Ukrainian Embassy asks Luxembourg to cancel concert of Russian singer Netrebko over support for the Russian Federation

The Embassy of Ukraine in Belgium and Luxembourg has expressed concern regarding the planned concert of Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko at the "Philharmonie Luxembourg" on June 15. This was stated in an embassy announcement, reports UNN. 

The Embassy of Ukraine in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg expresses deep concern regarding the planned performance of Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko at the "Philharmonie Luxembourg" on June 15, 2026 

The embassy emphasized that for many years, Netrebko has been publicly associated with the political and cultural establishment of the Russian Federation. She has expressed support for Vladimir Putin during his presidential campaigns, received state awards from him, and participated in initiatives promoting Russia's state-backed cultural narratives.

At a time when Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles of international law, and Ukrainian civilians continue to suffer from daily attacks, the promotion of representatives of the Russian cultural establishment on prestigious international stages raises serious ethical concerns and reputational fears 

They also noted that against the backdrop of ongoing Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the further promotion of prominent representatives of the Russian cultural establishment risks contributing to the normalization of the aggressor state's actions.

The embassy wishes to emphasize that as long as the Russian Federation continues its attacks on Ukrainian cities, civilians, and cultural heritage, cooperation with Russian artists who refrain from taking a clear and principled stance on their state's actions is perceived by Ukrainians as deeply painful. Culture cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader political and humanitarian context. When one state seeks to destroy another sovereign country, its history, identity, and culture, the concept of cultural neutrality becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. The Embassy of Ukraine has shared these concerns with the relevant authorities of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and respectfully called for a review of the circumstances surrounding this event 

Addendum

Netrebko's performance will begin at 7:30 PM on Monday, June 15, at the "Philharmonie Luxembourg" hall. As of today, June 10, all tickets for her performance, which cost between 66 and 138 euros, are sold out. 

As a reminder 

In Romania, the performance was canceled for Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko, who supports Russia's invasion of Ukraine.