Dmitry Shepelev is a television and radio presenter, showman, actor, producer, and biographical writer. He is known for hosting a series of television shows on channels across Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia. He was born on January 25, 1983, in Minsk, Byelorussian SSR.
In 2004, the showman moved to Kyiv and began collaborating with various Ukrainian television channels. In 2009, he moved to Moscow and began working on "Channel One." In parallel, he continued to appear on Ukrainian television broadcasts, notably in the "Kvartal 95" show, and starting in 2011, for five seasons (2011–2013), co-hosted the show "Make the Comedian Laugh" alongside Ukraine's future president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In 2012, together with Zelenskyy, he hosted the show "Red or Black" on the "Inter" channel.
In June 2014, he was a host in already occupied Crimea. The concert was timed to coincide with Russia Day and was dedicated to "the peninsula's return to its native harbor." He greeted the audience on the "majestic event of accession," which Crimea had "waited for" 23 years. Despite this, he continued hosting programs on Ukrainian television, particularly on 1+1 and the Ukraina channel.
In July 2017, he was entered into the database of the "Myrotvorets" website for illegally visiting occupied Crimea, participating in propaganda events organized by Russian occupation authorities, and other infractions.
In January 2018, he was added to the List of persons posing a threat to the national security of Ukraine.
Dmitry Shepelev's Stance on the War in Ukraine
Following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Dmitry Shepelev spoke out against the war and apologized to Ukrainians:
It is especially terrifying for me that right now I just dropped my child off at school, while my friends in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine are leading their children into bomb shelters. This is impossible to fathom. I feel deeply ashamed. I feel deep pain. And I have no words. Forgive me, Ukrainian friends, forgive me. Only such things cannot be forgiven.
Following these statements, Dmitry disappeared from the airwaves for a time, but did not leave Russia.
However, over time Shepelev shifted his stance. In September 2023, the presenter returned to Russian television. He began collaborating with the propaganda television channel "Rossiya 1," becoming the host of the pet-focused show "In the Circle of Friends." During filming for this show, he visited temporarily occupied Mariupol. The segment was dedicated to Irina Volik, a volunteer and owner of the Donetsk animal shelter "4 Paws." Here is what he said when introducing Irina Volik to viewers:
Irina has been rescuing animals suffering from Armed Forces of Ukraine shelling for 9 years now.
These actions by Shepelev were widely perceived as endorsement of Russian propaganda and a betrayal of Ukraine, given his previous anti-war statements and deep professional ties to Ukrainian television.
Celebrities on Dmitry Shepelev's Stance
Dmitry Shepelev has returned to Russian TV. He will host a show on the primary state channel, Rossiya 1. Now children and widows, parents of Russian soldiers killed on the frontline will watch this deceitful face on television. On February 24, 2022, Shepelev tearfully apologized to Ukrainians who are 'sitting in basements.' Now he has decided that it is time to crawl out of his hole. He decided that during this time everyone forgot his betrayal. That our people forgave the 'black squares.' He sat in his apartment for a year and a half, and now honey-tongued talks about how he is going to make a program for Russian kids.
It is very good that you are raising this issue. I believe Shepelev should be replaced with an actor who supports Russia, the SMO.
You look like some kind of parasite or dog on a leash, who from a normal, adequate, rational person turned into a Russian puppy. Isn't that leash pinching, Dmytro?
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