Yana Troyanova is a Russian theater and film actress and television presenter. She gained widespread fame thanks to the films "Volchok" ("Spinning Top"), "Zhit" ("Living"), "Kokoko", "The Land of OZ", and the television sitcom "Olga". Born on February 12, 1973, in the settlement of Lechebny, Sverdlovsk Oblast, RSFSR.
She took part in opposition public rallies, speaking out in support of political prisoners and Alexei Navalny.
Yana Troyanova's Stance on the War in Ukraine
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Yana Troyanova published a black square on her Instagram account on February 24, 2022. In October 2022, she left Russia, initially traveling to Turkey and then to France. Later, the actress shared details about her departure:
It was dangerous for me to stay. I left on October 15. It was amazing that filming for 'Olga' was just wrapping up... FSB officers were already closing in around me...
It was very difficult to shoot. People were disappearing from our set, especially when mobilization began. [...] That was the first time I saw so many men's and women's tears. There was horror and panic; it was terrifying to be in Russia
In June 2023, she gave an interview to Yury Dud, in which she sharply criticized the Russian authorities and the invasion of Ukraine, openly calling her compatriots impoverished and alcoholic, and explaining their support for the war by a total lack of intellect:
First, Putin robs these people blind so that they end up destitute. It is very hard to survive when you have no money, and very hard to love your children when you are forced to scramble just to find food and booze. Propaganda is plastered over this poverty. The television has completely surrendered to propaganda... I was born at the very bottom and I know how the majority of the population of our country lives. That is not living. You are in hell. Today you found food, but you still need to get the kids ready for school, and elderly parents are right there. And everyone is sick, and everyone stinks. And all of this is in hell
Following this interview, the TV series «Olga», the comedy «Konets Filma» («End of the Film»), and the reality show «Posledniy Geroy» («Last Hero») featuring her were pulled from the libraries of Russian online cinemas and the TNT TV channel.
In November 2023, the Russian Ministry of Justice designated her a "foreign agent" for "disseminating inaccurate information about decisions taken by Russian public authorities and the policies pursued by them."
In July 2024, Yana Troyanova was added to the registry of "terrorists and extremists" in Russia. The prosecutor's office also urged the opening of a criminal case against her for "inciting hatred and enmity" because of her statements.
In October 2025, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation placed the actress on the international wanted list for statements degrading the honor and dignity of Russians based on nationality.
Yana Troyanova's Quotes on the War and Russian Authorities
Yes, I believe that we, Russians, are guilty. I want to apologize to Ukrainians for what we have done. I cannot speak for all Russians, but for myself I can speak with certainty. I feel ashamed.
I believe that our people are, in principle, witless. They deserve what is happening to them because they are submissive endurers. All these 20 years, while this man [Putin] robbed these people so that they became utterly destitute, they continued to vote for him.
I am not afraid to admit that I dream of killing Putin. I don't understand why he hasn't been killed yet. This is absolute evil, and he must be stopped.« (This statement caused significant resonance and served as the basis for accusations of »inciting hatred«.)
I want to be useful to Ukraine. I want Ukraine to win, and I want my country to become free.
I believe that artists today are doing much more than the opposition. Because the opposition has been dispersed, while artists who have an audience can still say something.
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