The organizers noted that they invited the ballerina “based on the deeply rooted idea that art is a means of unity,” despite nationality.
They emphasized that Zakharova is not subject to sanctions from the European Union, so the invitation was made “in full compliance with current legislation.”
But after they received “heartfelt messages that recalled the symbolic responsibility of cultural institutions in the current climate”, there were fears of being “misunderstood”. The organizers were also afraid that they could be “used for selfish purposes to normalize what is happening,” so they decided to withdraw their invitation to Zakharova.
The statement does not mention the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the aggressor country of the Russian Federation.
Context
Zakharova graduated from the Kiev Choreographic School, after which she built a career in the capital of the aggressor country, Moscow. She was also a member of the Russian State Duma from the illegitimate Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party.
La Stampa recalls that Zakharova signed a letter in 2014 in support of the annexation of Crimea, and is also a member of the advisory body that Putin uses on cultural issues.
Zakharova received several awards from the Russian President.
