Mikhalkov thinks Smolyaninov, who betrayed Russia, was broken by temptation

Moscow Agency | Alexander AvilovDirector Nikita Mikhalkov spoke about the anti-Russian statements of actor Artur Smolyaninov ✱ (recognized as a foreign agent in the Russian Federation). The president of the Union of Cinematographers of the Russian Federation believes that the “temptation” prevails over the artist.Smolyaninov became famous for his Russophobic statements more than for his famous film roles. Although Mikhalkov says the actor did well on set, he doesn’t rule out that he spoke about Russia’s enemies.“Arthur Smolyaninov filmed with me. He is a very good artist, a wonderful and joyful person, he has done a great job. What happened to him? Apparently, temptation broke him,” Mikhalkov said at a press conference ahead of a creative meeting at the Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum.The “9th Company” star spoke out against the mission of the Russian authorities in Ukraine, which drew strong criticism from his fellow citizens. After Smolyaninov moved abroad, where he actively gives interviews to foreign media, in which he criticizes his homeland.✱ – a person or organization recognized in the Russian Federation as foreign agents