Russian Rapper Ivan Vitalievich Petunin aka Walkie ends life to avoid serving in war against Ukraine

Russian rapper Ivan Vitalievich Petunin, popularly known as Walkie, ended his life to avoid joining forces in Ukraine. According to reports, the 27-year-old rapper died by jumping from a high-rise building after declining his deferment request.

Walkie had previously served in the Russian Army, following which he was admitted to a mental hospital for medical assistance. After Russia's President Vladimir Putin made it obligatory for all men of military age to join the troops in Ukraine, Walkie was drafted to participate in the war. Though he submitted a request for deferment on mental health grounds, the Russian military rejected it.





Before taking the unfortunate step, Walkie shot what appears to be his last video, in which Walkie said he did not want the "sin of murder" and wasn't willing to kill for any ideology.

Walkie added that he did not support Russia's actions in Ukraine and wasn't ready to take up arms.

Walkie informed the video that he'd be dead by the time the fans saw the video.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February, and both sides have suffered a loss of military personnel and civilians. President Putin recently announced the annexation of occupied territories, about 15% of total Ukrainian land. The UN Security Council (UNSC) passed a resolution condemning the annexation, which Russia vetoed in the end.

FAQs

What's Walkie's full name?
Walkie's full name was Ivan Vitalievich Petunin, 27 years old.

Why did Walkie commit suicide?
Walkie was drafted to join Russian forces in Ukraine, and his request for deferment on mental health grounds was rejected.