Call from the Ukrainian Embassy in Italy
The Ukrainian Embassy in Italy called for the cancellation of performances by Russian artists Svitlana Zakharova and Vadym Repin, scheduled for January 20-21, due to their loyalty to the Kremlin. This call comes amid ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, as well as due to the actions of the artists that have drawn criticism in Ukraine.
Information about the artists
Svitlana Zakharova, born in 1979 in Lutsk, is a prima of the Bolshoi Theatre and a People's Artist of Russia. She was also a deputy of the State Duma from the United Russia party. In 2014, Zakharova signed a letter supporting the occupation of Crimea, and in 2019, she received the Order of Merit for the Fatherland from Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2024, she became a trusted person of Putin during his presidential campaign. Since January 2023, Zakharova has been under sanctions from the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
Vadym Repin, who has citizenship in Russia and Belgium, has also come under criticism for his position. This case is not isolated: earlier, in June 2024, Ukraine managed to achieve the cancellation of Svitlana Zakharova's concert in Slovenia. It is important to note that conductor Valery Gergiev has already canceled his performance in Italy, indicating an increasing awareness of the participation of Russian artists in international events amidst geopolitical tensions.
Thus, the call from the Ukrainian embassy emphasizes Ukraine's position regarding artists who support Kremlin policies and reflects a desire to prevent their performances on international stages.
This situation reflects a broader trend in international cultural exchanges, as countries seek to distance themselves from Russian artists who express support for the aggressive policies of the Kremlin.
The measures taken by Ukraine may influence the future decisions of other countries regarding the participation of Russian artists in cultural events, especially in the context of international sanctions and political tensions.