Screening of Russian Propaganda Film “Maidan: Turn to War” Canceled in Italy — Zmina

The planned screening of the Russian propaganda film Maidan: Turn to War on January 18 in Arezzo, Tuscany, has been canceled, announced Arezzo Mayor Alessandro Ghinelli.

The film, produced by Russia Today, was to feature two propagandists: Andrea Lucidi, living in Russia since 2022, and Vincenzo Lorusso, who translated the film into Italian. Russian media speculate their involvement may have led to the cancellation.

The event was organized by Michele Menchetti, a local councilor from the Five Star Movement, who criticized the decision. Menchetti claimed the screening was part of his "information and educational activities" and recently called on the government to stop sending weapons to Ukraine. He vowed to find alternative venues to show the film.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s State Film Agency urged the Ukrainian Embassy in Italy to prevent screenings of Russian propaganda films like Maidan: Turn to War and Children of Donbas in Italy.

The agency expressed concern that these films distort the events of the Revolution of Dignity and the Russian-Ukrainian war, spreading disinformation and manipulating public opinion, especially during Ukraine's ongoing war.