Flashmob protest in Italy achieves cancellation of pro-Putin opera conductor’s concert

CASERTA, Italy — European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno on July 27 joined Ukrainian community leaders for a flashmob in front of the Royal Palace of Caserta to celebrate the cancellation of a scheduled concert by Valery Gergiev, a prominent supporter of Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin.

Gergiev, criticized for his Kremlin ties, was scheduled to perform at the historic venue, but the concert was cancelled following public outcry and organized protests.

The flashmob, organized by the Christian Society of Ukrainians in Italy, drew support from Ukrainian groups across central and southern Italy, Italian citizens, and even exiled members of Russia’s opposition.

In a symbolic gesture of gratitude, Horodetskyi presented Picierno with a commemorative coin on behalf of the President of the Ukrainian World Congress, Paul Grod, honoring her continued support for Ukraine.

“This is a victory for democracy and freedom,” Picierno said. “Putin uses culture and its figures to spread propaganda and justify war crimes in Ukraine.”

Horodetskyi emphasized the need to prevent cultural legitimization of Russia’s actions.

“We must not allow Putin’s criminal regime to gain a platform on European stages,” he said, thanking Picierno, the Europa Radicals, Katya Margolis, and all those who helped stop what he called a “disguised act of cultural aggression.”