Concerts of the Russian pop duo t.A.T.u. and Ukrainian-Russian singer Ani Lorak, scheduled to take place in Georgia’s Black Sea city of Batumi on August 1 and August 14, respectively, have been canceled, Russia’s state news agency TASS reported.
TASS said the cancellations were confirmed by the administration of the Batumi Tennis Courts, where the performances were due to be held, as well as by ticketing platform Biletebi.ge and the [Adjara] Department of Tourism, adding that no official reason for the cancellations has been announced.
However, the cancellations come amid broader discontent among part of Georgians over artists who either support the Kremlin’s policies, including its full-scale war against Ukraine, or have remained silent about them, performing in Georgia. Another t.A.T.u. concert previously scheduled to take place in Georgia in January 2026 was likewise canceled without an official explanation.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian-born Karolina Kuiek, known as Ani Lorak, who has made a career in Russia, has faced criticism for failing to publicly condemn Moscow’s actions. In November 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted a National Security and Defense Council decision stripping Lorak of the honorary title of “Honored Artist of Ukraine” as part of measures targeting individuals deemed to have “betrayed Ukraine.”
T.A.T.u., the pop duo that rose to international fame with its daring, queer-themed image and songs, has also faced criticism in recent years for remaining silent about Moscow’s policies, continuing to perform in Russia, and staging a reunion concert in 2025 in Russian-occupied Crimea.
In 2021, before the duo officially reunited, then former member Yulia Volkova ran in the primaries of United Russia, the Russian ruling party, in Russia’s Ivanovo region ahead of the State Duma elections. Volkova publicly endorsed the party, recorded a campaign video, but lost the primary and was not included on its final candidate list.
In a separate development, a concert by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin, scheduled for July 16 at the Rustavi International Motorpark, was also canceled. Ticketing platform Biletebi.ge reportedly said the performance was canceled “at the artist’s request,” and that refunds would be issued. No further explanation was provided.
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