Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha welcomed Latvia's decision to include Russian representatives associated with the Venice Biennale on the list of persona non grata. He stated this on the X social network, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to UNN.
Details
Sybiha thanked Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže for supporting Ukraine and emphasized the importance of this step.
"Dear Baiba Braže, thank you for the solidarity and principled support of Ukraine, which is reflected in this decision,"
Signal regarding cultural platforms
According to the minister, restricting entry for Russian representatives is a clear signal regarding the inadmissibility of using cultural venues for political purposes.
"Restricting entry for key Russian representatives associated with the Venice Biennale sends a clear and timely signal: cultural platforms cannot be used to legitimize or normalize the policies and propaganda of the aggressor state, which has been waging a full-scale war against Ukraine for five years, killing civilians and destroying cultural heritage,"
Compliance with European values
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Latvia's decision aligns with European approaches.
"This step is fully consistent with European values and resonates with recent calls by European leaders and ministers to limit Russia's presence on international cultural platforms,"