Ani Lorak (real name Karolina Kuek) is a Ukrainian and Russian singer, actress, and TV host who won second place at Eurovision 2008 representing Ukraine with the song "Shady Lady". She was born on September 27, 1978, in Kitsman, Chernivtsi Oblast, Ukraine. In June 2025, she obtained Russian citizenship.
People's Artist of Ukraine (2008)—stripped of this honorary title in September 2022 and included in the sanctions list of Ukraine's NSDC.
Listening to this artist's tracks on official streaming platforms, social media, and other services indirectly contributes to financing the war — through taxes paid to the budget of the Russian Federation.
The singer has been touring actively across Russian cities since 2014. In particular, she performed at the "Blue Eternity" concert commemorating the 320th anniversary of the Russian Navy, as well as at concerts dedicated to the Russian military.
She holds businesses officially registered in the Russian Federation.
In April 2023, entered into the Myrotvorets database as an individual subject to immediate apprehension and transfer to the law enforcement bodies of Ukraine or NATO countries.
Ani Lorak's stance on the war in Ukraine
On the day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ani Lorak remained silent, but on March 1, 2022, she posted on Instagram:
My beloved brothers and sisters! There is a war going on in Ukraine! A murderous and destructive war; peaceful people are dying every day, and most horrific of all—children! I am Ukrainian, I am a mother, and my loved ones are currently in Ukraine under bombardment, just like millions of Ukrainians. My heart is now with everyone suffering through this horror! I plead to put an end to this senseless, useless war.
Photo: Ani Lorak's Instagram post on the war in Ukraine
Over time, she adopted the mask of a "dove of peace": posting ambiguous messages on Instagram about helping people "who need it" and "who were affected by this tragedy." She never specified that a war of aggression was being waged against her homeland, nor did she ever name the aggressor country. For a brief period Ani Lorak suspended touring, but then resumed her concert tours across Russian cities.
In late March 2023, Russian cities saw cancellations of Lorak's concerts due to rumors that she was allegedly aiding the Armed Forces of Ukraine and held a negative stance toward the "special military operation." Immediately after this, Lorak published an explanatory post which boiled down to the following:
I want to state clearly that I do not support any forms of violence, and the loss of lives resulting from conflicts breaks my heart. Only those who know my past can truly understand the pain of losing someone in a war. I also want to state that I have NEVER provided military assistance, as some media outlets and politicians groundlessly claim. Because I can only provide help within the framework of a humanitarian mission, which is what I have done my entire life.
Performance before participants of the "SVO"
Lorak participated in the taping of the "Goluboy Ogonyok 2025/2026" New Year's special on the state TV channel Rossiya-1, where the primary honored guests were participants in the "special military operation." Performing in such an environment embeds the artist into propaganda that glorifies the war. Even without making loud vocal declarations from the stage, entertaining the invaders is a deliberate choice to support Russian aggression.
What celebrities say about Ani Lorak's stance
On the second day after the war started, her entire team—which was predominantly Ukrainian—simply vanished. They just left for Ukraine to be with their families. So it's not surprising that nowadays she handles all her business personally. She writes these posts, organizes concerts, and naturally from the outside it all looks utterly clumsy.« »Fortunately or unfortunately, I lost a friend. I was very saddened that she never once reached out to ask how I was doing. No calls, no messages. Even though on my part I worry about her: doesn't her conscience torment her, can she sleep peacefully at night? I have no need for a friend like that. Goodbye, Ani Lorak.
Why only strip her star? What about stripping her title? What about charging her with state treason? I would also strip her citizenship. Later on she'll resurface with Ukrainian songs and preach about how much she loves Ukraine! Just remember my words later. Take action now—now is the exact time to put everything in its proper place.
My biggest shock was toward Ani Lorak. It was a shock blended with deep pain. It was agonizing to realize and witness that she is a 'tree of love' and birds flock to that tree. So let's leave all the 'trees of love' right where they stand.
It's hard for me to even comprehend how people can behave like this. I've thought about it a great deal, considering what could possibly cause such behavior. A career in Russia, while back in Ukraine there's war and nowhere to return to? Staying silent because they think Russia will conquer Ukraine, and they will return to Ukraine as stars? Maybe it's just a rumor, but Philipp Kirkorov allegedly advised Ani Lorak to stay silent, telling her: 'They will sort out their war over there, but you have a career!' I believe after our victory everything will become crystal clear.
The masks are off. Everyone revealed who they truly are. We do not speak.« Note: Ani Lorak was one of Liliya Podkopayeva's closest friends; they are godparents to each other's children. Even after 2014, the two stars remained close friends, but now, as the Olympic champion confirms, they have ceased all contact.
Where did Ani Lorak envision her career throughout her entire life? Across the entire CIS and Moscow. That can be understood, because she began growing, living, and creating with an eye turned in that direction. Because everything was centripetal. Anyone older knows this very well. And so she arrived there. And along with that came money. An avalanche of money, enormous wealth, tremendous status. Diva status. And back then our other singers were already encroaching on her heels. And so she thinks: 'Go to hell! Over in Moscow I have...' I can imagine that initially it was somewhere there... And then this whole thing happens. She knows that nobody here is really waiting for her.
