Kanye West, now known as Ye, had two sold-out concerts canceled in St. Petersburg, Russia. This is notable in a nation that often contrasts itself with Western cancel culture. The cancellations spotlight tensions during wartime related to Western influences and Ye’s past antisemitic comments.

Ye had performed at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on May 30. The decision to cancel these shows raises questions about Russia’s cultural policies and its approach to global artists with controversial backgrounds.