Russians Rally, Wave Flags in Support of Pro-Putin Pop Star

Thousands of flag-waving Russians gathered for a concert by pro-Kremlin pop star Shaman on Thursday, aiming to rally patriotism nearly two and a half years into the Ukraine conflict.

Fans cheered as Shaman took the stage on Moscow’s Red Square, donning a Russian flag T-shirt and waving a large flag before the crowd.

Elena Stupina, a 70-year-old mathematical engineer, shared her excitement: “I came because I love him. I’ve been going to his concerts for several years now; I couldn’t miss this event.” She added, “Uplifting songs lift our spirits and those of the participants in the special military operation,” referring to soldiers fighting in the Kremlin’s Ukraine offensive.

Ridiculed by Russia’s opposition but adored by pro-army loyalists, Shaman has become a divisive figure in the Kremlin’s push to foster patriotism across society.

The concert marked Flag Day as Russia seeks to bolster support for its offensive among a population that has grown weary of the conflict and troubled by Ukraine’s recent incursion into the Kursk region.

Art teacher Yulia Devkina, 48, commented, “Certainly today’s concert is support not only for the inhabitants of that region (Kursk) but for all inhabitants of our country. Everything that Shaman does, all his actions are for the good of Russia, our country.”

During the concert, Shaman invited an 11-year-old boy on stage whose father had died in the Ukraine offensive. “He may be 11, but he’s already a man, and the only man left in his family,” Shaman remarked as the crowd fell silent.

With his distinctive blonde hair and patriotic attire, Shaman has garnered hundreds of thousands of followers on Russian social media. The 32-year-old, whose real name is Yaroslav Dronov, rose to fame in February 2022 with his army-themed power ballad “Rise Up,” released just before Russia’s full-scale military assault on Ukraine.

Since then, Shaman has shown unwavering support for the Kremlin, performing at numerous state-sponsored rallies and creating music videos that cheer on Russian soldiers in Ukraine. His involvement in events supporting the offensive led to sanctions by the European Union in June 2024.

Shaman’s 2022 single “Ya Russky” (“I am Russian”) became a meme sensation and drew millions of views on YouTube before the platform removed his channel this year. Fans hope concerts like Thursday’s will foster unity among Russians.

“We must unite now, to unite and be stronger,” said 53-year-old Yana Bulat before the concert, sporting a Russian flag painted on her cheek. “So we will win faster, and the victory will be ours.”

Source: AFP