Russia Returns to Venice Biennale

Russia's participation in the 2026 Venice Biennale marks its first official return since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. That year, the selected artists and curator for the Russian pavilion withdrew in protest of the war, leading to the pavilion's closure. In 2024, the physical pavilion was leased to Bolivia, which presented its own exhibition. The decision to welcome Russia back has been met with significant backlash. The Italian government, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has stated its opposition to Moscow's inclusion. Lithuania's foreign minister labeled the move "abject," and a group of European lawmakers co-signed a letter condemning the decision as "unacceptable." The Venice Biennale organization maintains that it does not have control over the national pavilions and has not banned Russia's participation. Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, appointed by the Meloni government, has defended the inclusion of artists from all conflict zones to foster dialogue. The Russian presentation is titled "Tree rooted in the sky" and is described as a series of sound performances involving over 38 young musicians, poets, and philosophers from various countries. The project is framed by Russian officials as a sign that attempts to "cancel" Russian culture have failed. The commissioner of the Russian pavilion is Anastasia Karneeva, who was appointed in 2021 for an eight-year term. Karneeva is the daughter of a retired FSB general and deputy director of a major Russian defense corporation. The feminist anti-Putin group Pussy Riot has announced plans to protest Russia's return at the Biennale.