Belgium has cancelled the screening of the documentary film Carnets de Russie (Notes from Russia) in Brussels, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.
The cancellation came after the Ukrainian side raised concerns and competent municipal authorities reviewed the issues. The Ministry thanked Belgian partners "for their responsibility, constructive cooperation and solidarity with Ukraine."
"While Russian military aggression against Ukraine continues, protecting the public information space from disinformation is extremely important," the ministry stated.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Belgium reported that the screening of French documentarian and videographer Vincent Moon's film was scheduled for 31 January. The event was part of a broader program organized by Kairos Presse, including a conference titled Les nouvelles formes du pouvoir (New Forms of Power) and related events aimed at "broad public information."
The embassy emphasized that Carnets de Russie is a propaganda film serving Russia's informational interests in the context of its military aggression against Ukraine. The film was shot during trips to Russia and temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories.
"The film deliberately distorts factual reality, justifies the act of aggression, conceals responsibility for documented war crimes and systematically blurs the line between victim and aggressor," the embassy stated.
The cancellation follows similar decisions across Europe. In late July 2025, the administration of the Royal Palace in Caserta cancelled a symphonic concert conducted by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev. In November, the Netherlands cancelled a concert by Soviet and Austrian pianist Elisaveta Leonskaja, who had performed in Russia with pro-Putin musicians. On January 10, 2026, Italy cancelled a performance by Russian ballerina Svetlana Zakharova. Ukraine expressed gratitude for each decision.
