Well-known Kazakh stand-up comedian Nurlan Saburov has been banned from entering Russia.

The decision was taken in the interests of national security and was communicated to Saburov by border officials at Vnukovo Airport after his overnight arrival from Dubai, The Caspian Post reports via Russian media.

Sources say the entry ban was linked to the comedian’s anti-Russian remarks, his criticism of the “special military operation,” and his refusal to obtain Russian citizenship. At the same time, Saburov has remained professionally active in Russia, earning income there, owning real estate worth more than ₽60 million (about $784,000), and having his children enrolled in Russian schools.

The ban was also reportedly influenced by Saburov’s connections with Belarusian comedian Slava Komissarenko, who is currently abroad, and former stand-up performer Dmitry Romanov, who, according to sources, is working with a Poland-based recruitment center linked to Ukraine’s armed forces.

Saburov was handed an official document confirming the entry ban and was then deported on the nearest available flight, reportedly back to his point of departure. Media reports also note that the comedian owns a luxury cottage and a land plot in the Moscow region.