Twenty-two European countries have united in a letter to the Venice Biennale, urging its leadership to withdraw Russia's participation in the 61st International Art Exhibition. This coalition includes significant nations like Ukraine, and they emphasize the Biennale's historical role as a prominent platform for artistic freedom anchored in European values of expression, human dignity, and cultural exchange. The letter, addressed to the Biennale's president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco and the board, highlights the inseparable link between culture and the pressing political and moral issues of the current climate.

The signatory ministers specifically reference the 2022 decision by Russian artist Kirill Savchenkov, alongside artist Alexandra Sukhareva and curator Raimundas Malaauskas, to withdraw from the Russian Pavilion, stating, "there is no place for art when civilians are dying under missile fire." This poignant remark reinforces the ministers’ demand for a reconsideration of the Biennale's values and responsibilities in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions. The letter conveys a strong message regarding the ethical implications of allowing the representation of a nation involved in conflict at a prestigious international art event.

This public appeal not only underscores the significant impact of cultural institutions on global politics but also reflects the broader sentiment among European countries regarding Russia's actions. It calls into question the role of art as a medium for dialogue and the extent to which it can coexist with nations' controversial political actions, making it a pivotal moment for the Venice Biennale and its approaches to international participation in the arts.