Ukraine urges Luxembourg authorities to reconsider pro-Putin opera singer Netrebko's performance

The Embassy of Ukraine in Luxembourg has expressed concern over the scheduled performance of Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko at the Luxembourg Philharmonie on 15 June and has raised the issue with the relevant authorities.

Source: a press release, as reported by European Pravda

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

They recalled that she publicly supported Vladimir Putin during his presidential campaigns, received state awards from him and took 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 cultural establishment on prestigious international stages raises serious ethical and reputational concerns," the embassy said.

The diplomats also stressed that for decades Russia had used culture as a tool of influence and image-building abroad, while the concept of the "great Russian culture" had often been promoted without acknowledging the broader reality in which Ukrainian culture was 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 had respectfully urged them to reconsider the circumstances surrounding the event.

Background:

• Earlier this year, Florence's Maggio Musicale Fiorentino theatre cancelled performances by Russian artists who had openly supported the Kremlin's policy towards Ukraine.
• In November, a concert by a pianist who had performed alongside pro-Kremlin musicians was also cancelled in the Netherlands.

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