Ukraine appeals to Italy not to issue visas to Russian participants in Venice Biennale

Ukraine hopes that Italy, as the host country, will not issue visas to Russian participants in the Venice Biennale, which has not cancelled Russia's participation in the international art exhibition despite Kyiv's request.

Source: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, speaking to journalists in Kyiv, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The minister noted that the question of Russia's participation in the Venice Biennale had been discussed during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Italy.

"We have sanctioned those individuals – the Russian participants. And we are now raising the question of not issuing them visas. The host country is Italy. We very much hope we will be heard. Because we have introduced sanctions (against the Russians) and expect that visas will not be issued," Sybiha said.

In total, over 20 European countries have called for Russia to be barred from participating in the Venice Biennale.

Background:

• In mid-March, the European Commission announced that it would suspend a €2 million grant awarded to the Biennale Foundation if Russia participates in the 2026 art exhibition.
• Ukraine called on the organisers of the Venice Biennale to reconsider their decision regarding the Russian Federation's participation and to maintain the principled stance that was demonstrated in 2022-2024.

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