Ukraine has imposed sanctions against Russian cultural figures involved in the Venice Biennale

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 305/2026, which puts into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of April 9, 2026 on the application of personal special economic sanctions. The restrictions affected five representatives of the Russian cultural environment, who, according to the Ukrainian side, are involved in promoting the propaganda narratives of the Russian Federation in the international arena.

These are individuals associated with Russia’s participation in the Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious world cultural forums.

The sanctions list includes:

Anastasia Karneyeva, commissioner of the Russian pavilion at the Biennale, daughter of a top manager of the Rostec state corporation;

Mikhail Shvydkoy, special representative of the Russian President for international cultural cooperation;
Valeria Oleinik, violinist;
Ilya Tatakov, singer;
Artem Nikolaev, vocalist.

According to the Ukrainian authorities, these individuals contribute to the use of cultural platforms as a tool for legitimizing Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Presidential Advisor on Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasyuk emphasized that Russia’s participation in international cultural events today is political and propaganda in nature. According to him, the world cultural community must clearly decide: either distance itself from the Russian regime or actually contribute to its information policy.

Ukraine also plans to transfer relevant materials to partners for the synchronization of sanctions in international jurisdictions, which may increase pressure on individuals involved in the spread of Russian propaganda abroad.

The introduction of such restrictions is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to counter hybrid threats, including through cultural diplomacy.