Russian State Duma Deputy Alexander Tolmachev criticized Latvian singer Laima Vaikule after she declared her readiness to fight against Russians, media outlet Lenta.ru reported on Aug. 5.
When asked in an interview what she would do if Russia attacked Latvia, the performer of the song Vernisazh stated that she would pick up an automatic weapon. Tolmachev said the singer had no gratitude, humanity, or common sense left.
Reactions to Vaikule
Tolmachev told Lenta.ru that Vaikule's answer was revealing and compared her comments to the spirit of Latvian SS legionnaires. He said an artist who owes everything to Russia and its people was proudly declaring a readiness to point weapons at her former fans.
The lawmaker noted that many cultural figures who leave Russia display a bloodthirsty, cruel, and Russophobic nature abroad. He said their earlier songs about love turn into aggressive statements, suggesting that breaking ties with the homeland causes a destructive effect.
Music producer Iosif Prigozhin also spoke to Lenta.ru regarding the singer's statements. Prigozhin said Vaikule failed to understand current events and was talking nonsense when declaring her willingness to fight Russians.
