Ukraine Sanctions Russian Cultural Figures

In a significant move on April 10, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy implemented sanctions against five Russian cultural figures accused of promoting Russian aggression and propaganda. This decision, endorsed by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, targets individuals involved in Russia’s representation at the 61st Venice Biennale.

Among those sanctioned is Anastasia Karneeva, daughter of a previously sanctioned Deputy CEO of Rostec and the appointed commissioner of the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Also named is Mikhail Shvydkoy, the special representative of the Russian head of state for international cultural cooperation, who has described Russia’s military actions against Ukraine as an “important historical moment” and defended Russia’s participation in the Biennale as evidence of Russian cultural integration.

The sanctions extend to other prominent cultural representatives set to participate at the Venice Biennale this year. These include violinist Valeria Oleinik, who has shown support for Russian military actions in Crimea since 2014, singer Ilya Tatakov, involved in creating a propaganda film in Donetsk, and vocalist Artem Nikolaev, who participated in propaganda events in Crimea last year.

Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Advisor – Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Sanctions Policy, stated, “Russia’s participation in the Venice Biennale is not about culture – it is about using international platforms to legitimize aggression and spread propaganda.” He emphasized the dichotomy facing Russian cultural figures: oppose the regime and engage with the global cultural community, or support propaganda and face international sanctions. Ukraine plans to coordinate with international partners to ensure these sanctions are enforced globally.