In the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, First Lady Olena Zelenska met with the General Director of the Metropolitan Opera, Peter Gelb, and conductor of the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, Keri-Lynn Wilson. This significant event took place in the presence of the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Serhiy Kyslytsia.

“I want to thank Ms. Wilson for the incredible ‘Concert of Hope’ that took place in Kyiv on Friday. This event was dedicated to the return of Ukrainian children from Russian captivity – a matter of great importance for our country,” said the President's wife.

Olena Zelenska emphasized the significant support from the Metropolitan Opera for Ukraine since the onset of the large-scale Russian invasion, as well as the increasing number of joint projects. She noted the implementation of internships for Ukrainian artists and the creation of contemporary Ukrainian opera.

The First Lady also expressed gratitude for the Metropolitan Opera's principled stance on refusing to collaborate with Russian performers who support the Putin regime.

“The Ukrainian position is clear: restrictions should apply to all Russian works in general – culture must not be a platform for murderers and invaders. Instead, the culture that defends itself and the right of people to be free and alive in their own land – Ukrainian culture – should be heard as widely as possible,” added Olena Zelenska.

Additionally, the President's wife proposed the Metropolitan Opera become an ambassador for Ukrainian music – both contemporary and classical.