Russian Influence on Soundcloud? Ukrainian Singer Alleges Platform Acted as Kremlin’s Tool

American-Ukrainian artist Kelsie Kimberlin sues Soundcloud for removing her catalog amid Russia’s hybrid war on Ukrainian musicians.

The hybrid war Russia wages against Ukrainian musicians is evolving—and now it has a digital front. American-Ukrainian singer Kelsie Kimberlin alleges that Soundcloud, a German music distribution company, acted as “an arm of the Russian Federation” by removing her entire music catalog from global streaming platforms.

Russia has long targeted Ukrainian artists. Eurovision winner Jamala faces a criminal arrest warrant. Musicians like Yuriy Kerpatenko were executed for refusing to perform for Russian forces, while others raising funds for Ukraine’s Armed Forces have been killed. Frontmen from popular bands, like Antytila, have seen his home destroyed. The pattern of intimidation is clear.

According to the lawsuit Kimberlin v. Repost Network, et al, filed by Maryland attorney John Flood, Soundcloud removed Kelsie’s catalog unilaterally, without notice, and froze her access while continuing to charge for distribution. Kelsie alleges seven torts, including Breach of Contract, Defamation, Negligence, and Tortious Interference, seeking both compensatory and punitive damages. The court has set a jury trial for summer 2026.

The timing is significant. Soundcloud removed the music shortly after Kelsie’s 21-year-old cousin, Andrii Rachok, was killed in the Battle for Avdiivka. Kelsie was on the front line in Ukraine filming a documentary about his death when she discovered the removal.

“I spent a month in Ukraine dodging missiles and drones trying to silence me. And when I got home, Soundcloud did what Russia could not—erased my voice from the global stage,” Kelsie said.

Kelsie’s work has been recognized with the UN Humanitarian Award and St. George’s Royal Medal of Honor from King Charles. Her lawsuit highlights how corporate compliance—or complicity—can unintentionally align with authoritarian efforts to suppress freedom of expression.

As President Zelensky emphasized at the 2022 Grammys, musicians have a duty to support Ukraine and uplift its people. Soundcloud’s alleged actions strike at the heart of that mission, silencing one of the country’s most influential voices at a critical moment.

This case is now being closely watched as it could set a precedent for holding international companies accountable if they collaborate with, or act under influence from, Russia.

While Soundcloud maintains silence due to the ongoing litigation, the implications of the lawsuit go beyond a single artist. It highlights a new battleground for Ukraine—one where corporate platforms, music streaming services, and global audiences intersect with geopolitical warfare. The outcome could define the boundaries of accountability for tech and media companies in conflicts abroad.

EMPR