The Embassy of Ukraine expresses its deep disappointment with the decision of the authorities of the Center for Social Innovation Center for Social Innovation - CSI regarding the inclusion of a performance of a Russian dance group into the program of the "CSI Christmas Village: Building a Better Community Together!" event, which took place on December 21, 2022 at the Eleftheria square in Nicosia.  

Today, when the entire civilized world has resolutely condemned the Russian armed aggression against Ukraine, stands side-by-side with our State and united its efforts to contradict the Russian aggression, such steps by the CSI Cyprus company, aimed to promote Russian culture, are absolutely unacceptable.  

We hope that the authorities and team of the CSI Cyprus company carefully observe the latest events are currently being held in our country and realize that within only 300 days of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia damaged or completely destroyed 1169 cultural objects located on the territory of our country. 

However, the worst pain is the loss of human victims in this war. From the first day of Russian brutal aggression against our country, a large number of famous Ukrainian cultural figures not only in our country, but also far beyond its borders and in Europe, such as choreographers, dancers, singers, ballet dancers, film and theatre artists, and athletes, stood up for the defence of their Motherland, exchanging their bright futures and successes in public performances on major European stages and platforms for the fight against the aggressor.  

Russia demonstrates its attitude toward culture every day, continuing to bomb Ukrainian cities, killing civilians, women and children, destroying the civilian infrastructure of Ukraine, including cultural and religious monuments, protected by UNESCO. 

Culture is an important factor in the formation of a complete and strong nation, and also plays an important role in promoting the fundamental traditions, language and heritage of a particular state.  

However, today, Russian «culture» carries nothing more but the pain and suffering of innocent Ukrainians who strive to live freely, continue to dream and make plans for their future, develop and walk alongside with the entire civilized democratic world.  

We sincerely believe and hope that the CSI Cyprus company supports the idea that the culture of any people should carry peace, tranquillity, development and well-being of all people, regardless of their nationality.  

Culture does not contain aggression!

Picture: The Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater. The  Theatre was largely destroyed by russian airstrikes on 16 March 2022, resulting in the deaths of around 600 people, including children.