Russian artists forced to support Putin or face censorship in Ukraine war.

The war with Ukraine has divided Russia's artistic community, with those who support it enjoying government backing, while those who oppose it face censorship and persecution. Performers critical of the Kremlin have been officially designated as "foreign agents", while those who support the government, such as Nikolai Rastorguyev, lead singer of "Putin's favourite band" Lyube, have enjoyed easy access to Russia's best venues. Divisions also run deep among stars of film and theatre, with Nikita Mikhalkov, an ardent supporter of Putin, receiving numerous awards and funding from the state, while actress Liya Akhedzhakova lost her last role at Sovremennik after 45 years of working at the theatre for speaking out against the invasion of Ukraine.