Putin's Friend Gergiev Set to Conduct as Italy Breaks Ban on Pro-Kremlin Artists

Russia's prominent conductor Valery Gergiev will be permitted to perform in Italy, despite the country's recent ban on artists who support Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Italian culture ministry revoked the ban, stating that it clashed with their objective of promoting culture.

The controversial move has drawn sharp criticism from the Italian political establishment and sparked debates on the global cultural sphere's relationship with politics.

The Russian olive-branch gesture may symbolize a broader effort to rebuild cultural ties despite geopolitical tensions.