Pugacheva’s statement on Instagram on Sunday is a notable slap in the face from a prominent figure in Russian authorities, who have stifled dissent in recent years. Pugacheva’s husband, singer and TV presenter Maxim Galkin, who has criticized Russia’s troop deployment to Ukraine, was added to the foreign agent registry on Saturday by the Justice Department for allegedly conducting political activities on behalf of Ukraine and receiving Ukrainian funding. He called Galkin a “true and incorruptible patriot” who wants “an end to the deaths of our guys for illusory goals.” Russian law allows organizations and individuals deemed to be involved in political activity that receive funding from abroad to be labeled foreign agents. The term has a strong pejorative connotation and implies additional government control. The 73-year-old Pugacheva is known for her emotional singing and colorful performances. He rose to stardom in the 1970s and remains widely popular throughout the former Soviet Union.
