The Embassy of Ukraine in the Swiss Confederation expresses deep concern regarding the decision of the organizers of the 1.-Mai-Fest to proceed with the planned screening of the film “Russians at War” as part of the May 1 events in Zurich.

Such initiatives risk promoting narratives that objectively serve the interests of the aggressor state.
According to assessments by the competent authorities of Ukraine, as well as our international partners, the film “Russians at War” constitutes an element of Russian propaganda aimed at justifying the military and political leadership of the Russian Federation and influencing international public opinion. Such materials contribute to the distortion of the reality of the war, blur the clear distinction between the aggressor and the victim, and shift responsibility for the crimes committed.

The Security Service of Ukraine has initiated criminal proceedings against the film’s director, Anastasiia Trofimova, under Part 3 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which establishes liability for the justification and recognition as lawful of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

Furthermore, the director has been included by the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine in the list of persons who pose a threat to Ukraine’s national security. Violations of Ukrainian law have also been documented in connection with her illegal entry into temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

In this context, even accompanying explanations or discussions do not mitigate the risks of legitimizing propaganda materials and their influence on public opinion.

Ukraine consistently advocates for a responsible approach to cultural and public events amid the ongoing full-scale war. We believe that freedom of expression must not be used as a tool to spread disinformation or justify aggression.

The Embassy of Ukraine in Switzerland calls on the organizers and all involved parties to carefully reconsider the implications of holding such a screening and to act in accordance with the principles of respect for the victims of war, international law, and human dignity.