Kęstutis Budrys, Lithuania's Foreign Minister, has strongly condemned the decision by the Venice Biennale to reinstate Russia, labeling it as 'despicable.' In a passionate statement on social media platform X, he emphasized that there can be no normalization of relations with a country that continues to wage a large-scale war against a sovereign nation, specifically Ukraine. According to Budrys, the ongoing conflict involves daily bombings and acts of terrorism that severely impact civilian lives.

Budrys articulated his concerns over the implications of the Venice Biennale's actions, implying that giving Russia a platform at such a prestigious cultural event could be interpreted as tacit approval of its aggressive actions. He referred to Russia's current military operations as not only a direct threat to Ukraine but also a challenge to global stability and security. This perspective highlights the ethical considerations surrounding cultural diplomacy in the context of ongoing military aggression.

This controversy underscores an ongoing debate within international communities regarding the treatment of Russia in cultural and artistic domains while it continues its military campaign. As countries like Lithuania advocate for a stronger stance against Russia, this incident may prompt further discussions about the intersection between culture and politics, particularly regarding the appropriateness of engaging with a nation accused of serious violations of international law.