Russian rock band frontman denounces war in Ukraine on stage; management claims he was drugged

Gleb Viktorov, the frontman of the Russian rock band Tri Dnya Dozhdya ("Three Days of Rain"), delivered a political speech at a concert in Yekaterinburg on July 12, denouncing the war in Ukraine. According to reports, Viktorov declared on stage that "the guys he grew up with are being killed" and criticized the Russian authorities' use of the term "special military operation." He also urged the audience to vote for the Communist Party and stated that "the worst thing that can happen to a Russian is a Russian selling out a Russian."

Following the concert, the band's management issued a statement apologizing for Viktorov's behavior, claiming he was under the influence of drugs. They alleged that unidentified individuals entered his dressing room and administered banned substances, leading to "unconscious raving." The management reported the incident to the police and said Viktorov was sent to Moscow for treatment. It remains unclear whether these claims are accurate.

A post on the band's Telegram channel, reportedly from Viktorov, claimed he had left Russia; however, the post was quickly deleted. Viktorov is currently hospitalized, and his condition has not been disclosed.

This incident adds to a growing list of Russian artists who have publicly opposed the war, despite severe censorship and government reprisals against anti-war voices.