Svetlana Loboda (LOBODA) is a Ukrainian singer and songwriter. Prior to launching her solo career, she was briefly a member of the pop groups "Cappuccino" and "VIA Gra" (Nu Virgos). Honored Artist of Ukraine (2013). She was born on October 18, 1982, in Irpin, Kyiv Oblast. Citizenship — Ukraine.
Following the Russian occupation of Crimea, she continued performing in Russia, specifically participating in Russian state propaganda television shows.
Due to her constant performances in Russia, Loboda experienced serious problems with concerts in Ukraine. In many Ukrainian cities, civil activists protested against Svetlana's concerts, demanding that she be stripped of Ukrainian citizenship and permanently banned from performing in Ukraine.
Svetlana Loboda's Stance on the War in Ukraine
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Svetlana Loboda completely severed all ties with the Russian Federation, terminating her activities on Russian territory and canceling the concert tour that had been scheduled for 2022. Loboda left Russia and unequivocally declared her stance in support of Ukraine.
On February 24, 2022, the singer published an anti-war post on Instagram with the text:
My heart is breaking
Since 5 a.m. I have been in touch with my family and loved ones. How can this even be possible!!
Lord, stop all of this
I am simply weeping
A month after the outbreak of the so-called special military operation, the singer wrote:
...Today marks exactly one month since Russian troops invaded the territory of Ukraine.
Thousands of innocent people killed, tens of thousands wounded. Our native cities and lives have been ruined, an appalling number of children have perished. This is not a bad dream and not a dystopian scenario — it is a reality with which it is impossible to come to terms...
The artist also admitted that she had been deeply mistaken following the events of 2014 — Russia's annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Donbas:
I have so many examples before my eyes right now, and I understand that I was terribly wrong. I am guilty of not taking an interest in what was happening in my country. I simply failed to realize that what occurred in 2014 was the beginning of what we face today.
In November 2022, the singer stated in an interview with RBC-Ukraine that she refuses to stop singing in Russian:
I view the language question today as manipulation and a means of turning people against each other. But for me, this matter is closed. In my previous interviews, I stated openly: I will sing good songs in Ukrainian, in Russian, and in English. I know that I irritate many with my stance, but it is open, firm, and honest.
One cannot overlook Svetlana Loboda's significant contributions to volunteering and charity:
- from the earliest days of the war, the singer converted her office into a volunteer headquarters to assist Ukrainians
- transferred 1.5 million hryvnias to Masha Efrosinina's humanitarian aid fund for war victims
- donated a vehicle for territorial defense needs and funded the purchase of essential equipment for the city of Boryspil totaling 1.5 million hryvnias
- established the Loboda Help Center — a psychological support center for Ukrainians
- transferred 3 million hryvnias toward the reconstruction of the "Vinochok" kindergarten in Irpin, part of which was destroyed by Russian troops
- collaborates closely with the DUSHA International Charitable Foundation
- donated part of the proceeds from her extensive charity tour across cities in Europe, America, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Israel, and Armenia to help rebuild her hometown of Irpin and address other humanitarian needs of Ukrainians, among other efforts
Currently, Svetlana Loboda continues active concert touring, continuing to donate part of her earnings to charity, supporting the volunteer movement, and openly highlighting the tragic events taking place in Ukraine. However, future concerts by Loboda in Ukraine remain under a big question mark, as not all Ukrainians are willing to forgive or overlook the artist's past pro-Russian career.
Celebrities on Svetlana Loboda's Stance
Sveta was very sincere in her intentions. Perhaps she didn't do something quite the way it needed to be done. But that means she didn't feel it through enough, didn't work through it enough. Maybe slightly fell short... In short, something went wrong. People simply didn't believe her.
If Loboda had stepped up and said: 'I realize that all these years I only saw myself, paid attention only to myself and my career, and oriented myself only toward those who admired me. Today I understand that I was mistaken. But I was mistaken not only in working with the Russian Federation, but also in failing to see people beyond my own reflection.'
Just look at how Loboda aggressively forces herself back in. Not a single audience wants to see her. If she lived in Russia, they are not going to love her here by force.
I support such changes of heart, because people have the right to make mistakes. If they chose their future path with the Ukrainian people and renounced that 'aquafresh' tricolor flag, that's already wonderful! Everyone deserves a chance to reform and move forward on the right track. Artists are a distinct breed of people. They are creators, highly vulnerable and dependent on public opinion and feedback. I respect artists who have the courage to start over.
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