishes that “our people no longer die for illusory goals.”

Under Russian law, organizations and individuals considered politically active and receiving funds from abroad may be classified as foreign agents.

The term has a strongly derogatory meaning and implies increased state control.

Pugacheva, 73, is known for her soulful singing and colorful performances.

It rose to national fame in the 1970s and remains very popular throughout the former Soviet Union.

At the beginning of March, Russian media reported that the singer and her husband had left the country for Israel.

Their children Liza and Garry – 9-year-old twins born via surrogate – were also there.