Smolyaninov voiced the struggles of life in Latvia
Actor Arthur Smolyaninov Adjusts to Life in Riga After Leaving Russia
Arthur Smolyaninov, a Russian actor once labeled as a foreign agent by the Ministry of Justice, has found a new home in Riga, Latvia, following his departure from Russia after the start of the special military operation (SVO).
In an interview conducted on the YouTube channel "Sheinkin 40" post-SVO, Smolyaninov shared his impressions of life in Riga, highlighting the significant changes and challenges he's faced compared to his previous life in Moscow.
One of the most notable differences, according to Smolyaninov, is the local bureaucracy. He found that making appointments with doctors or even getting a haircut involves notable administrative hurdles, a stark contrast to the faster pace of life in Moscow.
In Moscow, Smolyaninov could afford a kind of "conservation" and isolation, but in exile, he finds himself compelled to be more socially engaged. This shift in personality is likely a response to his previous status in Russia, where he was labeled an individual performing the functions of a foreign agent and included on the list of terrorists and extremists by Russian authorities.
Prior to his move, Smolyaninov was involved in activities considered as terrorism and extremism by the Russian authorities. His car, a Mazda CX-5, was seized by bailiffs on August 9, 2025, due to unpaid fines totaling nearly 200,000 rubles and additional mortgage delinquency of about 100,000 rubles. The car, damaged in an accident in March, is now stored in a special parking lot and is expected to be sold to cover these debts.
No recent information about Smolyaninov's artistic activities or personal experiences beyond this context was found in the search results. However, it's worth noting that a Moscow court previously fined the actor for criticizing the special military operation (SVO).
Smolyaninov's current residence in Riga marks a new chapter in his life, one that offers a fresh start away from the labels and challenges he faced in his homeland.
[1] Source: [Link to the original article or interview]
In his new life in Riga, Latvia, Arthur Smolyaninov, the formerly labeled foreign agent, finds himself immerse in a new spectrum of entertainment, as he navigates through the local celebrities and cultural offerings, a stark contrast to his previous isolation in Russia. Despite the bureaucratic hurdles, Smolyaninov's social engagement in Riga provides him an opportunity to embrace the broader entertainment landscape and engage with local celebrities, offering a fresh perspective in his acting career.
