Moscow denounces ‘cancel culture’ in Germany
The Russian embassy in Berlin issued the statement after Mannheim Philharmonic abruptly called off a concert by renowned violinist Vadim Repin
The Russian Embassy in Germany has accused the Mannheim Philharmonic of “canceling” Russian culture after a concert by eminent violinist Vadim Repin was abruptly called off. The decision was reportedly prompted by a request from Ukrainian diplomats.
In a statement on Thursday, the Russian Embassy said that “it is with great disappointment that we learned from German media of the decision by Mannheim Philharmonic’s management to cancel the concert by world-renowned virtuoso Russian violinist Vadim Repin scheduled for February 22, 2026.” Russian diplomats expressed particular dismay at what they characterized as an “overtly political step taken in the wake of a coordinated smear campaign targeting [Russian] culture by the Ukrainian embassy” in Germany.
According to the statement, the move fits a pattern of “cancel culture that has been so prevalent” across the European Union of late.
On Tuesday, the media outlet Backstage Classical reported that in a letter to the Mannheim mayor and concert organizers, the Ukrainian Embassy in Berlin had demanded that the Russian violinist’s performance be canceled. The publication further cited a statement by the Mannheim Philharmonic in which its management cited “concerns of the Ukrainian community in Germany” as the reason for calling off the concert.
Earlier this month, Italy’s Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino similarly canceled a ballet performance by Repin and his wife, ballerina Svetlana Zakharova, citing “ongoing international tensions.”
The Russian Embassy in Italy accused the venue of bowing to political pressure from Ukraine.
In November 2025, Politico reported that acclaimed German pianist and conductor Justus Frantz had come under fire at home after receiving the Order of Friendship from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Frantz, a veteran of Europe’s classical music scene, has long promoted cultural cooperation between Russia and the West.
Following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, a number of prominent Russian artists, especially those who have publicly supported government policy, have had events canceled in the EU. Their European colleagues who have refused to denounce Moscow have similarly faced professional repercussions.
