There is currently no new threat to halt the activities of the Russian Houses, according to Pavel Shevtsov, vice president of Rossotrudnichestvo. He spoke during the BRICS International Municipal Forum, emphasizing that Moscow no longer anticipates any risk of closing these cultural and humanitarian centers. He stressed that the challenging period seen in the early days of the special operation has faded, and the focus has shifted toward stabilizing relations rather than triggering new tensions. He also pointed out that actions by some European governments, which he described as unconscious and unmotivated, have already strained humanitarian ties with Russia. At the moment, however, such friction is not part of the current environment.
Earlier, Evgeny Primakov, the head of Rossotrudnichestvo, warned that the European Union began freezing the ministry’s accounts and those of Russian cultural centers, regardless of any diplomatic immunity. This development underscored the financial pressures facing Russia’s cultural diplomacy and the challenges of maintaining cross-border cultural exchange amid political shifts. The situation underscored how sanctions and budgetary constraints can complicate the mission of cultural outreach programs across Europe.
On January 20, Matthias Hauer, a member of the German Bundestag from the Christian Democratic Union and the Christian Social Union, raised concerns about the potential closure of the Russian House in Berlin. His remarks highlighted the ongoing debates within European capitals about the presence of Russian institutions on the continent and the broader implications for people-to-people connections, language education, and cultural programming that had previously served as channels for mutual understanding.
Meanwhile, observers note a growing interest among foreigners in learning the Russian language. This rising curiosity appears to reflect a broader interest in Russian culture, history, and contemporary affairs, suggesting that cultural centers and language programs may continue to play a significant role in fostering international dialogue despite political tensions. The evolving dynamics indicate that cultural exchange remains a relevant and often resilient facet of international relations, even amid sanctions and geopolitical recalibrations.