Kanye West could meet Vladimir Putin during upcoming Russia concerts

Kanye West could reportedly meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his upcoming visit to Russia, where the rapper is scheduled to perform two sold-out concerts in St. Petersburg.

West is set to headline shows at Gazprom Arena on October 10 and 11. Tickets for the concerts reportedly sold out in less than an hour after going on sale on August 17, making the performances one of the rapper's most significant live appearances since his recent controversies and cancellations.

The possibility of a meeting with Putin was raised by Russian MP Svetlana Zhurova on August 18. Zhurova said such a meeting was possible but would depend on whether the schedules of Putin and West could be coordinated.

"Hypothetically, such a possibility exists," Zhurova said. "The main issue here is the working schedule of our president and the artist's own schedule, so that they align."

Zhurova also stressed that any potential meeting would require substantial security arrangements. The comments do not mean that a meeting has been confirmed, with both the timing and whether it will actually take place still uncertain.

Local organiser Anna Subcheva has also claimed that meeting Putin has been a "long-standing dream" of West's. She said the rapper has expressed admiration for the Russian president for several years.

West's planned concerts mark a return to major live performances after a series of setbacks internationally. He had been scheduled to headline the Wireless Festival in the UK in July, but his appearance was cancelled after the British government reportedly denied him entry over his history of antisemitic remarks.

The rapper has faced similar restrictions and cancellations in other countries, including Switzerland, Italy and Poland, following a series of controversial statements and incidents.

West has previously apologised for his antisemitic comments. After his Wireless Festival appearance was cancelled, he said he wanted an opportunity to meet members of the Jewish community in the UK and listen to their experiences.

"I know words aren't enough," West said at the time. "I'll have to show change through my actions."

His upcoming Russia shows therefore represent an important return to the concert stage, while the possibility of a meeting with Putin has added another layer of attention to his visit. For now, however, the reported meeting remains only a possibility and has not been officially confirmed by the Kremlin or West's representatives.