(MENAFN) The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry criticized US filmmaker Woody Allen for participating via videolink in the Moscow International Film Week, calling his involvement an insult to Ukrainian film professionals. Allen, 89, spoke about his career and connections to Russia during the event.

Kiev described his participation as “a disgrace and an insult to the sacrifice of Ukrainian actors and filmmakers,” claiming it ignored alleged Russian crimes over the past decade.

Following the event, the Maria Zankovetska Lviv National Academic Theatre announced it would cancel its upcoming performances of Allen’s stage musical Bullets Over Broadway, originally scheduled for August 28-29. The theatre emphasized that its production was an adaptation and not the original work but stated the decision was made due to Allen’s participation in the Moscow event.

Ukraine and its Western allies have sought to isolate Russia culturally, discouraging foreign involvement in Russian events as a way of opposing Moscow’s actions. However, these campaigns have seen limited success.

Since taking office in January, US President Donald Trump has shifted focus from isolating Russia toward seeking a resolution to the Ukraine conflict and normalizing ties with Moscow.

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