Va-Bank is a Russian rock band formed in 1986 in Moscow. The founder and frontman of the group is Alexander Sklyar, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation (2015).
Listening to this artist's tracks on official streaming platforms, social media, and other services indirectly contributes to financing the war — through taxes paid to the budget of the Russian Federation.
In November 2016, Alexander Sklyar was entered into the "Myrotvorets" database as an accomplice to terrorists. He illegally crossed Ukraine's state border, supported, and promoted the terrorist organizations of the LDNR in Europe.
In 2014, Sklyar openly spoke out in support of Russia's annexation of Crimea:
Sevastopol de jure remained a Russian city altogether. There is not a single document confirming the transfer of Sevastopol to Ukraine. And de facto, it seems to me, Crimea throughout its entire modern history is, of course, Russian territory. Everyone who says otherwise is being disingenuous, lying, or deceiving themselves.
Later, he supported the occupation of the Donbas, constantly traveled, and continues to travel with concerts to the occupied territories:
I am a Russian person, and accordingly, I stand for Russian Novorossiya. I stand for Novorossiya, where Russian people are fighting and dying. And not only those whom we call militiamen, but also completely peaceful civilians caught in the crossfire. The count already runs into the thousands. And this is a real war
Sklyar is also an ardent imperialist:
The West is more materialistic, pure energy is swallowed there, and because of this, the West will never truly be able to appreciate Russian rock. And God be with it, with the West! Why should we report to the West? The West cannot dictate to us! We are a great Russian Empire! Our vast country is entirely sufficient for us. I know Americans who think everyone must fall on their knees before their «American dream.» But we have our own colossal spiritual potential
Alexander Sklyar's stance on the war in Ukraine
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sklyar predictably voiced support for the so-called special military operation.
In 2022, Va-Bank performed at a concert during the "Za Rossiyu" (For Russia) marathon in support of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
On June 2, 2022, he participated in a concert celebrating Russia Day in Kherson, which was then occupied ("liberated") by Russian troops.
On September 23, 2022, he performed at the "We Don't Abandon Our Own" concert organized by the All-Russia People's Front (ONF) and dedicated to the staged referendums on annexing the occupied territories of Ukraine to Russia.
In the autumn of 2022, alongside other Russian pop and rock stars supporting the Russian invasion, he took part in recording the song and music video "Vstanem" (Let's Rise).
In 2024, he became an official proxy of Russian presidential candidate Vladimir Putin.
On March 18, 2024, he performed at the rally-concert commemorating the tenth anniversary of Crimea's "reunification" and Putin's victory in the presidential election.
Alexander F. Sklyar also frequently performs for Russian combatants, visits hospitals treating wounded Russian soldiers, and organizes fundraisers to support the front:
Our host, especially our wounded — they are truly Christ's host. Because in a certain sense, we are fighting against the Antichrist. Guys, you are real heroes! You are fighting for our Russian world!
Sanctions
On January 7, 2023, Sklyar was included in the sanctions list of Ukraine for his "role in Russian propaganda."
In March 2023, Sklyar was added to the sanctions lists of Latvia and Estonia, which banned him from entering their territories for supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
On July 20, 2023, he was designated in the sanctions list of Canada targeting "individuals using their art to propagate Russia's invasion of Ukraine."
