In the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, First Lady Olena Zelenska met with the director of the Metropolitan Opera, Peter Gelb, and conductor of the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, Keri-Lynn Wilson. This significant meeting was attended by the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Serhiy Kyslytsia.

"Firstly, I want to thank Ms. Wilson for the incredible 'Concert of Hope' that took place in Kyiv on Friday. It was dedicated to the return of Ukrainian children from Russian captivity – an extremely crucial and painful issue for our country," said Olena Zelenska.

The First Lady highlighted the substantial support for Ukraine from the Metropolitan Opera, Peter Gelb, and his wife Keri-Lynn Wilson since the onset of the full-scale aggression, noting the increasing number of collaborative projects. Achievements include internships for Ukrainian artists and the creation of modern operas.

Olena Zelenska specifically acknowledged the Metropolitan Opera's principled stance on refusing to collaborate with Russian performers who support aggression.

"Our Ukrainian position is that restrictions should apply to all Russian works, as culture should not serve as a platform for the propaganda of aggressors. Instead, the Ukrainian culture, which defends freedom and the right of people to live on their own land, should resonate widely," she added.

Additionally, Olena Zelenska proposed for the Metropolitan Opera to become an ambassador for Ukrainian music, both modern and classical.