Ukrainian embassy comments on concerts of Russian artists in Uzbekistan

The Ukrainian embassy in Tashkent believes that the performances of pro-war Russian artists threaten the image of Uzbekistan and the money earned by Russian singers can be used to finance the genocide of the Ukrainian people. The embassy reacted to the words of the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan Bakhodir Akhmedov in an interview with Kun.uz that concerts of Russian singers in Uzbekistan will not be banned.

“In this regard, the embassy draws attention to the fact that the performances of pro-war Russian artists in Uzbekistan can create a false impression of their support for criminal activities aimed at inciting war, which threatens the reputation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In addition, funds received by Russian actors can be used by them to finance war, terrorism and genocide of the Ukrainian people,” the Ukrainian Embassy in Uzbekistan said in a statement.

Also, the embassy noted that a relevant appeal was sent to the competent authorities of Uzbekistan on this issue, and expressed its gratitude to the Uzbek public, which opposes the concerts of Z-artists.

Grigory Leps planned to give a concert in Uzbekistan on October 23 this year. Despite the opposition of many Uzbek activists to this event, the event has not been canceled yet.

On July 3, the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan, Bakhodir Akhmedov, answered the question of Kun.uz reporter about the cancellation of the concert program and said that “there is no obstacle to art in Uzbekistan”.