Controversial Russian Soldier Documentary at TIFF Faces Intense Backlash
Ukrainian officials and Canadian leaders criticize 'Russians at War' for allegedly whitewashing Russian aggression in Ukraine.
- Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Ukrainian diplomats call for the film to be pulled from the festival.
- Freeland and Ukrainian officials argue that public funds should not support a film that appears to minimize Russian war crimes.
- TVO, a Canadian broadcaster, has withdrawn support for the documentary following community outrage.
- Director Anastasia Trofimova defends her work, stating it is an anti-war film made without Russian government approval.
- Protests have erupted in Toronto, with demonstrators demanding the festival cancel the film's screenings.