Western DJs accused of ‘normalising war’ for playing at Russian techno events

Ukrainian activists say summer music festivals give a false idea that life continues as normal, despite the conflict

An ecstatic crowd dances at sunset on a music stage nestled among trees and illuminated by vibrant art installations. They move to the beats of German, American and French DJs.

The scene could easily be a summer festival in any European capital. Instead, it played out this month about four hours’ drive from the Kremlin, the seat of power that ordered Russia’s invasion of Ukraine almost two and a half years ago.