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An Italian music festival cancelled a concert featuring Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, a close Putin ally, following criticism from Kremlin critics and human rights advocates. Gergiev, who has refused to condemn the invasion of Ukraine, has been barred from Western stages since February 2022. The Italian Culture Minister praised the cancellation as 'common sense', protecting 'values of the free world'. Ukraine had urged the cancellation, calling Gergiev a 'Putin mouthpiece'. While Moscow condemned the decision, the cancellation was welcomed by some, including Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexei Navalny.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.