Tatyana Lazareva is a Russian television and voice actress, TV presenter, singer, YouTuber, and public figure. She gained fame as the host of the comedy show "O.S.P.-Studio," an actress in the comedy series "33 Square Meters" and several of its sequels. From 2004 to 2012, she worked at STS channel, where she was the creator and host of the show "Good Jokes." She was born on July 21, 1966, in Novosibirsk, RSFSR, USSR.
In October 2012, she was elected to the Russian Opposition Coordination Council.
In March 2014, together with a number of other figures from science and culture, she voiced her disagreement with the policy of the Russian authorities in Crimea. In September 2014, she signed a declaration demanding "to cease the aggressive venture: withdraw Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine and halt propaganda, material, and military support for separatists in southeastern Ukraine."
In March 2020, she signed an appeal against the adoption of amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation proposed by President Putin.
On July 22, 2022, the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation designated Lazareva a "foreign agent."
Tatyana Lazareva's Stance on the War in Ukraine
From the first days of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Tatyana Lazareva took an unequivocally anti-war stance and openly condemned the actions of the Russian authorities. She was in Kyiv on the day the invasion began, February 24, 2022, and in interviews has repeatedly spoken about her experiences and feelings about what was happening:
By a twist of fate, as they say, I happened to be in the center of Kyiv at that moment. It is quiet here, but I haven't gone outside yet today. There was a slight smell of burning, but now everything is okay, apparently a cloud carried it over. I don't understand anything myself yet, but for civilians here right now, besides the main enemy, there is a second one — panic. That is what I managed to cope with. But how to deal with the first one, I do not understand. And haven't for a long time.
The actress also noted that it is very difficult for public figures in Russia to resist Russian propaganda due to severe repressions:
Each artist decides for themselves — that is their choice. It is a responsibility to take any side. For public figures, it is very difficult to do so. In Russia, the repressions are severe, and not many people have the courage to resist Russian propaganda.
In March 2022, together with the Kvartal 95 Studio team, she satirized the impact of sanctions imposed on Russia on the television program "Bayraktar News."
Following the start of the full-scale war, Tatyana never returned to Russia — she relocated to Spain, where she had long rented a house.
In addition to constant informational support, participating in anti-war projects and broadcasts, Tatyana engages in charitable endeavors. She is a participant and organizer of charity livestreams and fundraisers supporting victims of the war. She promotes initiatives for the psychological and social adaptation of emigrants and refugees, including Ukrainians. She volunteers at humanitarian centers and participates in events collecting aid.
Lazareva's Quotes on the War:
I already consider Ukraine the victor in this war… I cannot say whether Ukraine will forgive Russia or not forgive... That is not for me to decide. But I would not forgive. And for a long time. We will see. I will continue to insist that there are also decent, thinking people in Russia who are against Putin starting this war.
Yes, it came to the harshest repressions, to the complete tightening of the screws. Despite all our protests, appeals to go vote, and civic engagement, it came down to Putin unleashing [war]. Nobody in my immediate circle voted for him. We anticipated that if we were inactive, nothing good would come of it. And all of that came to pass. There is no subjunctive mood anymore; it holds no meaning whatsoever.
I feel my own guilt for what is happening. And my task is to speak out. Not to stay silent. That is the most important thing right now.
I want to be useful there still… we must still rebuild Ukraine. And also help, as before, people who have suffered from this war in Ukraine.
Criminal Prosecution in Russia
On May 17, 2024, a criminal case was initiated against Lazareva under Article 205.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation for public calls to terrorist activities or public justification of terrorism. She faces up to 5 years of imprisonment. Tatyana was put on the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs' wanted list.
On October 10, 2024, she was placed on an international wanted list in connection with the "justification of terrorism" case.
On December 24, 2024, the Second Western District Military Court sentenced Lazareva in absentia to 6.5 years in a penal colony in a case concerning terrorism propaganda, and also banned her from administering internet resources for a period of 4 years.
Despite the persecution, Lazareva continues her public advocacy, runs a YouTube channel, and takes part in projects supporting teenagers in emigration. She also expresses hope of returning to Russia after the war ends to be helpful in rebuilding the country and aiding those who suffered.
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