February 15, 2026

Ukraine Launches Pre-trial Investigation Against Nurlan Saburov

The Security Service of Ukraine has initiated a pre-trial investigation into stand-up comedian Nurlan Saburov. This was announced by Ukrainian lawyer Andrey Pronin, who filed a corresponding complaint with law enforcement agencies. The investigation is being conducted on the grounds of "aiding the aggressor state." The reason for the investigation is a video clip where the comedian is seen handing over motorcycles to the military of the "Wagner Legion Istra." Saburov states in the video, "Today we are doing a good deed, helping the fighters of the 'Wagner Legion Istra,' who, I hope, will accept my small assistance in the form of these powerful enduro motorcycles. They will definitely be needed for delivering aid and provisions. God grant that the guys return healthy and victorious." The "Wagner Legion Istra" is a unit within the Russian Ministry of Defense, formed after the disbandment of the Wagner PMC. According to "Vazhnye Istorii," citing a source, Saburov used the video to attempt to prove his "pro-Russian" stance and continue performing in Russia. Andrey Pronin wrote, "Now this scum will survive the scandal and will try to sneak around the world with his stand-ups again, so I believe that 196 countries in the Interpol system should become either an unattainable good for him or a point of his detention and extradition to Ukraine. Special thanks to the Security Service of Ukraine for their prompt reaction and active measures!" On February 6, Ruslan Saburov was banned from entering Russia for 50 years "in the interests of national security." Shortly thereafter, the comedian stated that he was grateful to Russia for his career success and would not comment on the situation. According to "Vazhnye Istorii," the entry ban to the Russian Federation was initiated by the Second Service of the FSB, with whom Saburov refused to cooperate. The man neither agreed nor refused, "tried to play dumb," which resulted in the stand-up artist being denied a residence permit three times, the publication reported.