Russian rapper and pro-war “Z-activist” Akim Apachev says he won’t challenge a fine of 70,000 rubles ($840) for disorderly conduct issued after he traveled to Sudzha and graffitied patriotic slogans on walls and rubble throughout the liberated town. Apachev’s stunt provoked criticism from locals who didn’t appreciate him further defacing their battered homes and resented that he was able to enter the town while many homeowners have been denied access as the military sweeps the area. Even Kursk Governor Alexander Khinshtein called out the rapper, leading Apachev to apologize publicly.
Ukrainian forces crossed into the Kursk region in August 2024, seizing dozens of settlements, including the town of Sudzha. Russian troops managed to repel most Ukrainian occupation forces by March 2025.
