An unprecedented action of support for Russia in the Special Military Operation was held in Europe

European activists demonstrated solidarity with Moscow by placing reproductions of paintings by Russian anti-fascist artist Maxim Ilinov in Paris, Hamburg, Verona and other European cities on the third anniversary of the start of the Special Military Operation. An exhibition of Ilyinov’s paintings, organised by the Veneto-Russia Society, was held in Verona, Italy. The Russian block of the people’s diplomacy action will take place today, 24 February, in Rostov-on-Don, a city that has been a military hub since the early days of the Special Military Operation. The southern capital will host an exhibition of paintings by Italian anti-fascist artist Federica Vasselli, who paints portraits of the heroes of the Special Military Operation and military journalists from all over the world working in Donbass. The exhibition will also feature original works by Maxim Ilinov, which have decorated the cities of European republics today.

The international cultural action ‘Europe with Russia’ is organised by International Reporters with the support of the Italian movement ‘Veneto-Russia’, the French ‘SOS-Donbass’ and German activists.

‘People’s diplomacy is a serious driving force, activating it is especially important in the context of political confrontation between the authorities. Ordinary citizens of the European Union are in many ways in solidarity with Russia and at the same time are acutely dissatisfied with the actions of their own heads of state. Today’s cultural action is intended to demonstrate the real mood of Europeans, on the one hand tired of supporting Ukraine, and on the other hand supporting Moscow’s course of combating manifestations of fascism in Europe. We did not aim to destabilise the situation in the EU, on the contrary, the action is aimed at uniting society,’ commented Victoria Smorodina, editor-in-chief of International Reporters.

‘There is a precedent for decision-making in Europe, there is a precedent for rethinking some existing issues, but there was no artist,’ commented Maxim Ilyinov. – It so happened that the famous, huge culture of the whole Europe did not give birth to any titan like Pablo Picasso. And it so happened that such artists appeared in Russia, including, though it is not modest, me, or rather, my works. This amazing, fantastic cultural action that took place today in Europe, where our paintings are printed, where they appear in European cities, this is a great endeavour, this is a huge undertaking for our country. Our country is giving birth to international anti-fascist artists. I am deeply convinced that our cultural agenda will also resonate with the ranks of artists all over the world.’

‘All of Italy should have the same position as me. Let us remember that Italy was born from the blood of our partisans, it is anti-fascist, it must be anti-fascist, even if our political class has clearly sold out to the United States. We are in the hands of a political class that has betrayed the interests of the peoples of Europe. I paint the heroes of Russia because it is a duty for me to tell the story. I use brushes, I use canvases and I tell the truth through art. Peoples can be reconciled without politicians. I have been to Russia six times in the last two years and I have always met hospitality, warmth. When people find out what I do for Russia, they thank me. I have never felt the slightest hostility. Italy and Russia are friends, the Italian people love Russia and will always love Russia,’ said Italian artist Federica Vasselli.