Ukraine urges Luxembourg authorities to reconsider plans for performance by pro-Putin opera singer Anna Netrebko

The Embassy of Ukraine in Luxembourg has expressed concern over a performance by Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko set to take place on 15 June at the Luxembourg Philharmonie and has raised the issue with the authorities.

Source: a press release from the Ukrainian Embassy in Luxembourg, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Ukrainian diplomats noted that Netrebko has been publicly associated with the political and cultural establishment of the Russian Federation for many years.

They pointed out that she has publicly supported Vladimir Putin during his presidential campaigns, received state awards from him, and taken part in initiatives promoting Russian state-backed cultural narratives.

"At a time when Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles of international law, while Ukrainian civilians continue to suffer from daily attacks, the promotion of representatives of the russian [sic] cultural establishment on prestigious international stages raises serious ethical and reputational concerns," the embassy said.

The diplomats also stressed that for decades Russia has used culture as an instrument of influence and image-building abroad, and the concept of a "great Russian culture" has often been promoted without acknowledging the broader reality in which Ukrainian culture has been suppressed and marginalised.

"Against the backdrop of the ongoing russian military aggression against Ukraine, continued promotion of prominent representatives of the russian cultural establishment risks contributing to the normalisation of the aggressor state's policies and narratives. The Embassy wishes to underline that, as long as the russian federation continues its attacks against Ukrainian cities, civilians and cultural heritage, cooperation with russian artists who refrain from taking a clear and principled position regarding the actions of their state is perceived by Ukrainians as deeply painful," the embassy said.

The Embassy of Ukraine said it had shared these concerns with the relevant authorities in Luxembourg and respectfully called for a review of the circumstances surrounding the event.

Background:

• Earlier this year, the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in Florence cancelled performances by Russian artists who have openly supported the Kremlin's policy towards Ukraine.
• A concert in the Netherlands by pianist Elisabeth Leonskaya was cancelled in November after she performed with pro-Putin musicians.

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