**Western Opera Reverses Course, Welcomes Back Pro-Putin Russian Singer**
It’s been over three years since Russia launched a full-scale war against Ukraine, and many Western cultural institutions have distanced themselves from Russian artists as a gesture of solidarity with the embattled country. However, it seems that some of these institutions are now reversing course, welcoming back Russian artists who have ties to the Kremlin.
One such artist is Anna Netrebko, a renowned Russian soprano opera singer who has been accused of supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s policies and imperialism. Despite her history of praising Putin and defending Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Netrebko will be starring in a production of “Tosca” at the Royal Ballet and Opera House in London next year.
**A Troubling History**
Netrebko’s past statements and actions have raised eyebrows among Ukrainians and their supporters. In 2009, she told a Russian news outlet that she was proud to be performing for Putin, and in 2014, she supported Russia’s annexation of Crimea. She has also been accused of being part of the “Propaganda Machine” for her role in promoting Russian interests.
In recent years, Netrebko has attempted to distance herself from these statements, claiming that they were taken out of context or misinterpreted. However, many people remain skeptical about her true intentions and motivations.
**The Thaw**
As Western cultural institutions rekindle ties with Russian artists like Netrebko, it raises important questions about complicity and accountability. When Russian actor Yura Borisov was nominated for an Oscar in 2024 for his role in the film “Anora,” many people pointed out that he had previously starred in a propaganda biopic about Mikhail Kalashnikov, the inventor of the AK-47.
Similarly, Russian journalist Anastasia Trofimova’s documentary “Russians at War” sparked outrage among Ukrainians and their supporters due to her previous involvement with Russian state media. Despite these controversies, Western film festivals have continued to screen her documentary.
**A Painful Reality**
The inclusion of Russian cultural figures in the West is a painful reminder for many Ukrainians that the war has had a devastating impact on their country’s cultural life. Ukrainian artists continue to be killed or forced into exile as Russia intensifies its military campaign against Ukraine.
For those who have lost loved ones or friends due to the war, seeing Russian artists gain applause in Western cities is particularly hurtful. “All this is happening while Russian artists like Netrebko — who openly and vocally supported Putin’s policies for many years, including his invasion of Ukraine in 2014 — are gaining applause in Berlin and in London,” said Ukrainian artist Victoria Gintov. “Something is fundamentally wrong about it.”
**A Note from the Author**
This article was written by Kate Tsurkan, a reporter at the Kyiv Independent who has covered culture-related topics in Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia for many years. She notes that while every Russian artist is not supportive of the war, Netrebko’s past statements raise troubling questions about her intentions.
If you’re interested in reading more about Ukrainian culture and the impact of the war on artists, please consider supporting the Kyiv Independent by becoming a member today.
