Mikhail Kozyrev is a Russian journalist, music critic, producer, and radio and television host. He is the former general producer of radio stations «Nashe Radio», «Maximum», and «Ultra», and one of the organizers of the festivals «Nashestvie» and «Maxidrom». He was born on August 5, 1967.
Mikhail Kozyrev's stance on the war in Ukraine
Mikhail Kozyrev takes a consistent and staunch anti-war stance. He perceived the war in Ukraine as a personal tragedy and a collective responsibility of all Russians.
Key facts:
- Emigration: Shortly after the start of the war, Kozyrev left Russia. He currently resides abroad.
- Work at TV Rain («Dozhd»): He is a host on the television channel, where he regularly produces programs covering the anti-war stance of cultural figures and analyzing propaganda.
- «Foreign agent» status: On July 21, 2023, the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation included Mikhail Kozyrev in the registry of foreign agents for speaking out against the war and disseminating information critical of the Russian authorities.
Kozyrev's statements on the war
Lord, how am I to go on living... Until the end of my days this bloodshed will be upon me. Not once did I vote for Putin. For all these twenty years I tried to convey my position to people. With words, deeds, texts, broadcasts... I couldn't reach them... I failed... I couldn't prove it...» (Reaction to the beginning of the invasion, February 2022)
It tears me apart to see how anyone can look at what is happening over there... see the atrocities taking place there, and at the same time perform at events led by the Russian military... I cannot imagine the scale of compromise you have to make with your conscience. What do you have to invent in your head to say «that's the way it has to be»?» (On Z-artists)
Criticism of Z-rock
Kozyrev, as the person who discovered and launched many stars of Russian rock (such as «Bi-2», «Splean», «Chicherina», «Agatha Christie»), openly speaks about the collapse of the genre in Russia. He created a documentary project and lecture series titled «NOT-Silent Rock and Roll» («НЕмой рок-н-ролл»), analyzing how yesterday's rebels turned into mouthpieces of state propaganda.
Mikhail Kozyrev is one of the most honest voices of the Russian intelligentsia in exile. He seeks no excuses, acknowledges collective responsibility, and uses his media platform to counter propaganda.
История фестиваля Нашествие очень иллюстротивной оказалась, как для жанра, так и для общества российского.