Pro-Putin opera singer Netrebko's performance cancelled in Romania

A performance by Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko in the Romania city of Cluj-Napoca has been cancelled due to a campaign by the Embassy of Ukraine and Romanian activists.

As reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Facebook, Netrebko's concert with the Transylvania State Philharmonic Orchestra and the awarding of an Honorary Doctorate from the Gheorghe Dima National Music Academy had been scheduled for 6 October.

The Embassy of Ukraine in Romania communicated with the rector of the National Music Academy, Romanian county and state institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture of Romania, and also involved representatives from civil society to prevent her performance.

"By cancelling Netrebko's performance, the Romanian side showed understanding and solidarity with Ukraine in the context of countering Russia's hybrid influence through so-called 'cultural and artistic events'. International isolation must continue as long as the Russian Federation continues its aggressive and bloody war and its military commits war crimes daily. Culture cannot be used as a tool to whitewash the reputation of the aggressor," the embassy stated.

Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Netrebko for publicly supporting Russian policy.

Slovak Minister of Culture Martina Šimkovičová spoke of her delight at meeting the pro-Putin opera singer Anna Netrebko, who performed in Bratislava.

Meanwhile, the general director of the Hungarian Opera argued with the Ukrainian ambassador over a performance by Netrebko.