Charli xcx Stands With Ukraine Amid 'The Moment' Berlin Party Coordinator's Alleged Russia Ties

Pop star expresses support for Ukraine after learning of organizer's alleged Russian affiliations

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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As Charli xcx's mockumentary 'The Moment' made its festival debut, the pop star expressed support for Ukraine after learning of alleged ties between the Berlin afterparty organizer and Russia. Charli said she and her team were unaware of the organizer's affiliations, and the organizer, DJ Anastasia Shevtsova, has distanced herself from her mother's reported Russian connections.

Why it matters

Charli xcx's statement of solidarity with Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict highlights the potential for unintended international implications when celebrities partner with event organizers, especially in the current geopolitical climate. The situation also demonstrates the need for thorough vetting of event partners to avoid potential controversies.

The details

Following the Berlin Film Festival premiere of Charli xcx's mockumentary 'The Moment', the pop star expressed support for Ukraine on her Instagram story, stating that neither she nor her team were aware of any alleged affiliations around the afterparty organizer, DJ Anastasia Shevtsova. Shevtsova's mother, Zhanna Shevtsova, is the founder of Russia's Tradition Foundation, which has reportedly worked with Vladimir Putin's Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives and visited occupied Ukrainian cities since Russia's 2022 invasion. Anastasia Shevtsova has since distanced herself from her mother's alleged Russian ties, stating that she is focused solely on her artistic work and is not involved in politics or any activities connected to the conflict.

  • Charli xcx's 'The Moment' premiered at the Berlin Film Festival last weekend.
  • Charli xcx expressed her support for Ukraine on her Instagram story on February 19, 2026.

The players

Charli xcx

A 3x Grammy-winning pop star who recently debuted her mockumentary 'The Moment' at film festivals.

Anastasia Shevtsova (AKA Petit)

The Berlin afterparty organizer for the premiere of Charli xcx's 'The Moment', who has distanced herself from her mother's alleged Russian ties.

Zhanna Shevtsova

The founder of Russia's Tradition Foundation, which has reportedly worked with Vladimir Putin's Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives and visited occupied Ukrainian cities since Russia's 2022 invasion.

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What they’re saying

“Hi everyone < 3 For clarity, neither me nor my team were aware of any of the alleged affiliations around the party in Berlin. I would like to take this opportunity to say I stand against the atrocities committed by the Russian government in Ukraine and I stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”

— Charli xcx (Instagram)

“In light of recent events, I feel it is important to say a few words. My family members live in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The current tragedy affects me personally and deeply. I would never wish harm, violence, or suffering upon anyone. What is happening is heartbreaking for millions of families, including mine. For the past four years, I have lived and worked in Europe, focusing exclusively on my artistic work. I am not involved in politics or any activities connected to the conflict. I understand that emotions are intense and that many people are carrying immense pain. At the same time, I hope to be judged by my own actions and values, not by assumptions about people around me. My work is about art, connection, and humanity. I remain committed to those principles.”

— Anastasia Shevtsova (Instagram)

The takeaway

This situation highlights the need for celebrities and event organizers to thoroughly vet their partnerships and affiliations, especially in the current geopolitical climate, to avoid unintended controversies and ensure their values and principles are aligned. Charli xcx's swift response and statement of solidarity with Ukraine demonstrates the importance of taking a clear stance on important issues, even when they arise unexpectedly.