There are few Russian celebrities in Switzerland. Even rarer are those who have broken their silence since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The interview that Slava Bykov (61) gave to the Russian online portal “Absatz” is all the more remarkable.
His statements have caused a stir, particularly in Fribourg, where the former number 90 has enjoyed demigod status since his heroic deeds for Gottéron. From legitimizing the “special operation” to the impact of sanctions on Russia on the West, former Russian Ice King Vladimir Putin (69) appears to be unwaveringly loyal.
«The Swiss punish themselves»
For Bykow, who lives with his family in Marly FR, the sanctions that Switzerland has imposed on Russia are a “punishment that the Confederation is imposing on itself”. This puts Switzerland at risk of bottlenecks in the coming winter. “Food prices are going up, gas prices are going up, and energy prices are sure to go up. In fact, you can say that the Swiss are punishing themselves.”
A speech familiar from the mouths of many Russian public figures. The editor-in-chief of the portal made a similar statement a day before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is therefore difficult to say whether these statements are really Bykow’s personal opinions.
«Is there a president in Ukraine?»
“What do you think of the special operation in Ukraine?” the journalist then asked head-on. Again, the dual citizen’s speech fits perfectly into the narrative used by Vladimir Putin: a great patriotic war to strengthen the Russian spirit and regain old Soviet power.
The ex-ice hockey player remembers: “During the Second World War, my wife’s father fought once morest the fascists. Then, until 1950, he purged the territories of the USSR from the members of Stepan Bandera’s movement. There is a reason for purges.” Bandera was a Ukrainian nationalist who collaborated with the Nazis during World War II.
Bykov continues: “Bandera is an abomination that is echoed once more today. The youth are brainwashed. As I said before, a Russian would rather come to the rescue than offend, so as a decent Russian I support Russia’s help to the Donbass and to these people who have lost loved ones and have been experiencing genocide for years.”
“It’s a puppet show”
When asked regarding the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenski, the Friborg resident replied: “Is there a President there? It’s just a marionette show.”
One last question, perhaps reflecting the pressure Russian public figures abroad are currently under: “Are you planning to fly to Russia for the holidays?” Despite what he said in the interview, Bykow politely declined the invitation. «The situation is complicated. For me, family comes first,” he says, explaining that he prefers to stay in Switzerland to spend time with his grandchildren.
Slawa Bykow was contacted by Blick to comment on the background to the interview.
