Ani Lorak, a Ukrainian singer who has been living and performing in Russia since 2014, has secretly renewed her Ukrainian passport, according to reports from Russian media. On April 16, 2025, the Telegram channel Mash revealed that the 46-year-old artist updated her passport while traveling abroad, as there are no Ukrainian consulates in Russia. The exact country where she renewed her passport remains unspecified, but it is speculated to be either Georgia or Armenia.
The renewal of her passport was necessary for Lorak to continue her concert activities in Russia legally. She has already provided her updated passport information to the Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation. Interestingly, the new Ukrainian passport does not include a middle name, which has raised questions among observers. Some have suggested that this change is due to new regulations stating that middle names are no longer included in the updated documents. However, it is important to clarify that this assertion is misleading. Since January 1, 2021, Ukrainians have had the option to change their middle name, and the current Ukrainian passport format still includes full names, even if the middle name is not transliterated.
Reports indicate that Lorak has been preparing to acquire Russian citizenship since the autumn of 2022, following the imposition of personal sanctions against her in Ukraine due to her performances in Russia. The singer has not performed in Ukraine since 2017, focusing her career on the Russian market where she has achieved significant recognition, including awards such as the Golden Gramophone and the title of Song of the Year laureate.
In March 2024, it was reported that Lorak had submitted documents for Russian citizenship, a move that has drawn criticism and allegations of betrayal from her home country. On November 22, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree depriving several artists, including Lorak, of state awards for their actions deemed as treachery against Ukraine. Lorak, who was once celebrated as a "People's Artist of Ukraine" in 2008, now finds herself at the center of controversy.
In a statement made on March 2, 2022, Lorak acknowledged the ongoing war in Ukraine, describing it as "a destructive war" and called for its cessation. However, she did not specify whom her plea was directed towards, nor did she address the aggressor's role in the conflict. This vagueness has contributed to public backlash against her.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding her personal life, it was revealed in March 2025 that Lorak had secretly married a Spanish man named Isaak Vidzhrak in a private ceremony in the Maldives. The couple reportedly exchanged vows in what Lorak described as a "fabulous journey" that was intimate and exclusive to just the two of them.
Despite the controversies, Lorak continues to navigate her career in Russia, where she remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Her actions, particularly her decision to renew her Ukrainian passport while pursuing Russian citizenship, have sparked intense debate among fans and critics alike.
As the situation evolves, many are left wondering how Lorak's choices will impact her future in both countries. Her dual identity as a Ukrainian artist operating in Russia presents a complex narrative of loyalty, betrayal, and the evolving landscape of national identity in a time of conflict.
