Putin Calls for Cultural Resistance to ‘Western Bias’ and ‘Memory Wars’ at United Cultures Forum
Russian President Vladimir Putin used the stage of the United Cultures Forum in Tsarskoye Selo to issue a direct challenge to what he described as global attempts to “erase national identities” and “rewrite historical memory.”
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| Russian Prez Putin at United Cultures Forum. Via Kremlin Official Channel |
In his address at the XI International United Cultures Forum in St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of international cultural cooperation, stating that national culture is enriched through interaction with other cultures.
— 3 6 9 (@anton_koop893) September 12, 2025
He highlighted Russia's commitment… pic.twitter.com/w5iRRpKoWs
“The world of the future is not one of egoists immersed in cyberspace,” Putin said. “It belongs to people who still value roots, memory, and responsibility.”
His remarks came as Russia deepens efforts to position itself as a custodian of traditional values and historical continuity, in contrast to what the Kremlin sees as the moral relativism and cultural erasure of the West.
This year's theme, “Return to Culture – New Opportunities”, offered a backdrop for Putin to argue that real global progress cannot happen without mutual respect between traditions. He warned that societies that close in on themselves or embrace notions of superiority descend into “spiritual crisis and cultural stagnation.”
Putin emphasized that Russia's national culture was never isolationist, but rather built through centuries of multi-ethnic synthesis.
“Our uniqueness comes from interaction,” he said, calling for renewed global literary and artistic exchanges. Yet, he was clear that such interaction must not come at the cost of historical distortion or the “loss of moral foundations.”
💬 #Zakharova: On September 10-13, St. Petersburg is hosting the XI International Forum of United Cultures – Russia’s largest cultural event with broad international participation.
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) September 12, 2025
🎭 Traditionally, it serves as a platform to exchange views on global cultural issues. pic.twitter.com/DjFPnTQZt2
Without naming specific countries, Putin cautioned against what he called the West’s growing tendency to rewrite history, marginalise heritage, and export ideological agendas through cultural platforms.
He linked these trends to rising Russophobia, historical revisionism, and what the Kremlin sees as a deliberate undermining of Russia’s civilisational narrative.
The address also included the announcement of the revival of Intervision, a Soviet-era international music competition.
Framed as a cultural alternative to Western media dominance, Putin said the new Intervision would “reflect the originality of peoples” and “prove that true art has no borders.”
Honored to lead the FGS delegation at the XI St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum, on the theme “Return to Cultures — New Opportunities.” Culture is the living heartbeat of nations—our identity, resilience, and shared memory. #CultureMatters #GlobalCooperation pic.twitter.com/T6cWvFMIRe
— Daud Aweis (@DaudAweis) September 11, 2025
Putin’s remarks align with Russia’s current cultural policy, which positions national heritage, memory, and family values as bulwarks against liberal globalism.
He referred to Russia’s “Family” national project, which now incorporates much of the country's cultural funding and programming. Cultural infrastructure, he said, is being tied to the family institution and national identity.
The forum also reflected Russia’s regional ambitions. Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova reported on expanding cinema networks and film production infrastructure into Donbass, Kherson, and other newly annexed or occupied territories.
She confirmed that young filmmakers are now being deployed to create documentary archives in these regions, referring to them as “outpost studios.”
Lyubimova also cited a sharp increase in domestic film consumption, with Russian films capturing 79 percent of the box office in 2024, up from just 27 percent three years earlier. She credited this to reduced access to foreign content and state-supported production, including historical dramas and children’s films tied to themes of national resilience and wartime memory.
Russia’s DIVERSITY is its secret to power — Putin at United Cultures Forum
— RT (@RT_com) September 12, 2025
Multiethnic society KEY to its strength
It’s ‘something that ONLY exists here in Russia’ pic.twitter.com/VmgA7VuD9s
The Minister highlighted cultural diplomacy as a frontline tool. Russian exhibitions are being held even in countries with strained ties, such as France and Germany, she said.
Multimedia shows, especially those on figures like ballerina Anna Pavlova, continue to attract Western audiences, “who still hold deep interest in Russian heritage.”
The President spoke at the plenary session of the XI St. Petersburg International Forum of United Cultures. His focus was on the importance of cultural diversity both for the development of national culture & world harmony. Very important address.🧵
— Dr.Sophia Ulgen 🇷🇺☮🇺🇸 (@ulgenfatma74) September 12, 2025
Key statements.🧵#Russia pic.twitter.com/akkcbOODJw
Putin said cultural figures have a frontline role in defending against neo-Nazism, anti-Semitism, and Russophobia, and he urged them to present “specific initiatives” to strengthen humanitarian links through SCO, BRICS, and other non-Western groupings.
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