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Artur Smolyaninov aka Russian Rambo is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s favorite film actor. But the actor is now the target of criminal prosecution for criticizing Russia’s war in Ukraine. Photo/ Twitter @VovaDolbaeb
MOSCOW – Actor of one of the favorite films of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin was put on the list of criminal prosecution by the local legal authorities after making a series of condemning statements Moscow war in Ukraine .
In a recent interview with a Russian publication; Novaya Gazeta’s Artur Smolyaninov—who is widely known as “Russian Rambo” for his appearances in a series of local action films—was harshly critical of his country’s military invasion.
Smolyaninov appeared in the 2005 film “Devyataya Rota (The 9th Company)” set during the Soviet-Afghan war. Putin became such a fan of the film that he invited the entire cast and crew to his private residence that year.
Putin also publicly praised the film at the time, telling reporters it “takes the soul” and is “really powerful”.
But despite this, Smolyaninov in recent days began to speak out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He called it a “catastrophe”.
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Quoting a CNN report, Wednesday (18/1/2023), last October, the 39-year-old actor was fined for discrediting the Russian military, and he lives in exile after fleeing Russia on foot in recent months.
However, he has now doubled down on his stance in a controversial new interview, revealing that he feels hatred for his homeland as a result of the invasion.
“I feel nothing but hatred for the people on the (Russian battle) frontlines. And if I were there, there would be no mercy,” he told Novaya Gazeta, adding that his former partner fought for the Russian military.
“Am I going to shoot him? Without doubt! Do I leave my options to fight for Ukraine open? Very! This is the only way for me. And if I go to this war, I will only fight for Ukraine,” he said.
