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Romania Cancels Concert of “Putin’s Diva” Anna Netrebko After Ukrainian Push
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine confirmed that a concert by Russian opera singer—“Putin’s diva”—Anna Netrebko, planned for October 6 in Cluj-Napoca, has been canceled thanks to coordinated efforts by Ukraine’s Embassy in Romania and local activists.
According to the MFA on October 2, Netrebko was set to perform with the Transylvanian Philharmonic Orchestra and receive an honorary doctorate from the Gheorghe Dima National Music Academy.
“By canceling Netrebko’s performance, the Romanian side has shown understanding and solidarity with Ukraine in countering Russia’s hybrid influence through so-called ‘cultural and artistic events,’” the ministry stated.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Netrebko for her public support of Russia’s policies and its full-scale invasion. The MFA noted that the Embassy engaged with the rector of the academy, Romanian local and state authorities, and civil society representatives to prevent the event.
“As long as Russia continues its aggressive and bloody war, and its troops commit war crimes daily, international isolation must persist. Culture cannot serve as a tool to whitewash the aggressor’s reputation,” the MFA stressed.
Meanwhile, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska has spoken out against the performance of Russian soprano Anna Netrebko at London’s Royal Opera House. In an interview with The Times on September 25, Zelenska underscored that Russia exploits culture as a tool of “soft power” while continuing its war against Ukraine.
“When people see a great performance with a beautiful voice, they think, ‘Wow, maybe the country that brought up such a wonderful singer is not that bad’,” Zelenska said.
Earlier, on the opening night of Tosca performance, dozens of demonstrators rallied outside London’s Royal Opera House to protest Russian soprano Anna Netrebko’s appearance.
