Ukrainians of Metro Detroit are asking DJ Nina Kraviz to renounce her support of Vladimir Putin and #StandWithUkraine. Movement Festival is welcoming Nina Kraviz to perform in Detroit despite her past pro-Putin views and lack of denunciation of the war.
Metro Detroit is home to nearly 50,000 Ukrainians, many of whom have been directly impacted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Below is a message metro Detroit Ukrainians have for Ms. Kraviz, and we hope to garner support of other Ukrainians, concerned neighbors, and other members of the global community who are against the horrors inflicted upon Ukrainians daily.
May 17, 2022
Dear Ms. Kraviz,
Ahead of your appearance at Movement Detroit, we are asking you today to renounce your past support of Vladimir Putin and stand with Ukraine.
No doubt you’re aware of the ongoing atrocities committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine: mass graves; innocents tortured and summarily executed; widespread rape; cities such as Mariupol razed to the ground; and millions of refugees forced to flee from their homes in order to escape being sent to “filtration camps.”
You have previously expressed open support for Putin, including via statements made shortly after his annexation of Crimea in 2014:
and in subsequent social media posts:
You continue to tour and perform, profiting in democratic countries, while Ukrainian civilians suffer and die daily at the hands of the Russian Federation for the same freedoms that allow your livelihood.
You have spoken of the evils of racial injustice and the need to combat climate change, yet remain silent on the murder of thousands of Ukrainians carried out by your countrymen. Your vague Instagram video posted in February depicting the word “peace" ignores that Russia bears full responsibility for this war.
Metro Detroit is home to nearly 50,000 Ukrainians, many of whom have been directly impacted by Russia’s invasion: their families torn apart, loved ones murdered and hometowns destroyed. Numerous Michiganders are overseas fighting for Ukraine’s freedom. Southeastern Michigan has already taken in hundreds of Ukrainian children and families displaced by this invasion. Many of them have lost everything.
We cannot stand by while our community, Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians alike, mobilizes to help those suffering in Ukraine, yet welcomes someone whose behavior has helped enable Putin.
We ask that you speak out for the victims of this war given your platform and millions of fans. Silence only breeds more injustice.
We await your timely response. If you won’t offer a clarification of past comments, we ask Movement and the City of Detroit to consider whether your past pro-Putin views reflect the values of our community, and re-evaluate their invitation to welcome you to the City.
Respectfully,
Ukrainian-American Crisis Response Committee of Michigan
Ukrainian-American Congress Committee, Michigan Chapter
Ukrainian American Civic Committee of Metropolitan Detroit
Ukrainian New Wave