The National had planned on playing in Russia and Ukraine in late July and early August, but recently canceled those shows and made a statement about the decision.

Photo Credit: Owen Ela

The band is touring North America and much of Europe this spring and summer, but chose to cancel appearances in St. Petersburg, Kiev and Moscow due to the political unrest in the region. On Facebook, the National wrote, “We remain hopeful of coming to play for you in the future and we sincerely hope this current instability resolves in a positive, democratic and peaceful way. Take care of yourselves and we hope to see you soon.”

The group’s tour is in support of their latest album, Trouble Will Find Me. Stops include Flow Festival, which takes place in Finland in mid-August, and Way Out West, which is a Swedish festival also happening in August.