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Kanye West Set to Perform in Russia This October Amid Controversy and Cancellations

How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

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By יפתח כרמלי

First reported by N12 · Aug 18, 2026

What happened

Kanye West will perform two concerts in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in October, becoming the first major Western artist to do so since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. His shows follow multiple cancellations across Europe due to antisemitic remarks. Despite criticism, tickets sold out rapidly, and the concerts have sparked both local controversy and enthusiasm.

01Kanye West will perform two concerts in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in October at Gazprom Arena.
02These will be the first major Western artist shows in Russia since the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
03West's European shows were canceled due to backlash over his antisemitic comments.
04Tickets for the Russian concerts sold out quickly, including premium seats over $1,850.
05Russian legislator Vitaly Milonov criticized West and suggested he sing Russian traditional songs.
06West was banned from entering the UK earlier this year for a London festival.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

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