Overview
- European Commission officials condemned the decision to let Russia reopen its national pavilion and warned they may suspend or terminate the Biennale’s current EU grant.
- The Italian government signaled it does not support Russia’s participation, noting the Biennale Foundation acted independently of the state.
- Ukraine said it is coordinating with Italian and European partners on technical, legal and diplomatic steps to try to block Russia’s entry.
- Russia’s cultural envoy Mikhail Shvydkoi confirmed a pavilion project titled “Tree rooted in the sky” for the 2026 edition.
- The exhibition is scheduled to run from May 9 to November 22, 2026, leaving a short window for any legal or funding actions before opening.