Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has drawn a parallel between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Adolf Hitler, emphasizing the dangers of propaganda through cultural events. In an interview with journalist Kailyne Robertson, Zelensky stated, “We know how it ended for Hitler. We understand how it will end for Putin.”
Zelensky criticized the use of sports, music, cinema, and art festivals, such as the Venice Biennale, as tools for propaganda, arguing that they do not yield positive outcomes. He expressed concern over the pervasive nature of Russian propaganda, which he claims infiltrates various cultural platforms, including children’s content. “At different cultural events—even during children’s animation festivals—Russians fill their films with propaganda to indoctrinate their society from an early age,” he noted.
Despite this, Zelensky remains convinced that such tactics will ultimately fail, asserting, “I am sure that a tragic end awaits their nation.”
The Venice Biennale, one of the oldest and most prestigious international contemporary art exhibitions, has come under scrutiny following the announcement on March 4 that Russia would be allowed to participate in this year’s event, scheduled to run from May 9 to November 22. This decision has sparked outrage from the European Commission, which has threatened to withdraw funding for the exhibition.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has also condemned Russia’s participation, labeling it a potentially dangerous signal that could be interpreted as support for aggression. The Biennale is often likened to the Olympics of the art world, showcasing national achievements in individual pavilions and featuring a wide array of cultural events, including architecture, music, theater, and film.
Historically, Hitler utilized cultural and sporting events for propaganda purposes, notably during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, which served to legitimize the Nazi regime on the global stage. The event was meticulously staged to impress international guests, with anti-Semitic slogans temporarily removed from public view and open persecution of Jews halted. A grand stadium capable of seating 100,000 was constructed for the games, which were broadcast on television for the first time, highlighting the grandeur of the Third Reich.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has likened Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler, warning against the use of cultural events for propaganda. His comments come amid controversy regarding Russia's participation in the Venice Biennale, which has drawn criticism from the European Commission and the Ukrainian government.