Cyprus News Agency

Tsahkna drew attention to Russia’s actions on the international stage, saying: “What is the real face of Russia hidden behind the Venice Biennale? Russia violates ceasefires, bombs Ukrainian kindergartens, abducts children, and sends its youth to death. It is a state responsible for the deaths of at least 300 Ukrainian artists. This is not ‘heritage and culture’; this is violence, destruction, and propaganda.”

Tsahkna stressed that artistic freedom should not cover up such actions, stating: “Artistic freedom cannot justify support for those who destroy culture and lives; this damages the integrity of the Biennale.”