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Kanye West will make his debut live appearance in Russia with plans also in place to meet with President Vladimir Putin, an associate of the rapper has told Billboard. Ameer Sudan, billed as Ye's "confidant and strategic advisor," told the publication that the plan is for a Sunday Service to take place in Russia later this year. Putin will be a special guest at the performance, scheduled for spring or summer depending on a schedule that could involve a potential Coachella headline spot.
It's not just music taking Ye to Russia, however, with business also on the agenda. According to Billboard's report, the trip is being organized by Sudan alongside attorney Scott Balber and real estate developer Aras Agalarov plus his son, Emin. Billionaire Agalarov's business interests include shopping centers and department stores across the eastern European country.
Curiously, Emin Algarov makes music under the name EMIN with Billboard reporting that Ye will collaborate with him while in Russia.
U.S. citizens are currently advised against travelling to Russia, in part due to the embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia and the arbitrary enforcement of local law. Tensions between Russia and the rest of the world remain high over the possibility of Russia invading Ukraine. The U.S. has threatened major sanctions against Russia if that happens.
Regardless, Sudan remains confident that the trip will happen. “Kanye knows what’s going on more than the average human being, he’s well aware of things," he's quoted as saying. "And it’s nothing against the United States or to cause conflicts, but Ye is Ye — he can’t be controlled."
