Russian TikToker Collapses on Stage Upon Being Enlisted to Fight for Ukraine

Russian TikToker Collapses on Stage Upon Being Enlisted to Fight for Ukraine

A TikTok star from Russia collapsed on stage after receiving his military summons, as reported by the BBC. Ivan Minayev, also known as Xolidayboy, was performing in Stavropol when he suddenly stopped singing and fell unconscious, as seen in multiple TikTok videos. He was quickly assisted by fellow artists and security guards who moved him backstage and later took him to the hospital. The incident occurred just hours after Minayev was handed the military summons at the airport. He was made to sign a draft letter acknowledging receipt of the summons, according to Russian media. Ekaterina Mizulina, the director of Russia’s Safe Internet League, had targeted Minayev for his pro-Ukraine videos. In October, Mizulina stated her intention to file a police report after receiving numerous complaints about Minayev’s social media content. The artist had expressed his support for Ukraine and criticized Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Mizulina called for the cancellation of his concert, and Minayev’s music producer announced plans to sue her for reputational and financial damage. Following Minayev’s collapse, Mizulina claimed that he had been evading military service. Several Russian artists have faced consequences for spreading anti-war messages since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.