Russia Names Stoptime Singer Naoko and Her Fiancé "Foreign Agents"

Russia's Ministry of Justice has updated its "foreign agents" register, adding two members of Stoptime, a street-music band formed in St Petersburg. The singer Diana Loginova, who performs under the name Naoko, and her fiancé, band member Alexander Orlov, were both designated. The label is applied by the Russian state to individuals and organisations it regards as being under foreign influence. The news was reported by The Insider.

The movement "Raspberry Wedge - Independent Kuban" was also added to the list.

The band's path

Stoptime emerged in St Petersburg in spring and summer 2025. Its members became known for performing on the street songs by artists who have themselves been declared "foreign agents".

In the autumn of the same year, the musicians were subjected to a series of arrests. After being released, vocalist Diana and guitarist Alexander left Russia.

Reports on the musicians

It later emerged that the reports about the musicians had been written by Mikhail Romanov, a local deputy from the United Russia party. He offered Loginova the chance to apologise for her songs and performances to people involved in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in exchange for the criminal prosecution being dropped.

The source does not say exactly when the Ministry of Justice made its decision, but the new entries add to the story of a band whose members had already faced police action and pressure.