YouTube Bans Russian Pro-War Artists Following Complaint by Baltic Media Agency

Google’s online video-sharing platform, YouTube , has banned various Russian artists after a complaint by the Lithuanian Radio and Television Commission (LRTK).

Knewz.com has learned that the Baltic country threatened to fine the video platform nearly $ 55,000 for what it called a violation of international sanctions.

The names on the grievance were already facing sanctions by the Council of Europe for their endorsement of Vladimir Putin ’s war on Ukraine and were listed as follows:

“Oleg Mikhaylovich Gazmanov, Nikolay Viacheslavovich Rastorguev (group Liube), Grigoriy Viktorovich Lepsveridze (Grigoriy Leps), Yulia Dmitrievna Chicherina, Yaroslav Yuryevich Dronov (Shaman), Vyacheslav Rafaelevich Manucharov, Polina Sergeevna Gagarina,” per LRTK .

It further noted that “some of these sanctioned individuals are active on the video-sharing platform YouTube, with their official accounts having many subscribers, uploading a large number of videos, and having a high number of views.”

“As a result, they gain popularity, financial gain, and a platform to spread the Russian propaganda narrative.”

The complaint warned: “If YouTube does not take steps to remove the accounts of the aforementioned persons, LRTK plans to take legal measures against YouTube for sanctions violations.”

It referred to the sharing platform, Spotify, which had already complied with the EU sanctions a week prior when it announced that it would be removing artists endorsing Putin’s autocracy.

One of the singers, Yaroslav Yuryevich Dronov, better known by his stage name “ Shaman ”, has since reacted to the ban.

“My YouTube channel was blocked because I am RUSSIAN,” he lamented on Telegram .

Dronov was included in the 14th package of EU sanctions on June 24.

The document announcing Dronov’s inclusion stipulated:

“Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, he has repeatedly participated in Kremlin -organized concerts, including the Kremlin’s anniversary event for that war, and given concerts in the illegally occupied regions of Ukraine, including as part of troop entertainment events for the Russian Armed Forces.”

“Therefore, Yaroslav Dronov is supporting actions and policies that undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine,” the EU paper stated.

Another person listed by LRTK and included in said sanction package is Polina Gagarina. The document notes:

“Polina Gagarina is a Russian singer, actress, songwriter, and model.”

“Polina Gagarina regularly performs in the framework of State propaganda events, for example, to celebrate the illegal annexation of four Ukrainian regions or the anniversary of the annexation of Crimea .”

“She thus supports actions which undermine the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”

“Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Polina Gagarina has been able to generate significant revenue through her frequent participation in state-sponsored propaganda events and programs,” the document further stated.

Based on the latter, the document notes that Gagarina benefited from the government of the Russian Federation which orchestrated the annexation of Crimea and perpetrated the invasion of Ukraine.

Other Russian media figures currently banned from YouTube include singers Oleg Gazmanov, Grigory Lepsveridze (better known as Grigory Leps), Yulia Chicherina, and an actor by the name of Vyacheslav Manucharov.