On May 9, Russia will commemorate its victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with a grand military parade in Moscow attended by President Vladimir Putin. Coinciding with this day, Russia is also poised to celebrate a significant symbolic win with the reopening of its pavilion at the Venice Biennale, one of the world's most renowned art exhibitions. Since the onset of its brutal invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian artists have been barred from showcasing their works at the Biennale, making this return especially noteworthy. The reinstatement of Russia at the Venice Biennale can be attributed to Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, a far-right former politician who was appointed director in 2023. His invitation to Russia to participate has sparked considerable controversy and debate within the art community, as many view this as an endorsement of Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Critics argue that allowing Russian representation is tantamount to ignoring the atrocities committed and further diminishes the integrity of the Biennale as a platform for artistic expression against oppression. As the Venice Biennale is renowned for its representation of diverse global voices, this decision raises crucial questions about the responsibilities of art institutions in times of geopolitical tensions. The return of Russia to such a prestigious venue may influence artistic discourse and could potentially shift the dynamics of international art politics, rendering the Biennale a stage not only for artistic engagement but also for dialogues surrounding ethics and power in the art world.