Lera Kudryavtseva is a Russian television and radio presenter, actress, and singer, host of entertainment programs on NTV. She was born on May 19, 1971, in the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakh SSR.
In April 2017, she was entered into the database of the "Myrotvorets" website for illegally visiting Russian-occupied Crimea.
On March 17, 2023, she was added to Latvia's sanctions list among Russian cultural figures who supported the war in Ukraine, with an indefinite ban on entering the country.
Lera Kudryavtseva's Stance on the War in Ukraine
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Lera Kudryavtseva called for peace and referred to Ukrainians and Russians as brothers (the post was subsequently deleted):
Lord, help us. This is so terrifying that there are no words! Protect the civilians of Ukraine and Russia. Save us, Lord. We are not different!!!! We are brothers!!! No to war. No words, only tears.
However, as early as August 19, 2022, the artist posted a video in her Telegram channel from a Kharkiv public group showing explosions of phosphorus munitions raining down on the city. Their use is prohibited under the Geneva Convention when posing a hazard to civilian populations. Kudryavtseva commented on what she saw with the words: "An illuminating flare. Terrifying. Beautiful." And in the next post, she wondered why she was being called a "Russian beast."
A little later, Lera articulated her stance on the war much more explicitly, declaring that she would "root for our boys":
Once again I want to respond to the Ukrainians who follow me. I am Russian, a patriot! This does not negate my love for Ukraine, my Ukrainian friends, and the peaceful residents of this country. But your hatred and Russophobia are bearing fruit. Therefore, naturally, I will defend MY country, root for our boys. Defend it informationally, of course, as best I can. Because all this whoring toward Russia and Russians is already stuck in my throat. Any questions? Those who disagree — exit stage left!
In September 2022, following the declaration of mobilization in Russia, the TV presenter made a statement expressing her willingness to head to the front:
And once more regarding my position. Children, old people, boys are dying (on both sides). Right now history is genuinely being written. I hope someone will need it. And regarding nuclear war, God forbid. I don't want to write it, but I must… No one asked me personally what I want. I live in Russia, and if it becomes necessary for women to go to the front, I will go. You are all dismissed.
As part of supporting the mobilization rhetoric, Kudryavtseva also published a chat exchange with her 32-year-old son Zhan, who voiced his willingness to go off and fight:
What's there to think about? If duty calls, it calls.
Will we ever see Lera's son and Lera herself fighting on the frontline? The answer is obvious.
Support for "SMO" Combatants
In February 2023, Lera Kudryavtseva, together with singer Dmitry Malikov, sent unmanned aerial vehicles and repeaters to the Russian "Storm" terrorist detachment. A video expressing gratitude from the unit commander was published on Kudryavtseva's Telegram channel.
Huge thanks to Dima Malikov and Lera Kudryavtseva! Anna Arbatskaya delivered drones and signal repeaters to us. These are the things we desperately need.
Lera's Telegram channel actively broadcasts the Kremlin's agenda and propaganda. Today, Kudryavtseva fully and unconditionally supports the Russian authorities and military actions in Ukraine, acting as a prominent public mouthpiece for the Kremlin line.
