In the Netherlands, the concert of Russian pianist canceled: reaction to performances in Moscow

On December 4, 2025, the concert of renowned Austrian pianist Elizaveta Leonovskaya was canceled in the Netherlands due to her support for Putin's policies. According to reports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Ukrainian diplomats intervened in holding the event.

After it became known that Leonovskaya performed in Russia on the same stage with artists who support Putin's actions in Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine decided that such support for the aggressor at cultural events is unacceptable.

“We are convinced that culture should not be used as a tool for waging war propaganda or whitewashing military crimes”

The press service of the Muziekgebouw concert hall explained that they adhere to recommendations about collaborating with artists who do not support the war against Ukraine. Meanwhile, concerts by Elizaveta Leonovskaya are planned for 2026 in other cities of the Netherlands, provided there is no support for the aggressor's policies.

Pianist Elizaveta Leonovskaya has found herself at the center of a scandal in the Netherlands due to her support for Putin and performances in Russia on the same stage with pro-Putin artists. Her concert was canceled after the intervention of Ukrainian diplomats, but the resumption of performances in the future is planned on the condition of abandoning political positions that contradict Ukrainian interests.