Ukrainian Ministry of Defense Trolls Pro-Putin Singer Nikolay Baskov
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense engaged in a social media exchange with Russian singer Nikolay Baskov, seemingly thanking him for inadvertently aiding Ukraine’s defense efforts. The interaction, which unfolded on the social media platform Threads, quickly went viral after screenshots were shared online.
The exchange began with Baskov posting on Threads. In response, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense’s official account replied, sarcastically thanking Baskov for a million-dollar donation to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and for providing coordinates of strategically important objects within Russia. The Ministry claimed these coordinates were “especially important” and that Ukrainian forces had “worked successfully” with the information. The post concluded by stating Baskov’s “award awaits you in Ukraine.”
Baskov reportedly deleted the comment shortly after, likely fearing backlash from Russian audiences. However, screenshots of the exchange quickly circulated online, sparking a flurry of reactions. Users on Threads responded with amusement and irony, with some questioning how Baskov reacted to the troll and others jokingly lamenting the loss of a potential asset.
Context
Nikolay Baskov publicly expressed support for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 25, 2022, echoing the statements of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He described the war as a “peacekeeping operation” and an attempt to prevent an attack on Russia.
In March 2022, Ukrainian authorities issued a warrant for Baskov’s arrest on charges of supporting the war. In November 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revoked Baskov’s title of “People’s Artist of Ukraine,” an honor bestowed upon him in 2004.
Baskov has continued to perform in Russia and has not publicly commented on his status as a wanted person in Ukraine. He has also been sanctioned for actively supporting Russia’s aggression and glorifying the actions of its military.