The key facts

  • Iosif Prigozhin commented to TASS on his inclusion in the GUR of Ukraine's database
  • Philipp Kirkorov was also added to the War and Sanctions portal's database
  • Prigozhin's inclusion was reportedly based on his role as a trusted representative of Vladimir Putin in the 2018 elections

Prigozhin's reaction

Producer Iosif Prigozhin reacted to his inclusion in the database of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense. In a conversation with TASS, he was indignant that, in his words, the Ukrainian authorities, instead of seeking paths to a peaceful settlement of the conflict, continue to look for enemies among the people. “The main enemies of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people are the current authorities, who are leading [the country] to catastrophe,” TASS quoted him as saying.

Who was added to the database and on what grounds

Prigozhin's inclusion in the GUR database became known earlier. The authors of the database claim that the producer supports Russia's actions and the policy of the Russian authorities toward Ukraine; it also states that he was a trusted representative of Vladimir Putin in the 2018 elections. Along with Prigozhin, singer Philipp Kirkorov was also added to the database of the anti-Russian portal War and Sanctions .Among the grounds cited are support for the special military operation and for Russian troops, and the artist's profile notes that he called Crimea his favorite place in Russia, performed concerts in the new regions, and hosted “Goluboy Ogonyok,” whose guests included Russian military personnel. Earlier, TV host Yakubovich was also added to the database of Ukraine's military intelligence.