A dissident Russian rock band, Bi-2, known for their criticism of Moscow's war in Ukraine, has arrived in Israel after being deported from Thailand under suspected pressure from the Kremlin, the band members confirmed on Thursday. The seven band members were arrested last week in Phuket, where they had performed a concert, reportedly due to the lack of proper working papers.

According to the band's statement on Facebook, all their concerts had been held in compliance with local laws and practices. Phuket, a popular destination for Russian expats and tourists, became the site of their arrest. After paying a fine, the band members were transferred to an immigration detention center in Bangkok.

Speaking in the arrival hall of Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Aleksandr "Shura" Uman, the guitarist and singer of Bi-2, expressed gratitude towards Israeli, American, and Australian diplomats, as well as human rights organizations, for their efforts in facilitating their arrival in Israel. Despite their exhaustion from the ordeal, Uman mentioned that the band was doing well. He described the conditions they faced in the Thai jail as "horrible."

Russia has denied any involvement in the band's deportation, although Moscow has a reputation for cracking down on artists critical of the war, even if they are working abroad. The Kremlin had previously targeted Uman and another band member, Yegor "Lyova" Bortnik.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz praised the diplomatic efforts that enabled all the musicians to leave Thailand and reach Israel. It is worth noting that one band member with Israeli citizenship had returned to Israel earlier on Wednesday.

Kanchana Patarachoke, a spokesperson for the Thai Foreign Ministry, acknowledged that the band had left the country in accordance with their wishes and Thai immigration laws and regulations.

Out of the seven Bi-2 musicians, five had entered Thailand using Russian passports, according to police Lt. Pakpoom Rojanawipak. Four of the band members are reportedly Israeli nationals, including the founders Uman and Bortnik. The latter is also an Australian citizen.

The decision to allow the band to travel to Israel has been praised by activists, with Phil Robertson, Human Rights Watch's deputy Asia director, commending Bangkok for refusing Moscow's demands to send the artists back to Russia, where they could face persecution.

The arrival of Bi-2 in Israel marks the end of a tumultuous journey for the band, who now hope to continue their musical careers in a country that welcomes their artistry and values their freedom of expression.