When Ukraine takes key step toward Europe, Russian star will be performing next door (opens original article in a new tab)

Ukraine's embassy criticizes Russian opera star Anna Netrebko's performance in Luxembourg as the country moves closer to EU membership, highlighting tensions over Russian cultural figures' return to Western stages.

• Ukraine's embassy expresses concern over Russian opera star Anna Netrebko's performance in Luxembourg amid ongoing war
• Luxembourg's Philharmonie defends the event as a 'place of dialogue' and states it is not a political statement
• EU officials urge cultural organizations to avoid instrumentalizing culture by aggressor states and support artists aligned with democratic values
• Russian cultural figures like Netrebko and Zvyagintsev face scrutiny for past pro-Kremlin ties despite some international reacceptance