On March 8, Ukrainian officials expressed strong disapproval of Russia's return to the Venice Biennale, characterizing the move as an alarming endorsement of Russia's ongoing aggression and the war crimes it has committed during the conflict in Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that Russia's participation in this prestigious cultural event sends a dangerous message of tolerance towards its genocidal actions against the Ukrainian people.

The Venice Biennale, which is one of the most significant cultural exhibitions worldwide, is set to occur on May 9, marking Russia's first return since its exclusion in 2022. The cancellation of Russia's participation in the previous event followed significant public outcry as many artists and countries withdrew in protest of the invasion of Ukraine. This year, the Ukrainian government is adamant that allowing Russia back into the cultural sphere could undermine the seriousness of the war and diminish the perceived consequences of its actions against Ukraine.

Further emphasizing the consequences of the war, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry referenced the devastating impact of the conflict on cultural heritage, noting that since the onset of hostilities in 2014 and the escalation in 2022, hundreds of Ukrainian and international artists have lost their lives due to Russian aggression. The statement serves not only as a condemnation of Russia’s participation in the Biennale but also as a broader protest against the normalization of Russian culture in the face of its military actions in Ukraine.