Australia Imposes Sanctions on Notorious Russian Pop Artist Shaman Amid Ongoing Conflict

On Thursday, the Australian government imposed sanctions on pro-war Russian pop artist Shaman, whose real name is Yaroslav Dronov, along with 36 other individuals and seven companies deemed crucial to Moscow’s military efforts in Ukraine.

As reported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Shaman now faces travel restrictions and asset seizures.

The singer has emerged as one of the most prominent entertainers in wartime Russia, celebrated for his patriotic anthems such as “Ya Russky” (“I’m Russian”) and “Moi Boy” (“My Fight”).

The sanctions also include several executives from the state-owned shipping company Sovcomflot, along with the energy corporation Gazprom Neft and Gazprombank.

Australia has aligned its actions closely with those of other Western nations, having sanctioned over 1,400 Russian entities and individuals since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In response, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has added numerous Australian lawmakers and journalists to its blacklist, accusing them of fostering a “Russophobic agenda.”

Additionally, Australia imposed sanctions on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers for the first time last week.