The key facts
- Kirill Krok called the artists who left traitors and their departure an act of treachery that cannot be forgiven
- Krok also stated that Western elites continue the policy of cancelling Russian culture
- Krok's position differs from Nikita Mikhalkov's view, who allowed for forgiving those who returned
The tough stance of the head of the Vakhtangov Theatre
Kirill Krok, director of the Yevgeny Vakhtangov Theatre, said he does not consider it possible to forgive the artists who left Russia after the start of the special military operation. The interview in which he expressed this position was published by RIA Novosti; it was also covered by Life.ru and Gazeta.Ru.
'You cannot forgive treachery'
Krok was asked how one should treat the return of well-known cultural figures who have gone abroad. He replied that he takes a tough stance: 'I have an extremely negative attitude toward traitors. I believe that one must not abandon the Motherland in a difficult moment.' According to him, some artists built their careers precisely in Russia, gaining fame, professional recognition and high earnings here, which is why their departure for political reasons is especially unacceptable. 'Having received everything here, having earned millions here, to spit and leave is sheer treachery, and treachery cannot be forgiven, no matter how much we may love them,' Krok emphasized. Gazeta.Ru cites an additional fragment of his remarks: to artists who make a name for themselves at prestigious European awards, he advised remembering the true attitude toward Russia in the West, noting that 'everything Russian is excluded from everywhere by the European and Western elites,' and expressed the view that Western authorities continue the policy of cancelling Russian culture. Krok did not name any specific conditions under which the artists who left could work in Russian theatres again — his words concerned his personal attitude toward their actions.
Divergence from Mikhalkov's position
Krok's statement comes against the background of a different position, previously reported by Life.ru: Nikita Mikhalkov allowed for the possibility of forgiving Russians who left the country after the start of the special military operation. In the director's view, those who have realized their mistake and returned to their homeland can be treated with understanding, but such people should be distinguished from those who began thinking about returning only because of financial difficulties abroad. Thus, the two well-known cultural figures diverge on the key question: Krok does not allow forgiveness for those who left, while Mikhalkov allows it for those who have returned and realized their mistake.
