Ukraine Embassy in Belgium Calls to Cancel Russian Film Screening

The Ukrainian Embassy in Belgium condemned the planned screening of the documentary, asserting it promotes disinformation related to Russian military actions in Ukraine. The event, organized by Kairos Presse and set for March 19, aims to propagate narratives that distort the reality of the ongoing conflict.

The embassy expressed concern that this film serves as a tool of information warfare, downplaying Russian war crimes and justifying illegal occupations. The statement issued on X underscores the need for vigilance against attempts to disseminate misleading narratives.

The organizers of the screening have previously faced scrutiny for similar events, including a canceled screening in January 2026. Local authorities intervened in that instance when the propagandistic elements of the content were raised by the Ukrainian diplomatic mission.

Notably, recent cancellations in Portugal further illustrate a growing acknowledgment of the harmful nature of such propaganda in Europe. The documentary in question reportedly draws from visits to the Russian Federation and Ukrainian territories under occupation.

The embassy highlighted the risks associated with providing a platform for content that relativizes Russian aggression, fostering a public environment incompatible with democratic values. According to representatives, the nature of the planned screening violates both Ukrainian laws and international norms.

The embassy's statement calls for decisive action from relevant Belgian institutions to prevent the legitimization of misleading narratives about the war. There's an emphasis on the detrimental impact that such screenings could have on public opinion, especially regarding the humanitarian impacts of the conflict in Ukraine.

The ambassadors have made it clear that it is crucial to confront these propagandistic endeavors in order to uphold the integrity of democratic discourse in Europe. Ambassador Yaroslav Melnyk reinforced the urgency of the embassy's appeal, pointing to a concerning trend of Russian cultural events proliferating across Europe.

The embassy remains steadfast in its commitment to countering disinformation and urges Belgium to act promptly to safeguard against any further attempts to misrepresent the circumstances of the war in Ukraine.