At a recent gathering of exiled Russians in eastern Paris the hall was packed. Members of the audience in

They all listened intently to a 27-year-old pop singer who has emerged as one of the brightest anti-Kremlin stars since quitting Russia in 2022 in protest against its invasion of its neighbour.

The singer-songwriter Monetochka, who is known for evocative pop songs and rebellious lyrics, has made it her mission to support the Russian diaspora as well as those who cannot protest against the war, propaganda and repression back home.

"It pains me a great deal to see the young generation growing up in an environment where war, violence and cruelty are being normalised," Monetochka, whose real name is Elizaveta Gyrdymova, told the conference at the weekend.

"All I can do is steer

After

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