Following the attack against Ukraine by the Russian government on Feb. 23, 2022, several Russian and Ukrainian artists are voicing their support for Ukraine and asking for peace.

Russian soprano Olga Peretyatko took to social media and posted a picture against war and said, “God, how can I stop this?”

Russian Tenor Maxim Mironov also took to his social media and posted a picture stating “Stop War.”

Ukrainian soprano Maria Guleghina took social media and stated “No War.”

Meanwhile, conductor Vladimir Jurowski, music director of Bavarian State Opera and chief conductor of the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin said, ‘“I did not believe that the start of military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine was possible. I am deeply indignant about this action but also extremely sad because I am connected to both countries through my family history. I hope that peace will be restored as soon as possible. With the program change for our weekend concerts, we want to send a signal of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.”

The conductor will perform the Ukrainian National anthem instead of Tchaikovsky’s Marche Slave.

Ukrainian conductor Oksana Lyniv issued a statement noting, To all friends, supporters, international artists, festivals, organisations –How can you support us now? Please, share your statements and your thoughts publicly!!! Also share your experiences related to Ukraine and cooperation with Ukrainian artists, share your experiences about international projects, involving Ukrainians, share memories about the moments we have shared together on one stage or in the same projects. We need your active support right now!”

The conductor also shared an image with her parents who are stuck in Ukraine.

Russian conductor Semyon Bychov also condemned the attack noting “Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the lies that are being spread about it must be stopped before the rest of the world finds itself in the middle of another war. We must not remain silent and watch as history repeats itself as in 1956, 1968, and beyond. The bearers of death and destruction must be held accountable and rejected.”

Russian conductor Kirill Petrenko, chief conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker released a statement, “Putin’s insidious attack on Ukraine, which violates international law, is a knife in the back of the entire peaceful world. It is also an attack on the arts, which, as we know, unite across all borders. I am in complete solidarity with all my Ukrainian colleagues and can only hope that all artists will stand together for freedom, sovereignty and against aggression.”

Other international artists who have shown solidarity with Ukraine included George Gagnidze, Marina Rebeka, Piotr Beczala, Nino Machaidze, Sonya Yoncheva, Elsa van den Heever, Asmik Girgorian, Arturo Chacon-Cruz, Anita Rachvelishvili, Michael Fabiano, Ermonela Jaho, Eleonora Buratto, Brian Jagde, Nadine Sierra, Anita Hartig, Lise Davidsen and Isabel Leonard among many others.

Russia’s Department of Culture has issue a decree stating that “speaking out against the invasion will be considered an act of treason.”