The commissioners warned that if Russia is allowed to participate, they will “explore further measures, including the suspension or termination of ongoing EU grants to the Biennale Foundation,” which organizes the event.
Italy’s Ministry of Culture said it opposed the decision of the festival, which was celebrated by Mikhail Shvydkoy, the Kremlin’s special representative for international cultural cooperation, as “proof that Russian culture is not marginalized.”
Moscow has they wanted to use art, culture and sports as soft power tools to end its diplomatic isolation on the world stage. Ukraine has called on European and other countries to maintain the boycott of Russian people and cultural institutions.
Martina Sapio contributed to this report.
