Latvia has threatened to boycott the Venice Biennale over Russia's participation, according to Politico
Latvia has stated that it may boycott the opening of the 2026 Venice Biennale if the organizers do not reconsider their decision regarding Russia’s participation in the exhibition.
This was reported by Politico.
Latvian Culture Minister Agnese Lāce emphasized that she will not attend the opening ceremony on May 9, 2026, if Russian representatives are allowed to participate in the event.
The Latvian Ministry of Culture stressed that Russia’s participation in a major European cultural event, which is partially funded by the EU budget, effectively legitimizes the aggressor state that continues the war against Ukraine. Officials in Riga also noted that individuals who may represent Russia are linked to state structures and promote Moscow’s official position on the war.
In total, more than 20 European countries have already called for Russia to be barred from participating in the Biennale.
At the same time, the Venice Biennale administration insists that the event must remain a “platform for dialogue” where art is separate from political decisions.
Russia’s participation in 2026 could be its first since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kallas stated after a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council that the European Union could halt grant funding for the Biennale if the decision on Russia’s participation is finally confirmed.
“As long as Russia is attacking Ukrainian museums, destroying churches, and attempting to eradicate Ukrainian culture, it must not be allowed to showcase its own culture at exhibitions. Russia’s return to the Venice Biennale is morally wrong,” she emphasized.
As a reminder, the foreign ministers of the European Union countries have declared their support for the creation of a special tribunal to investigate Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine.
Austria has officially confirmed its intention to join the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Special Tribunal regarding Russia’s crime of aggression against Ukraine.
France has officially confirmed its intention to join the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Establishment of a Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
