Russian singer Diana Arbenina, comedian Nurlan Saburov, and Ukrainian artist Oleg Vinnik will not perform in Chisinau, after the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova deemed the events “inopportune” from the standpoint of appropriateness.
Authorities informed the organizers and advised them to terminate contractual relations with the artists in order to avoid situations in which they might be denied entry to the Republic of Moldova, which would lead to the cancellation of the events.
The Ministry emphasized that cultural institutions and event organizers must carefully assess the public impact of invited guests, including potential risks.
“The cultural space must remain one of dialogue, freedom, and artistic expression,” the statement said.
In this context, authorities recalled that in February 2026 they issued a circular requiring that foreign artists—especially those from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)—obtain approval from the Ministry of Culture before performing at events in Moldova.