Russian poetess Vera Polozkova has made headlines for being included on the Federal Financial Monitoring Service's list of terrorists and extremists, according to information posted on the department's official website. Alongside her, two others, Mikhail Daria and Ilya Kovylkov, also found their names on this controversial list, both of whom face serious criminal charges related to terrorism.
Polozkova, born on March 5, 1986, is known not only for her poetry but also for her outspoken activism against the war and her firm commitment to expressing dissenting views about the Russian government. The specific reasons behind her inclusion on the list have not been disclosed, leaving many to speculate about the political motivations at play.
On February 25, 2024, news of her designation circulated, indicating not just heightened scrutiny on her views but also the subsequent blocking of her banking accounts and property transactions within Russia. Such measures are standard protocol when individuals are placed on this watchlist, representing yet another layer of repression faced by artists and intellectuals voicing opposition to the Kremlin.
Her artistic career began early; by the age of 15, she was already publishing poetry and had made her mark within the literary community. Polozkova has published several collections, including "Photogenesis" and "Outlines," and was deeply involved in theater, showcasing not just her written word but also her abilities as a performer. Her first poetry collection was released when she was just starting her studies at Moscow State University, where she pursued journalism.
Polozkova's activism became increasingly pronounced after the invasion of Ukraine. Living abroad since March 2022, she has continued to write and perform, with many of her poems emphasizing anti-war sentiments. Significantly, she participated in creating songs dedicated to Alexei Navalny following his death, which underscored her position as not merely a poet but also as someone deeply engaged with current political developments.
Her outspoken criticisms have led to her being under the spotlight of Russian authorities. Earlier this year, Elena Yampolskaya, the head of the State Duma's Committee on Culture, had requested the Attorney General's office to investigate Polozkova's remarks under the terrorism justification laws. This request arose, particularly after her comments about writer Zakhar Prilepin, who was targeted in an assassination attempt. Polozkova jokingly referred to celebrating “with champagne” if anything happened to Prilepin, stating, “Not quite to the champagne level, maybe just beer.” This mix of humor and direct commentary seemed to have struck a nerve with government officials, prompting calls for legal action.
It's worth noting the chilling environment for artists and intellectuals within Russia, where expressing dissent can lead to severe consequences. Other figures who have faced similar fates include those highlighting systemic issues within the government and military actions abroad.
Polozkova’s comments about the conflict, especially blaming actions from high-ranking military figures for the tragedies occurring during the war, have surfaced during scrutiny. She stated, “There is no working legal institution; it’s simply madness, barbaric war against our closest neighbors” and characterized her homeland's situation as devoid of viable political discourse.
Despite the challenges she faces back home, Polozkova remains committed to her artistic endeavors and continues to tour and perform internationally. Currently residing on Cyprus with her three children, she continues to echo her dissent through her artistry, ensuring her voice remains active even from afar.
While her future may be uncertain, the presence of Polozkova’s work across global art platforms and the resilience of her narrative only amplify the urgency of political dialogues around freedom of expression, especially concerning artists under threat. The world watches as Polozkova exemplifies the struggle of many creatives caught between artistry and authoritarianism.