On June 4, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Nikolai Tsiskaridze stated that cultural relations between Russia and the United States can be improved during a discussion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2026).
Tsiskaridze spoke about the visit of Rodney Mims Cook Jr., Chairman of the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts, to Russia. The artist expressed pleasure that Cook himself had indicated a desire to come.
“In relations, indeed, culture, it is possible to establish relations and at least somehow exist in a completely different sphere, without looking back at sometimes not the most pleasant news that we somehow learn every day,” Tsiskaridze said.
He also recalled a joke he told Cook: In his youth, when asked why Russian ballet was better, he replied, “Because the Russian ballet is older than the United States as a state.” Tsiskaridze noted they had laughed about this story together.
Earlier that day, Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova emphasized at the Russia—USA: Dialogue of Cultures session that reviving cultural exchanges between Moscow and Washington remains a constant task under conditions of equal and depoliticized cooperation. She stated that until recently, Russian and American cultural figures had implemented numerous joint projects in areas including student creative exchanges, artist tours, architectural collaborations, and the preservation of cultural heritage sites.
Additionally, President Putin will award opera soloists and Tabakov Theater star with a diploma, a badge of honor, and a monetary reward of five million rubles.
