By Ulf Mauder

St. Petersburg, Russia – Controversial rapper Ye, also known as Kanye West, announced two shows for October in Russia’s tourist hub St. Petersburg, right in the middle of the country's war with Ukraine.

A meeting between the musician and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin could also take place if it fits into the president's schedule, said parliamentarian Svetlana Shurova.

Earlier, organizers had claimed that the West is extremely interested in such a meeting.

The performances are scheduled for October 10 and 11 in Putin's hometown at the Gazprom Arena, named after the state gas company Gazprom and capable of holding up to 80,000 people for concerts.

Chappell Roan Chappell Roan makes surprise guest performance with Noah Kahan at his sold-out Rose Bowl show

The West has imposed sanctions on the energy giant for financing Russia's war against Ukraine.

The cheapest tickets, roughly $116, sold out quickly, Russian media reported.

The originally offered VIP tickets, priced at around $1,884, are also sold out. On Tuesday, tickets were still available in the $247 to $589 range.

Ye's announcement has already caused a huge stir among other Russian politicians.

If he wants to collect money in Russia, Parliamentarian Nikolai Novikov demanded that the rapper publicly declare his support for the country's war on Ukraine before performing. Otherwise, the concert should be canceled.

Other lawmakers are wary of the musician's previously self-proclaimed fondness for the Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler.

Serena Williams Serena and Venus Williams fall at Cincinnati Open in first doubles match together since 2022

Ultranationalists from the anti‑Western movement Sorok Sorokov announced they would scrutinize the rapper's lyrics for content banned in Russia – such as the glorification of drugs.

In contrast, Jelena Drapeko – a member of the parliamentary cultural committee – praised the musician, saying she was grateful for his visit despite anti-Russian sentiment from the West.

Ye has many fans in Russia. As early as 2024, after Kanye West's visit to Moscow, rumors about planned concerts circulated for a long time at a designer's birthday party.