Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned Woody Allen's participation in the Moscow International Film Week, calling it "a disgrace and an insult" to Ukrainian artists who have suffered as a result of Russia's ongoing aggression. The 89-year-old director, who has faced increasing marginalization in Hollywood in recent years, appeared virtually at the festival, sparking widespread criticism.

The Ministry's statement emphasized that Allen's involvement in the festival, which it characterized as bringing together "Putin's supporters and voices," effectively "turns a blind eye to the atrocities Russia commits in Ukraine every single day for 11 years now". They further asserted that "Culture should never be used to whitewash crimes or serve as a propaganda tool". As of 2025, Russian aggression in Ukraine has killed at least 219 Ukrainian artists, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications.

Allen participated in the "World Cinema Legends" session, interviewed by Russian director Fedor Bondarchuk, a known supporter of Putin. During the discussion, Allen reportedly praised Russian cinema and expressed openness to future projects in Russia, stating he would consider scripts about "how good you feel in Moscow and St. Petersburg" if such offers were made. He also mentioned his past visits to Russia, recalling a "gloomy" first impression during Soviet times but more positive experiences on later trips.

In response to the criticism, Allen defended his decision to appear at the festival. He told The Guardian that he believes Vladimir Putin is "totally in the wrong" regarding the conflict in Ukraine, calling the war "appalling". However, he added, "whatever politicians have done, I don't feel cutting off artistic conversations is ever a good way to help".

The Moscow International Film Week, launched in 2024, aims to promote Moscow as a global hub for filmmakers. Allen was billed as the main guest of honor at the event, which also featured Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, who is known for his pro-Kremlin views.

Allen's participation in the festival takes place against a backdrop of increasing cultural isolation for Russia, particularly in Europe and the United States, due to its actions in Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, cultural exchanges have significantly decreased, restrictions have been imposed on Russian scholars and artists, and collaborations with Western cultural institutions have been largely severed. Simultaneously, artists and intellectuals within Russia who are critical of the war face persecution and censorship.

This is not the first time Allen's past has come under scrutiny. Over the past three decades, his name has been linked to high-profile sexual scandals, leading to a de facto boycott in Hollywood. Allegations of sexual abuse by his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, have significantly damaged his reputation, although the court never proved his guilt. His last two films were produced in Europe after Amazon Studios cancelled a multi-movie deal with him following the resurfaced allegations.