Sibiga responded to the controversy surrounding the Venice Biennale
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga responded to the resignation of the jury for the 2026 Venice Biennale, calling it a consequence of Russia’s attempt to return to the international cultural arena.
He shared his position on social media platform X.
According to Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga, recent events surrounding one of the world’s most prestigious art events—the Venice Biennale—are a clear demonstration of the consequences of ambiguous actions by international cultural institutions.
“Recent events surrounding the 2026 Venice Biennale, such as the jury’s decision to resign, demonstrate the consequences of decisions made by leading international art platforms,” Andriy Sybiga wrote.
The minister also thanked everyone who, guided by moral responsibility and commitment to democratic values, refuses to accept this disgrace.
“Ukraine is grateful to all those who, guided by moral responsibility and commitment to democratic values, refuse to accept this disgrace,” the minister noted.
Sybiga also emphasized that attempts to separate art from the reality of war only undermine the authority of global platforms. Ukraine continues to insist on the complete cultural isolation of the Russian Federation until the cessation of armed aggression.
“We renew our call to the Venice Biennale to reverse its decision and keep Russia out. There is still time to return to the principled stance that the international art community has upheld since the start of Russia’s brutal full-scale war against Ukraine,” Andriy Sibiga wrote.
As a reminder, the jury of the Venice Biennale resigned due to the scandal surrounding the participation of Russia and Israel.
The European Commissioner refused to attend the Venice Biennale because of Russia.
The Venice Biennale changed its award format following the resignation of the international jury.
The scandal at the Venice Biennale split the jury over Russia and Israel.
