BERLIN – The Ukrainian community organization of Vitsche Berlin staged another protest outside the Berlin State Opera house on Dec. 10. The community spoke out against the participation of pro-Putin Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko at the theater’s events.
“We have gathered again to remind everyone that a state institution continues to give a stage to an artist whose ties to Putin’s political circle are well-documented,” the organization said.
Vitsche Berlin said that German state cultural institutions should not provide a platform to performers with such pro-Kremlin ties.
The community also addressed those who joined the protest.
“Our deepest thanks go to all of you. You are the voice of justice and change. Despite the rain and cold, you showed up. You proved that taking a stand doesn’t depend on the weather — you came to make your voice heard,” the organization said.
The organization added that it will continue to push the Berlin State Opera to reconsider its decision to feature Netrebko and will keep holding actions to draw attention to Russian influence in European cultural institutions.
“We will keep coming — as many times as necessary — until accountability is demanded and heard,” Vitsche Berlin said.
Netrebko, a Russian with Austrian citizenship, is known for supporting Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin’s regime. In 2014, she posed with a flag of the so-called “Novorossiya” and expressed support for Luhansk and Donetsk militants.
In 2023, Ukraine added the singer to its list of sanctions.
Protests against Netrebko’s performances have also taken place in Switzerland, Romania, and London. In August, fifty cultural and political figures from Ukraine and around the world urged the Royal Opera in London to cancel Netrebko’s invitation for its latest theatrical season.
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