More than 90 public figures have supported an open letter by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Switzerland, Iryna Venediktova, calling for the cancellation of performances by Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko at the Zurich Opera.

The letter emphasizes the importance of recognizing the dangerous role that culture can play in the context of the hybrid war Russia is waging against the democratic world, and the need for a responsible attitude toward public expressions of support for the aggressor.

Among those who joined the appeal to responsible authorities and the Swiss audience to cancel concerts that could serve as tools for “whitewashing” the actions of the aggressor are Ukrainian and Swiss cultural and political figures, Olympic champions, Nobel laureates, public activists, scholars, historians, and journalists.

The Embassy of Ukraine expresses its gratitude to Swiss society for supporting this letter, for its ongoing support of Ukraine, and for its attention to issues concerning peace, human dignity, and shared European values.

We publish the full text of the letter and hope for a conscious and responsible stance from all relevant parties.