Overview

• Allen appeared by video at Moscow International Film Week in a session moderated by pro‑Kremlin filmmaker Fyodor Bondarchuk, with footage carried by Russian state TV.
• Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry called his participation a disgrace and an insult and warned that culture should not be used to whitewash crimes or act as propaganda.
• Allen said he condemns Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine but argued that cutting off artistic conversations is not helpful.
• The festival is supported by Moscow city hall and state‑linked media and promoted Allen as a headliner alongside Emir Kusturica and Mark Dacascos.
• Russian reports said Allen praised Russian cinema and spoke warmly of Moscow and St. Petersburg, while coverage noted the appearance runs counter to Hollywood’s broad support for Ukraine.