Despite criticism and threats of funding cuts, Venice Biennale Foundation President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco stands resolute in his decision to include Russia in this year's event.

Buttafuoco told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that he would do everything again if he had to, defending the inclusion as fair and in line with the Biennale's principles, while the European Commission threatened to freeze a €2 million grant over the matter.

The decision has sparked heated debate, with Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli requesting all correspondence with Russia, and the Biennale's award jury announcing plans to omit Russia and Israel from consideration for the Golden Lion awards.

Buttafuoco and the Foundation's administrators worked with the Russian pavilion curator since June 2025, aiming to ensure Russia's participation adhered to the rules. However, the pavilion ultimately remained closed to the public during the Biennale's run.