Putin's friend Gergiev set to conduct as Italy breaks ban on pro-Kremlin artists

Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, a close ally of Putin, is set to conduct in Italy, defying the European ban on pro-Kremlin artists since the Ukraine invasion. The controversial decision by the Campania region to invite Gergiev has sparked criticism, with calls for the concert to be canceled due to his ties to Putin. Despite opposition, the regional government stands by its decision, citing the importance of separating culture from politics.