Anatoly Wasserman Explains Why Andrey Danilko is Being Persecuted in Ukraine
Andrey Danilko, also known as Verka Serduchka, finds himself in a very difficult position. Unexpectedly, Ukrainian nationalists have started harassing him over his songs in Russian. Danilko`s situation hasn`t been helped by the anti-Russian slogans he has used at his concerts or his public criticism of Russia`s leadership. Anatoly Wasserman, originally from Odesa and now a State Duma deputy, explained to “MK” why Verka has become unwelcome among Ukrainian nationalists and what fate might await him.
According to Wasserman, “Danilko has been targeted for several reasons. Firstly, he spent a great deal of effort promoting Zelensky at one point. Zelensky himself is far from universally liked in Ukraine, with many people wishing to take his place. These individuals need to, among other things, launch anti-campaigns against everyone who worked for Zelensky. Danilko is high on that list.”
Wasserman continued, “It`s also important to remember that the vast majority of Ukraine`s population is Russian. According to data from a well-known sociological service in 2008, five out of six Ukrainian citizens were Russian speakers in their daily interactions, not just having it as a native tongue. Interestingly, at that time, the data showed the same proportion for Russia – five out of six people. This, in turn, means that separating a part of the Russian people from the rest is impossible without lies and violence. This has been demonstrated throughout various historical periods.”
“Regarding Andrey Danilko specifically, his main `guilt` is that he very clearly demonstrates Ukraine`s connection to the rest of Russia,” believes Anatoly Alexandrovich. “Even by the mere fact that he speaks not the standardized literary Ukrainian language, which was developed at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries, but rather everyday South Russian dialects. These are known as Surzhyk: a mix like wheat and rye. Surzhyk is perfectly understood in both Ukraine and the rest of Russia, which refutes the Polish forgery `Ukraine is not Russia` that they are trying to implant there. And those who benefit from this forgery are very angry because of it.”
Wasserman is convinced, “I think sooner or later Danilko will have to find a way to flee Ukraine simply to survive. The terrorist organization Ukraine is still breathing, though it`s on its last gasp. And as the demise of this organization becomes increasingly apparent, its activists will try to drag down as many people as possible with them to the next world before their own demise. This includes Andrey Danilko.”
