A collective of young street performers from St. Petersburg was imprisoned for almost two weeks after they played songs by anti-war musicians who are now in exile on the streets of their city.
The trio, comprising vocalist Diana Loginova (known as Naoko), drummer Alexander Orlov, and guitarist Vladislav Leontyev, creates music under the name Stoptime. They gained significant online attention this autumn for their renditions of popular anti-Putin and anti-war songs, which are effectively prohibited by wartime censorship regulations.
Each of the three musicians spent between 12 to 13 days in detention for unlawfully organizing a public gathering. Moreover, Loginova faces two further accusations of “discrediting” the Russian military, which might result in criminal charges against her.
Here’s a deeper look at some of the songs performed by Stoptime that could have led to their detainment:
Loginova is facing an administrative charge for “discrediting” the Russian army due to Stoptime’s rendition of Noize MC’s “Svetlaya Polosa,” as reported by the St. Petersburg courts’ press service.
Local police highlighted a social media post by Noize MC, where he mentioned a Ukrainian listener who had played the song during a drone strike on Kyiv.
“Thus, both the song and the commentary surrounding its release contribute to a negative public perception of Russia’s special military operation,” stated the police.
In response to the police allegations, Loginova challenged their claims in a court statement, as noted by the exiled news outlet Mediazona.
Observers quickly pointed out that the song’s lyrics do not specifically discuss the war in Ukraine, the Russian military, or Russia itself, instead utilizing metaphors and abstract concepts to deliver its message.
“But I believe that a beam of light will emerge
In this darkness, as bleak as the snow at the poles.
New shoots will rise from the ashes towards the sky.
Dew will sparkle on the leaves in the morning light.”
Monetochka’s song—a nostalgic ballad reflecting on her life before the Ukrainian invasion and the cultural crackdown that forced her into exile—went viral among anti-war émigrés in 2024.
This song has been featured in thousands of Instagram and TikTok posts showcasing Russians’ memories before the war, including personal footage and scenes of foreigners enjoying themselves in Moscow during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as well as clips of prominent opposition leaders like Alexei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov.
“It occurred in Russia, which means it was ages ago.
It transpired in Russia, indicating it was merely a dream.
A dream cannot be taken away; it will remain with me.”
The song’s title and lyrics allude to the ballet “Swan Lake,” a symbol of the Soviet Union’s demise, along with the infamous Ozero (“Lake”) dacha cooperative, created in the mid-1990s by Vladimir Putin’s inner circle.
In May, a Russian court prohibited the song, labeling it as “extremist” and claiming it served as “propaganda for violent governmental change,” jeopardizing the “moral and ethical development” of the Russian youth.
“Where have you been for eight years, you f***ing monsters?
I wish to watch the ballet, let the swans dance.
Let the old man tremble in fear for his ‘Lake.’
Remove Solovyov from the screen — let the swans dance.”
Additionally, Loginova is facing an administrative accusation of “discrediting” the army for her performance of “Ty Soldat,” a song that Monetochka has only sung once and has yet to be officially released.
“It appears the authorities already have a linguistic analysis of my unreleased song,” Monetochka remarked on her Instagram, urging her fans in Russia to prioritize their safety.
“You’re a soldier; I can see the battle in your eyes.
You carry the scent of blood, you’re one massive scar.
You whistle like wind sweeping across the steppe.
And probably no one is colder than you.
You’re a soldier, and I wished to mend your wounds.
To heal your shattered heart and stitch it back together.
But the metal is firmly entrenched.
You’ve likely witnessed too much.”
