Overview

• Ukraine’s foreign ministry issued an official statement denouncing Allen’s participation as an insult to Ukrainian filmmakers harmed by Russia’s war and as cultural propaganda.
• Allen appeared via an online session hosted by Russian director Fyodor Bondarchuk alongside industry figures who have publicly supported the invasion of Ukraine.
• During the discussion, Allen spoke about AI, described a past visit to the USSR as a grim experience, and praised Russian cinema, according to reports.
• Russian media reported that Allen mused about possibly making a film in Russia and noted he had received no offers, while he now says he has no plans to do so.
• There have been no reports of formal sanctions or industry repercussions, with the dispute focused on the political and reputational stakes of cultural engagement during the war.