Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko, a month after the start of the war, nevertheless condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In a Facebook post in English, Netrebko wrote that she directly condemns the war, is not an ally of any Russian leader or political party, and her earlier speeches have been misinterpreted. She claims that she has seen Vladimir Putin only a few times.
“I categorically condemn the war in Ukraine, and my thoughts are with the victims of this war and their families. My position is clear. I am not a member of any political party and I am not an ally of any Russian leader. I acknowledge and regret that my past actions or statements may have been misinterpreted. In fact, I have only met President Putin a few times in my entire life, notably at the occasion of awards in recognition of my art and at the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Otherwise, I have never received any financial support from the Russian government, I live in Austria and am its tax resident. I love my homeland, Russia, and I seek peace and unity only through my art. After the announced break, I will resume performances at the end of May, initially in Europe, ”Netrebko wrote.