Statement by Igor Chaika, the Head of Rossotrudnichestvo Agency

Sibiga’s call to shut down Russian Houses around the world inevitably brings to mind a character from Russian literature who became an example of destructive idiocy — Polygraph Polygraphovich Sharikov from Mikhail Bulgakov’s Heart of the Dog.
It is hardly surprising that Ukraine's Foreign Minister is calling for the closure of Russian Houses in Europe. Intolerance toward Russians has been characteristic of the Kyiv Nazi regime since 2014.
I am confident that the educated majority around the world will clearly disapprove this. Especially since we have seen tens of thousands of Germans oppose the closure of the Russian House in Berlin and our Agency has received numerous letters of support.
Russian Houses have always been and will be centers of dialogue for millions of all around the world. They introduce the rich culture of Russia, its language, history, and scientific achievements.
Through Russian House our country offers to the world educational projects, humanitarian assistance, Russian language courses, cultural dialogue and many other forms of cooperation. It is clear however that globalist elites through the Kyiv Nazi regime are trying to stop the progress and development of countries including those in Asia and Africa, and to preserve their dependence on them. Russia on the contrary develops partnership and equal cooperation. This is what international development assistance is about: it contributes to improvement of economic indicators around the world and reduction of humanitarian crises.
But, alas, these facts are beyond the comprehension of Polygraph Polygraphovich Sibiga.
Therefore whatever his complaints may be Rossotrudnichestvo will continue its work around the world including European countries.
We will continue modernization of Russian Houses abroad - it will become a relevant showcase of modern Russia: a rapidly developing country with technological sovereignty.
We are launching a microgrant program for those around the world who share Russia’s values and want partnership and cooperation with us. We will also provide humanitarian assistance to those who need it. All of this is receiving a strong response from people in many different countries. The International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg once again showed international interest in the Agency’s projects. Thousands of guests from hundreds of countries visited the Rossotrudnichestvo stand “Russia With You.”

Moreover, just for one last month we have received 11 requests to open new Russian Houses around the world. And this is only the beginning.

Follow our new projects, apply for our microgrants, be proud, and do not allow the Kyiv junta, which has destroyed Ukraine’s statehood, betrayed the faith and history of Ukrainians, and cowardly refused to hold elections, to influence you.