Kanye West to perform in Russia despite cultural boycott of country

Kanye West is set to perform in Russia, despite the widespread cultural boycott of the country over its invasion of Ukraine. READ MORE: Donda 2: Kanye West’s ego is scuppering these half-baked, dashed-off sounding songs Since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in 2022, there has been a widespread refusal amongst artists to perform in the country. Now, however, Kanye West has announced plans to play two shows in St Petersburg later this year. Announced yesterday (Monday August 17), West is set to head to Russia for shows at the Gazprom Arena on October 10 and 11. Already, tickets have sold out, just hours after going on sale. According to BBC News, tickets for the 70,000 capacity gig ranged from 9,000 roubles (£78) to 160,000 roubles (£1,394). In response to the two new tour dates, Russian lawmaker Vitaly Milonov suggests that the rapper should perform traditional Russian songs at the event, instead of his usual setlist. “Maybe after this he’ll stop his disgusting antics and become a normal person,” he added in a video statement (as per The New York Times). Kanye West Will Perform In Russia, Venue Sayshttps://t.co/29fdVbzjab pic.twitter.com/vKvfGWMwa8 — Forbes (@Forbes) August 17, 2026 ...