The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, emphasized that keeping the country’s cultural space intact is a matter of high importance. This point was relayed by RIA News during remarks that highlighted the national responsibility carried by artists, historians, and cultural workers in strengthening a shared cultural identity across Russia.
Speaking at a gathering with cultural professionals from the Tver region, the president underscored the significant role of culture in unifying communities. He noted that the mission of those who work in the arts is not only to produce work but to safeguard a common cultural space that binds the nation together, a task he described as vital for the social fabric and resilience of the country.
Earlier, Putin made a clear statement against the notion of erasing the achievements of world culture or isolating Russian cultural contributions. He asserted that such actions, which some unfriendly governments have pursued, would undermine global cultural dialogue and would not reflect Russia’s long history of openness and interaction with other cultures.
In another moment of his address, he referred to critics who advocate for the elimination of Russian culture as “stupid people,” emphasizing that the cultural heritage of Russia comprises 190 distinct peoples and ethnic groups living within the federation. He argued that attempting to erase or suppress this diverse mosaic is not feasible and would only diminish the country’s rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and artistic expressions.
Separately, reports note that Slovakia’s Ministry of Culture decided to halt contact and cultural cooperation with the Russian Federation and Belarus. This suspension reflects broader geopolitical tensions and a shift in cultural diplomacy in response to international developments and regional security concerns. The policy change, which came into effect in March 2022, followed official condemnation of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine by then-minister Natalya Milanova, signaling a clear recalibration of cross-border cultural engagement.
Earlier statements from Bezrukov touched on concerns about the perceived influence of Western culture on Russian artistic tastes. The dialogue around cultural influence has long featured competing viewpoints about how global currents should intersect with local traditions, funding models, and the self-definition of contemporary Russian art. These discussions continue to shape how cultural institutions, artists, and policymakers navigate the balance between international collaboration and national cultural sovereignty, especially in times of geopolitical strain.