CultureWhen security guarantees fail: Ukraine's message at the Venice BiennaleMay 7, 2026The 61st Venice Biennale is now underway, with the world's premier international art event having been in the spotlight not for its showings, but for its controversy and internal strife.
On April 30, just days before the opening of the festival, the jury collectively resigned in protest over Russia and Israel's planned presence in the event, declaring that with a "responsibility toward the historical role of the Biennale," they could not judge art from countries whose leaders are charged with cNewsLettersEnter your emailand click "Subscribe" to startreceiving newsletters.DailyUkraine DailyWeeklyUkraine WeeklyWeeklyWar NotesWeeklyWTF is wrong with Russia?WeeklyUkraine Business RoundupWeeklyExplaining Ukraine with Kate TsurkanWeeklyBelarus WeeklyMonday to FridayOne story from Ukraine0 newsletters selectedNews FeedSaturday, May 1602:32 AMPutin's Transnistria passportization decree likely war recruitment tool, Moldova's president warns"Probably they need more people to send to the war in Ukraine," Moldovan President Maia Sandu said.02:14 PM'Justified response' – Zelensky releases footage of Ukrainian strikes on Russian aircraft, other targets deep behind enemy linesUkraine struck several Russian military targets this week, including a Be-200 amphibious aircraft, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 16.05:44 AMDrone strike reportedly hits major Russian fertilizer plant linked to explosives productionAndrii Kovalenko, an official at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, described the facility as "a critical component" of Russia's defense-industrial complex.12:02 PMKyiv repatriates 528 bodies that Russia claims are fallen Ukrainian soldiersThe Russian side has not commented on whether Ukraine transferred the bodies of Russian soldiers in return. 11:38 AMPutin to visit China days after Trump as Russia looks to deepen partnershipThe Russian and Chinese presidents will discuss bilateral relations and ways to deepen the countries' "partnership and strategic cooperation."10:49 AMAt least 3 killed, 63 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past dayRussia launched 294 drones overnight, Ukraine's Air Force said, adding that 269 of them were shot down.About CultureOur reporting on literature, films, art, and traditions from Ukraine and the latest news on culture in Eastern Europe.Ukrainian culture has survived centuries of Russian attempts to appropriate Ukrainian art, silence Ukrainian artists, and erase the Ukrainian language.
