Strictly pros are reportedly divided over whether the show’s Russian stars should continue to display a following Vladimir Putininvasion of Ukraine.
Russian native Katya Jones32, and Luba Mushtuki32, both were born in the country city of St. Petersburg.
according to this SunThe show’s dancers are divided over whether the pair should stay for the next series, with the claim that professionals are asking producers to make a decision.
The Division: Strictly Professionals are reportedly divided over whether Russian stars Katya Jones, 32 (pictured), and Luba Mushtuk, 32, should appear after Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine
Two of the pros — Nikita Kuzmin, 24, and Nadia Bychkova, 32 — are both of Ukrainian descent.
A Strictly Come Dancing source told the publication: ‘The tension is high and there is a very strong feeling about this, some dancers want the producers to decide and say, “You can’t come back for the next series.” ,
“Some professionals feel that it is bad to have them on the show, this has been discussed among a group of them and they are concerned that it is affecting the program and creating a backlash.
Birthplace: Russian-born Katya Jones and Luba (pictured) were both born in the country’s St. Petersburg city
Homeland: Two professionals — Nikita Kuzmin, 24 (pictured with 2021 celebrity partner Tilly Ramsay), and Nadia Bychkova, 32 — are both of Ukrainian descent
Touching: Professional dancer Nikita is a native of Ukraine and recently shared a picture of her flag emblazoned with the word ‘Heartbreaking’ on Instagram.
Difficult Times: Nadia is also a Ukrainian citizen who dances as a professional on Strictly (pictured in January)
‘Given that they are on the biggest show on television, they are already open to criticism and they worry it will only invite controversy.’
However, it is said that some dancers feel that being excluded on the basis of their nationality is unfair because they can’t help where they were born, with insider Katya and Luba doing nothing wrong and on position are ’empty’. in Ukraine.
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Katya, Luba and Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
Former Strictly Professional James Jordan, 43, asked the show’s Russian dancers to comment on the unrest in Ukraine.
Message: Russian dancer Katya, who was paired opposite Adam Peaty in last year’s series, recently took to her Instagram story with the message: ‘Prayers for peace and love in the world’
He tweeted: ‘I don’t see many Russian dancers I know, and even shared the Strictly dance floor talking candidly about the war against Ukraine.
‘But they are still promoting themselves on social media? Very disappointed.’
However, Katya, paired with Adam Peaty in last year’s series, recently took to her Instagram story with the message: ‘Praying for peace and love in the world [prayer emoji, heart emoji],
Upset: James as pictured with wife and fellow former Strictly Pro Ola Jordan in 2012
Opinion-raising: Former hardline supporter James Jordan, 43, said he was ‘very disappointed’ many Russian dancers remained silent about the current situation
Other stars of the BBC dance show have used their platform to raise awareness, including those with direct links to Ukraine.
Nikita shared a picture of the flag of her native Ukraine with the words ‘heartbreaking’ on Instagram. The post was quickly met with supportive messages from coworkers and fans.
And Judge Motsi Mabuse updated their respective followers with news of their in-laws who were stranded in the country.
Sharing a photo with her Ukrainian husband Evgenij Vojnyuk last month, the dancer wrote on social media: ‘We stand with the people of Ukraine and we stand against racism on the border against our brothers and sisters!!!!! People are not safe then we are also not safe #standwithukraine’.
Heartbroken: Motsi Mabuse reveals her husband’s parents are stranded in Ukraine amid Russian invasion (pictured with Ukrainian husband Evgenij Vozniuk in 2018)
Tough: South African-German dancer shares a painful photo of her mother-in-law in the bunker as the war broke out
According to the United Nations, about 2.5 million people have fled Ukraine since the invasion began.
Russian forces impacting Kyiv yesterday went into a position of strategic fire before an all-out attack.
The 40-mile convoy of tanks, troops and artillery that had been waiting were redeployed to the surrounding forests and towns in an attempt to encircle the capital.
Scary: Citizens put up tire barricades with sand bags as a precaution amid Russian attacks on Kyiv
Satellite images showed howitzer weapons and suspected rocket launchers being prepared, prompting remaining Kyiv residents to take up arms and put up barricades. Mayor Vitaly Klitschko warned Russia that the city was a fortress.
On Thursday, volunteers were digging a trench on the outskirts to try to stop Russian troops. Preparing themselves for bloody battles, others joined soldiers in setting up temporary barricades with old tires and sandbags.
Some Russian units are now just nine miles from the city. There are fears that they will attempt to repeat the barbaric tactics used on other cities, including Mariupol, which is surrounded by it – with people suffering from starvation and dehydration.
Battle: Ukrainian troops prepare to take positions near Kyiv before expected Russian attack on city
The Russian military also bombed a maternity hospital there this week.
Troops are approaching the capital from the northwest and east, engaging in shelling with Ukrainian troops at Kukhari – 56 miles from Kyiv – and Demidyev, 25 miles away.
The convoy initially stopped as it approached Kyiv amid reports of a shortage of fuel and food, as well as resistance from Ukrainian forces.
Gunfire: Ukrainian forces fight Russian forces in village near Kyiv as invading forces prepare a new assault on the city