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Artists Boycott Russia, Belarus in Solidarity with Ukraine

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. t-russia-belarus-in-solidarity-with-ukraine.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 16:33 GMT by London Evening Standard
      Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, IRELAND, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

London, UK - February 18th, 2026 - The cultural boycott of Russia and Belarus continues to gain momentum, with a significant influx of prominent British and international artists pledging to refrain from performing in either country. The latest wave of commitments, spearheaded by newly formed collective rights organization British Music Rights (BMR), includes global superstars Ed Sheeran and Bono, alongside established acts like Ash and a diverse range of rising stars.

This escalating protest directly addresses the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, entering its third year, and represents a powerful statement of solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemnation of the actions of the Russian and Belarusian governments. The pledge extends beyond simply canceling existing engagements; artists are committing to exclude Russia and Belarus from future tour schedules until a resolution to the conflict is reached.

British Music Rights, established in late 2025, is positioning itself as a voice for artists' rights, not only in geopolitical matters like this boycott, but also in addressing systemic issues within the music industry - specifically, what they term "exploitative practices" by global music publishers. This initial action regarding Russia and Belarus has served as a strong launchpad for the organization, attracting a rapidly growing membership.

The list of artists joining the boycott now numbers over a dozen, including Dave, Eliza Rose, Everything About Her, Jade Bird, the internationally renowned Imagine Dragons, blues rock icon Joe Bonamassa, pop sensation Kim Petras, former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson, emerging UK talent Mae Stephens, and the politically charged spoken-word punk group Sleaford Mods. The sheer breadth of musical genres represented underscores the widespread disapproval of the war and the desire among artists to use their platform to advocate for peace.

"The decision to withhold performances is not taken lightly," stated a spokesperson for BMR. "It necessitates the cancellation of booked shows and significantly alters future tour planning, representing a genuine sacrifice for these artists. We are deeply thankful for their unwavering support and commitment to this cause."

The economic impact of this boycott is becoming increasingly noticeable. While initial cancellations in early 2022 following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine were significant, the sustained and expanding nature of the current pledge - now formalized through BMR - suggests a long-term disruption to the entertainment landscape in Russia and Belarus. Russian and Belarusian concert promoters are facing difficulties securing international talent, leading to a decline in large-scale music events.

However, the situation is complex. Some argue that isolating Russia and Belarus culturally may inadvertently punish ordinary citizens who do not support the governments' actions. Others believe that maintaining a cultural exchange, however limited, is essential to fostering dialogue and understanding. BMR acknowledges these arguments but maintains that the severity of the conflict necessitates a firm stance.

"We understand the concerns regarding cultural isolation," the spokesperson continued. "But we believe that remaining silent or continuing business as usual would be a tacit endorsement of aggression and a betrayal of our values. This ban is a direct response to the ongoing violence and a clear message that we stand with Ukraine."

BMR has confirmed that the boycott will be regularly reviewed, linked to concrete changes in the geopolitical situation. The organization has stated the ban will be lifted only when the Russian and Belarusian governments demonstrably cease their aggression against Ukraine and commit to a peaceful resolution. They are also exploring collaborations with other international artist rights organizations to expand the boycott globally.

Looking ahead, the long-term effects of this cultural isolation on both Russia and Belarus remain to be seen. The ongoing conflict has already led to significant political and economic consequences, and the absence of international artists could further exacerbate the situation. For the artists involved, the boycott represents a personal and professional commitment to standing up for what they believe in, even at a cost to their careers. The hope is that this collective action, alongside broader international efforts, will ultimately contribute to a lasting peace in Ukraine.