Protesters in pink balaclavas swarm Russia’s pavilion at Venice Biennale and release colored smoke

Protesters from Russian punk group Pussy Riot and Ukrainian feminist organization FEMEN swarmed Russia's pavilion at the Venice Biennale. They released pink, blue, and yellow smoke and chanted 'Blood is Russia's art' and 'Disobey.' The protesters, wearing pink balaclavas, blockaded the pavilion for at least half an hour. Italian police prevented them from entering. Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova said the Biennale had not understood the importance of 'soft power' in Russia's military strategy. The protest occurred amid controversy over Russia's participation in the Biennale, following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Biennale's jury resigned in protest, citing crimes against humanity. Russia's pavilion features a series of musical performances, which were being recorded to play through the window during the exhibition.