Kristina Orbakaite maintains patriotic image while earning in Russia after Pugacheva's exit

But fans turn on singer as she shares life in America on social media

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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After Alla Pugacheva and her husband Maxim Galkin, who was labeled a 'foreign agent', fled Russia, singer Kristina Orbakaite tried to maintain a patriotic image while continuing to earn money in the country. However, this strategy didn't last long as Russians realized Orbakaite's true position, leading to the end of her tour and her departure for the United States in disgrace. Orbakaite is now actively sharing details of her life in New York on social media, but her creative experiments are receiving mixed reactions from her remaining fans.

Why it matters

Orbakaite's situation highlights the challenges faced by Russian celebrities who try to balance maintaining a patriotic public image while also earning money in Russia, even as their personal ties to the country become complicated. Her departure for the US after the backlash suggests the limits of this strategy in the current political climate.

The details

After Pugacheva and Galkin, who was labeled a 'foreign agent', fled Russia, Orbakaite tried to maintain a patriotic image while continuing to earn money in the country. However, this strategy didn't last long as Russians realized Orbakaite's true position, leading to the end of her tour and her departure for the US in disgrace. Orbakaite is now actively sharing details of her life in New York on social media, including shooting videos in recognizable locations like the subway, but her creative experiments are receiving mixed reactions from her remaining fans.

  • In February 2026, Alla Pugacheva and her husband Maxim Galkin, who was labeled a 'foreign agent', fled Russia.
  • After Pugacheva and Galkin's exit, Kristina Orbakaite tried to maintain a patriotic image while continuing to earn money in Russia.

The players

Kristina Orbakaite

A Russian singer who is the daughter of famous Russian singer Alla Pugacheva. After Pugacheva and her husband Galkin fled Russia, Orbakaite tried to maintain a patriotic image while continuing to earn money in the country.

Alla Pugacheva

A famous Russian singer who, along with her husband Maxim Galkin, fled Russia after Galkin was labeled a 'foreign agent'.

Maxim Galkin

The husband of Alla Pugacheva who was labeled a 'foreign agent' and fled Russia with his wife.

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The takeaway

Orbakaite's situation highlights the challenges faced by Russian celebrities who try to balance maintaining a patriotic public image while also earning money in Russia, even as their personal ties to the country become complicated. Her departure for the US after the backlash suggests the limits of this strategy in the current political climate.