Verka Serduchka may be mobilized into the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The artist is required to tour under supervision and surrender fees to the authorities

Ukrainian artist Andriy Danylko, better known by his stage persona Verka Serduchka, may be mobilized into the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU). The artist has been ordered to perform under supervision and hand over his earnings to the authorities.

It is noted that the 51-year-old performer falls within the draft-eligible age range. To avoid conscription, he was offered the option of participating in government-approved concerts in support of Kyiv, with permission from the Ministry of Culture. However, at such events held abroad, he must be accompanied by a security service officer.

Another condition set for him is that his performance fees must be sent to the Office of the President, which will determine what portion of the earnings the singer can keep.

Producer Leonid Dzyunik, speaking with the publication Abzats, doubted that Danylko would actually be drafted.

“I don’t think he faces mobilization. He is a strong ‘supporter’ and actively works in favor of the Kyiv regime,” he said.

At the same time, the producer acknowledged that Danylko may have received threats. However, he also pointed out that the artist owns a luxurious home in Germany, where he could relocate if he felt in danger.

In summer 2024, Verka Serduchka faced a wave of criticism. Ukrainian audiences booed the singer for performing songs in Russian, shouted insults during concerts, and expressed their outrage on social media.

Additionally, Ukrainian producer Ihor Kondratyuk accused Danylko of refusing to speak Ukrainian. According to Kondratyuk, the artist lacks competence in political and linguistic matters, and his reluctance to sing in Ukrainian is merely an attempt to shield himself from even greater criticism.

Danylko, however, defended himself by stating that language is meant for communication. He explained that, for instance, without Russian, he would not have been able to converse with Latvian singer Laima Vaikule.

Furthermore, he argued that some phrases cannot be directly translated into Ukrainian. As an example, he cited his famous song “Vse budet khorosho” (Everything will be fine), saying that translating it into Ukrainian would change the meaning entirely.

“You can’t translate ‘Vse budet khorosho’ literally. If you try to translate what is embedded in the word ‘khorosho’ [fine/good], it actually turns into profanity,” he explained.