A branch of Ukraine’s government have publicly condemned Woody Allen’s involvement in the Moscow Film Festival, calling it a “disgrace” given Russia’s ongoing invasion of their country.
The director, known for award-winning comedies such as Annie Hall and Manhattan, appeared via video link at the festival on Sunday (August 24), and discussed both Russia and its cinema. “I have been to Moscow and St Petersburg. I’ve always liked Russian cinema” he said (via The Independent), before going on to praise the seven-hour 1965 epic War And Peace, which was made in the then-Soviet Union.
Ukraine’s ministry of foreign affairs criticised the appearance on social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Woody Allen’s participation in the Moscow international film week is a disgrace and an insult to the sacrifice of Ukrainian actors and film-makers who have been killed or injured by Russian war criminals in their ongoing war against Ukraine”.
Woody Allen’s participation in the Moscow International Film Week is a disgrace and an insult to the sacrifice of Ukrainian actors and filmmakers who have been killed or injured by Russian war criminals in their ongoing war against Ukraine.
By taking part in a festival that… pic.twitter.com/qQyQrqMh2z
— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) August 25, 2025
It continued: “By taking part in a festival that brings together Putin’s supporters and voices, Allen chooses to turn a blind eye to the atrocities Russia commits in Ukraine every single day for 11 years now. Culture must never be used to whitewash crimes or serve as a propaganda tool. We strongly condemn Woody Allen’s decision to bless Moscow’s bloody festival with his address”.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the country has been excluded from various cultural events such as the Eurovision Song Contest and Cannes Film Festival.
On Monday (August 25), Allen gave a statement to The Guardian confirming his political position. “When it comes to the conflict in Ukraine, I believe strongly that Vladimir Putin is totally in the wrong,” he said. “The war he has caused is appalling. But, whatever politicians have done, I don’t feel cutting off artistic conversations is ever a good way to help”.
In 2023, The premiere of Woody Allen’s film Coup de Chance in Venice was interrupted by protestors, objecting to his appearance on ground of historical sexual abuse allegations against the filmmaker. Recently, Ewan McGregor recalled working with Allen on the 2007 film Cassandra’s Dream, as well as the particularly harsh direction the director gave him.
