(credit:Vladimir Shirokov)

Olena Zelenska is speaking out about her disappointment with the Royal Opera House contracting Anna Netrebko.

On a podcast with The Times, the first lady of Ukraine said, “Allowing Putin ally Anna Netrebko to sing at The Royal Opera House was not a betrayal, but was deeply saddening.” 

She used the Metropolitan Opera as an example for firing Netrebko and noting that the company has lost money due to the decision. However, she praised the company for sticking to principles.

Zelenska did note that she could not expect everyone to stand with them.

The comments come after Netrebko performed four sold-out shows at the Royal Opera House to great reviews.

Since the invasion in Ukraine, Netrebko has condemned the war on three occasions and has not returned to Russia. She currently has a lawsuit against the Metroplitan Opera.

The soprano next performs at the Teatro San Carlo in a production of “Un Ballo in Maschera.”

“The lives of Ukrainians somehow turned out to be worth less than other aspects.”

Allowing Putin ally Anna Netrebko to sing at The Royal Opera House ‘was not a betrayal’ but was deeply saddening says First Lady of Ukraine Olena @ZelenskaUA speaking to @TheTimes ‘s Janice Turner. pic.twitter.com/3GFZQDg9iG

— Times Radio (@TimesRadio) September 25, 2025