Oscar-winning director Woody Allen has defended his appearance at a Moscow film festival following strong criticism from the Ukrainian government.
“When it comes to the conflict in Ukraine, I believe strongly that Vladimir Putin is totally in the wrong. The war he has caused is appalling,” said Allen in a statement sent to CNN by his assistant on Monday.
“But, whatever politicians have done, I don’t feel cutting off artistic conversations is ever a good way to help.”
Allen’s statement came after the Ukrainian government slammed his decision to appear as a headline guest at the event at the weekend.
“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,” said Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement earlier Monday.
