Det Ny Teater in Copenhagen has revealed that it is facing harassment on social media that appears to be Russian propaganda ahead of its support event for Ukraine, scheduled for February 22, 2026. The theater's director, Kasper Beknes, reported that they have deleted or hidden approximately 150 to 200 comments on their Facebook and Instagram advertisements, which he describes as hateful. The comments include accusations against Ukrainians, labeling them as Nazis, and showcasing disturbing imagery linked to Russian nationalism.

The harassment comes as preparations intensify for the event titled 'Ukrainske Stemmer - historier om frihed' ('Ukrainian Voices - Stories of Freedom'), which is set to take place just two days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. High-profile participants, including Ukrainian Nobel Prize laureate Oleksandra Matvijtjuk and Danish actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, will be present. Given the sensitivities surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the apparent targeting of the theater raises important questions about freedom of expression and the influence of disinformation on public discourse.

Kasper Beknes explains that the theater typically engages in various online campaigns supporting different causes, but the current situation highlights a worrying trend of online harassment that can occur when institutions express solidarity with Ukraine. This incident underscores the broader societal challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of trolling and disinformation campaigns that aim to intimidate those who oppose narratives aligned with Russian interests.