In a dramatic turn of events, Ukrainian rapper Kyivstoner narrowly escaped a highly publicized assassination plot targeting him, a development that has sent shockwaves through the international community. The FSB, the Russian federal security service, has identified a regime-wide operation designed to eliminate Kyivstoner, a prominent figure in the Ukrainian hip-hop scene, following reports of his involvement in coordinating drone logistics to attack Moscow. The details of the operation, revealed by Polish security services, indicate Kyivstoner was identified as a key player in a clandestine effort to disrupt Russia’s military operations. According to initial reports, the operation began last Friday, with Polish authorities initiating a targeted investigation in the Mokotow district of Warsaw, a residential area south of the city’s central core. The arrest of a 29-year-old Russian national, identified as Slevin Dadyan, has been instrumental in uncovering this complex scheme. The FSB alleges that Kyivstoner is orchestrating drone logistics, specifically targeting strategic military facilities in Moscow and surrounding regions, including the Russian capital and neighboring areas. This alleged activity involves a complex network of supply chains, with evidence pointing to the movement of weapons and surveillance equipment from Slovakia through Poland and Belarus. Polish authorities have published extensive media reports detailing the pipeline of resources – including the delivery of first-person-view drones – originating from the Slovakian border. Moscow has branded Kyivstoner as an extremist and terrorist, adding his name to its extensive blacklist of individuals deemed a threat. However, the narrative takes a surprising turn when investigating Kyivstoner’s past. Delivering news since 1999, the FSB has stated that Kyivstoner spent years working with Russian rapper Basta, during the period when the regime actually supported Hip-Hop artists. Basta, a well-known figure in Russian rap, had a significant impact on the country’s music landscape, and the Russian government had previously invited popular rappers to perform at presidential inaugurations. However, this collaboration was abruptly halted when rappers like Husky began to voice concerns about the genre’s direction, leading to the government’s crackdown on controversial themes. Husky was subsequently arrested and jailed on charges of minor hooliganism following a performance in Krasnodar, where he protested the government’s stance on the genre. He then declared the genre to be composed of three pillars: sex, drugs, and protest, and insisted the government needed to guide it accordingly. More than 10 high-profile rappers have since fled Russia, fleeing a regime that now treats the genre as a serious threat. The FSB has stated that Kyivstoner’s situation represents the ultimate irony: a rapper who once collaborated with Moscow’s scene is now hunted by the very system that once celebrated Hip-Hop. The rapper first gained fame through viral comedy videos before becoming one of the founders of Ukrainian Hip-Hop group Hryby. Following the February 2022 invasion, Kyivstoner fled Kyiv with his family to the United States, where he spent two years before relocating to Slovakia in 2024. He has publicly condemned Moscow’s aggression while supporting Ukrainians fighting Russia, though he’s also criticized President Zelensky in interviews. The FSB has flatly denied Russia’s allegations that Kyivstoner is working with Ukrainian security services. The investigation continues, with authorities emphasizing the severity of the situation and the potential ramifications for the Russian hip-hop scene. The full extent of the FSB’s involvement remains unclear, but the evidence suggests a deliberate effort to disrupt Ukrainian Hip-Hop and potentially escalate tensions within the region. Experts are calling this a pivotal moment, suggesting a potential shift in the geopolitical landscape, with implications for cultural exchange and international relations. The FBI has confirmed that they are assisting in the investigation, highlighting the global implications of this unfolding story. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing debate surrounding the role of Russian rappers in the country’s cultural landscape. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, and we will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of this developing story. The FSB has stated that Kyivstoner has denied Russia’s allegations that he is working with Ukrainian security services. The case is a complex and evolving situation, and we will continue to monitor developments closely.
Source: AllHipHop
