Netrebko’s London performance is Putin’s test of UK — Ukraine's Ambassador Zaluzhnyi

In a rare public intervention, Valerii Zaluzhnyi — Ukraine’s former Commander-in-Chief and current Ambassador to the UK — said Netrebko’s appearance on Thursday amounted to “a test” by Vladimir Putin of Britain’s loyalty to Ukraine.

Writing in the Daily Mail, Zaluzhnyi warned: “The Kremlin pays close attention to such signals. Will we allow Putin to use art as a curtain to hide his crimes? Will we allow his closest allies to stand on the world’s stages as if nothing has happened?”

The ambassador argued that Netrebko’s voice had “for decades shielded a dictator” and would now “drown out the real cries” of mothers and children killed in Russia’s nightly attacks on Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials told the Mail that Zaluzhnyi was “incredibly disappointed” with both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government and the Royal Opera House for permitting the performance.

• Several hundred demonstrators gathered outside the Royal Opera House demanding the cancellation of Netrebko’s appearances. The singer, known for her ties to Vladimir Putin, is featured in the Royal Opera’s new season, with all tickets for Tosca already sold out.