VENICE, April 26, 2026
The Venice Biennale has firmly rejected allegations that it violated European Union sanctions to facilitate Russia’s participation in the 61st edition of the prestigious art exhibition, stating it acted in full compliance with international and national laws.
The biennial event, one of the art world’s most prominent showcases, faced scrutiny after reports suggested it had bypassed EU sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The Biennale’s organizers dismissed these claims as "distorted representations" based on internal documents, emphasizing their rigorous adherence to sanctions protocols.
Compliance and Rejection of Allegations
The Biennale’s leadership asserted that all measures taken regarding Russia’s involvement were pre-approved by relevant state authorities and aligned with EU regulations. "We ensured full compliance with regulations and acted strictly according to national and international law," the organization said in a statement. The Biennale also stressed that it "applied European sanctions against Russia rigorously," countering media reports that implied otherwise.
This marks the first time Russia will participate in the Venice Biennale since the start of its military aggression against Ukraine in 2022. That year, Russian artists withdrew from the exhibition in protest against the war. The return of a Russian delegation has drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine and EU officials, who argue that cultural platforms should not normalize relations with a nation under sanctions.