On January 26, the Ukrainian community in Milan held a protest against the concert of Russian pianist Nikolai Lugansky, famous for his support of the Putin regime and the war against Ukraine, reported Oles Horodetsky, head of the Christian Society of Ukrainians in Italy.

Lugansky's performance was scheduled to take place at one of the world's leading opera houses – La Scala. The protest was organized by the Ukrainian community in Italy in collaboration with the organization "Ponte Atlantico".

"This was the most powerful action we have ever organized in front of La Scala. Witnessing the bewildered faces of the Russians was priceless," the organizers stated.

The protesters emphasized that they were not against music or art in general, but against the Russian propaganda supported by Lugansky.

"Lugansky participates in concerts for Russian troops and performances supporting aggression against Ukraine," the organizers noted.

During the protest, activists displayed a banner with the names and faces of Ukrainian musicians and dancers who have died at the hands of the Russians during the war against Ukraine.

The fight for Ukraine's freedom is part of the struggle for freedom for the entire world, the activists declared, calling for international support for Ukraine and its heroes.

Lugansky is a Russian pianist, soloist of the Moscow Philharmonic, and People's Artist of Russia. Among other things, he tours in territories occupied by Russia in Ukraine, including performing at the Donetsk Philharmonic since 2016.

It is worth mentioning that in January, Ukrainians in Italy protested against the tours of Russian artists in Rome.