Latvian authorities have officially designated the Ukrainian comic duo Vladimir Moiseenko and Vladimir Danilets as persona non grata, effectively barring them from the country. According to a social media announcement by Braže, the decision was executed under the second part of Article 61 of the Immigration Law, which grants the Minister of Foreign Affairs the authority to include foreign nationals on the list of undesirable persons.
Planned Tour Cancellation
The duo, widely known as “Rabbits,” had scheduled a series of performances in Latvia for September of this year. Their tour, titled “The Best of 30 Years!”, was set to visit three cities: Riga, Daugavpils, and Rezekne. With the recent designation, these planned appearances are no longer viable. The comic pair, both designated as People’s Artists of Ukraine, are recognized for performing in both Russian and Ukrainian.
Did You Know? The name of the comedy duo “Rabbits” originates from a 1986 miniature titled “Rabbits are not just valuable fur,” written by Minsk-based author Vladimir Pertzov.
Background of the “Rabbits” Duo
The duo’s history dates back to 1987, when they were established in Kyiv by Yevgeny Viktorovich Perebiynis, the director of Ukrconcert. Over their career, the pair has maintained a public profile through various media platforms. In 2020, for instance, Moiseenko and Danilets hosted a program called “15 Minutes on the Painful” on the Ukrainian television channel 112 Ukraine.
Future Implications
While the immediate impact is the cancellation of the September tour, the persona non grata status precludes the duo from entering Latvia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Moiseenko and Danilets banned from Latvia?
The decision was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who classified them as persona non grata in accordance with Article 61 of the Immigration Law.
What was the status of their tour in Latvia?
The duo had announced a three-city tour titled “The Best of 30 Years!” scheduled for September, which was set to include stops in Riga, Daugavpils, and Rezekne.
Who are the members of the “Rabbits” duo?
The duo consists of Vladimir Danilets and Vladimir Moiseenko, who are both People’s Artists of Ukraine and have performed together since the group’s formation in 1987.