TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s most famous folk dance ensemble Sukhishvili has turned down an invitation to perform in Sevastopol and Simferopol, two cities in Crimea.

The Georgian National Ballet, as it is formally called, posted a short note on Facebook about their decision.

“They called us today from Crimea. They wanted concerts in Sevastopol and Simferopol. We have been holding concerts in Crimea every year from 2007 to 2014. We simply replied now that we, Sukhishvilis, reject planning tours in Russia and more over in the regions annexed by Russia,” the statement reads.

The statement also contains the greeting “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!” – a patriotic greeting from the early 20th Century which came into widespread use among the Maidan protesters in 2013 and is an expression of support for the ethnic Ukrainians in the west of the country.