Ildar Abdrazakov’s International Festival has received funding from the Russian Ministry of Culture.

The funding decision was announced on March 20, 2023, through the Ministry of Culture’s official website.

This year the festival received a total of $200,000 dollars and will celebrate its sixth year.

The funding comes as Abdrazakov has faced backlash for his alleged support for Putin during the War in Ukraine. According to recent reports, Abdrazakov has participated in a number of propaganda concerts for Putin and was seen dancing with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during a New Year’s Eve celebration.

Abdrazakov recently paused his relationship with the Metropolitan Opera due to the company’s treatment of Anna Netrenko and Hibla Gerzmava.

The bass next performs at the Monte Carlo Opera and  at the Bayerische Staatsoper.