A Derry theatre has cancelled a visit from a Russian ballet company due to the "safety and consideration of their customers".
The Millennium Forum released a statement on Monday afternoon confirming the cancellation of a “Swan Lake” production by the Royal Moscow Ballet.
The ballet was due to take place at the Derry theatre on March 2.
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It comes as the people of Ukraine endure their fifth day of war after Russia invaded the country last week.
In a statement, the Millennium Forum board said: "The Millennium Forum has taken the difficult decision to cancel the production of “Swan Lake” by the Royal Moscow Ballet company on Wednesday, March 2 2022 .
"Although the company is made up of many different nationalities with many from Ukraine, the safety and consideration of our customers is our main priority. Both the Board and Staff at the Millennium Forum regret the impact this decision will have on the dancers/crew and promoter of Royal Moscow Ballet who have all been great friends of the Forum for many years now.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine at this terrible time.
"We would appreciate your patience as we contact all patrons to arrange for refunds as soon as possible."
A spokesperson from the Royal Moscow Ballet insisted that they didn't "carry a ny political message on tour".
They added: "The Royal Moscow Ballet is a multi-national touring Ballet company who have been coming to Ireland annually for over 10 years now and always look forward to their annual tour of Ireland.
"The company is – and has always been – made up of different nationalities and on the 2022 tour we have Russian Nationals, Ukrainians, Belarussians, Uzbekistan Nationals, Japanese, Irish and Polish cast and crew, who have travelled, worked and lived together for years.
They are young artistes who just want to perform the art form they love and have done since childhood; they bear no political leanings whatsoever and remain united as a group and as friends and wish only to spread the joy of their art form and culture throughout Ireland as they have done for the last 10 years.
"We hope this helps to clarify the diversity of our ballet company and that we don’t carry any political message on this tour."
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