Kanye West’s trip to Moscow: What we know

Controversial rapper Kanye West, legally known as Ye, has reportedly touched down in Moscow, igniting a flurry of speculation about the purpose of his visit.

The artist’s presence in the Russian capital comes at a time when most Western celebrities have steered clear of the country due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

This Moscow visit follows a series of international appearances by West. Earlier in June, he was in Japan, where he made an unexpected appearance at a pro wrestling event. During that trip, West stopped by a pro wrestling event where American fashion designer Alexander Wang had partnered with Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling to host “Wangmania.”

Following his Japan trip, West was spotted in Paris. On Wednesday, June 19, he was seen at the celebrity hotspot Gigi Paris with his wife, Bianca Censori. The 29-year-old Censori made headlines with a daring new look during their outing in the French capital.

Fan account @theyeezymafia on X, formerly Twitter, posted pictures and video from the Paris outing.

West’s arrival was first reported by Russian media outlets, which claim to have spotted the rapper in Moscow’s subway system. The primary reason for his visit appears to be linked to birthday celebrations for Russian designer Gosha Rubchinskiy, who West appointed as the new creative director for his Yeezy brand in December 2023.

Russian producer Yana Rudkovskaya confirmed West’s presence, stating, “Kanye West is already in Moscow! This is super news! Staying in the very heart of the capital!” Her announcement has fueled rumors of a potential performance by West at Luzhniki Stadium, though stadium officials have denied any immediate plans for a concert.

Reports suggest West is staying at the Four Seasons Hotel in Moscow, allegedly occupying the Presidential suite at a staggering £10,150 ($12,848) per night. A fan account (@yefanatics) on X, formerly Twitter, posted a video of supporters waiting for the artist.

Adding to the intrigue are longstanding rumors about West’s desire to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In November 2022, West’s friend and associate, Ameer Sudan told Billboard that the artist had been seeking a meeting with Putin since 2018, even hoping to invite the Russian President to attend one of his performances.

Newsweek reached out to the Russian government’s press department and Yeezy Mafia on Sunday via email for comment.

West’s fascination with Putin is well-documented. The rapper has previously compared himself to the Russian leader, referring to himself as “Young Putin” during a podcast interview with Revolt TV’s “Drink Champs.” This self-comparison, combined with West’s history of controversial political statements, raises questions about the potential diplomatic implications of his Moscow trip.

Notably, West’s wife, Bianca Censori, was not seen accompanying him on this journey, adding another layer of mystery to his solo venture into Russian territory.

The timing of West’s visit is particularly sensitive. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western countries have imposed severe sanctions on Moscow, and many cultural figures have boycotted the country. West’s willingness to engage with Russia in this climate has already sparked debate about the ethics and potential consequences of his visit.

Moreover, this trip follows a period of intense controversy for the artist. In recent months, West faced widespread criticism and lost numerous business partnerships following a series of antisemitic remarks and statements praising Adolf Hitler.

Whether West’s trip will have lasting implications for cultural diplomacy or merely serve as another headline in his turbulent career remains to be seen.