We strongly condemn the decision by Tuska Festival to invite the russian performers. Statement by the UAF

Statement from the Ukrainian Association in Finland regarding Tuska Festival

The Ukrainian Association in Finland strongly condemns the decision by Tuska Festival to invite the russian band Slaughter to Prevail, led by Alex Terrible (Alexandr Shikolai), to perform at this year’s event.

This decision is deeply inappropriate and insensitive, especially in the context of russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. While we acknowledge that the organizers responded to our initial outreach by prohibiting the use of the russian flag on stage, this step does not address the broader concern: the platforming of an artist who openly uses imperial russian symbols, has refused to clearly condemn russia’s invasion, and repeatedly declares he is “proud to be russian” on international stages.

In addition, we have confirmed that the band’s frontman has pledged to donate proceeds from this concert to a russian cadet school and actively collaborates with so-called “patriotic” russian brands — further signaling alignment with militaristic and nationalist institutions tied to the aggressor state. This is not just music — it is soft power, contributing to the normalization of a violent authoritarian regime.

Following our first letter, we sent a second, more detailed message to the festival organizers, outlining additional concerns and urging them to reconsider the band’s participation. Unfortunately, we received no reply. The lack of response on such a serious matter is disappointing and revealing.

Despite limited resources — with many of our members on leave or working under heavy pressure — the Ukrainian Association in Finland took action:

We contacted the festival organizers well in advance with a letter expressing our concerns.

When it became clear that the performance would proceed, we took part in a peaceful protest near the venue, alongside Ukrainian activists and allies.

We hope that in the future, Tuska Festival and all of its partners will approach the selection of performers with greater responsibility and awareness, especially in a time when russia continues its brutal and unjust war against Ukraine.

More broadly, we hope that event organizers across Finland will be more thoughtful and attentive when designing their programs and choosing artists — taking into account not only artistic merit, but also the broader political and ethical implications of who is given a public platform.

We also want to express our deep gratitude to all the volunteers, allies, and members of the community who have stood up for what is right — not only in this case, but consistently, in countless actions both public and unseen. Your dedication, energy, and clarity of purpose are vital in the ongoing fight for justice, truth, and the dignity of all Ukrainians.

We remain committed to standing for peace, justice, and human dignity. And we will continue to speak out against attempts to normalize russian propaganda — even when it hides behind the mask of entertainment.

With solidarity,

The Ukrainian Association in Finland

Kuva: Roni Rekomaa / Lehtikuva