Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon has revealed he may release a previously shelved interview with Russian actor Gosha Kutsenko after the performer expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Gordon disclosed the existence of the unpublished recording during an appearance on the internet broadcast Eye to Eye, hosted by interviewer Marychka Dovbenko, where he listed several high-profile figures whose interviews he chose not to air.
According to Gordon, the actor was heavily intoxicated throughout the original interview session. Following the recording, Kutsenko asked the journalist not to publish the video, leading Gordon to honor the request and shelf the footage at the time.
Gordon explained that his decision on whether to air the recording now depends on Kutsenko's continued public conduct. The journalist said he would assess the actor's actions, noting that he would keep the video hidden if Kutsenko acts honorably, but would release it if Kutsenko proves to be a scoundrel.
Ukrainian roots and political controversy
Kutsenko has strong personal ties to Ukraine, having been born in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia and raised in the western city of Lviv before relocating to Russia. Gordon noted that the actor spent a significant portion of his life living in Ukraine prior to establishing his performing career in Moscow.
Gordon is one of Ukraine's most prominent media personalities, widely recognized for conducting lengthy interviews with prominent political, military, and cultural figures across Eastern Europe. Kutsenko built a career as a film actor in Russia, starring in numerous high-profile cinematic productions.
The actor was previously added to the database of Myrotvorets, a Kyiv-based website that tracks individuals accused of posing a threat to Ukrainian national security. News agency UNIAN reported that Kutsenko was listed for participating in Russian state propaganda events and assisting attempts to legitimize the occupation of Crimea.
Previous criticism over occupied territories
Gordon has repeatedly targeted Kutsenko with sharp public criticism over his support for Russian military actions in Ukraine. The journalist strongly condemned Kutsenko after the actor traveled to the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine to participate in a public performance.
Following that appearance in Donetsk, Gordon remarked that Kutsenko had ruined his own legacy and stained his obituary through his public support for Russian military aggression. Gordon indicated that he will continue watching the actor's public statements before deciding whether to publish the archival recording.
