The European Union has begun blocking the accounts of Rossotrudnichestvo and Russian cultural centers, disregarding diplomatic immunity, according to Yevgeny Primakov, the Head of Rossotrudnichestvo, in an interview with TASS.
"We are under sanctions in the European Union, and they have started blocking the accounts of Rossotrudnichestvo and cultural centers, without considering what jurisdiction they belong to or whether they have diplomatic immunity," - Primakov pointed out. - "For example, in some places, these might be considered the cultural departments of embassies. However, our adversaries are not concerned with such details and proceed as they wish."
Despite these challenges, Primakov emphasized that Rossotrudnichestvo had already shifted its focus long before the current conflict, prioritizing efforts and resources toward neighboring countries. "I may say to someone's dismay that if we unexpectedly lose humanitarian influence in Luxembourg, it will be sad, of course, but I think we will cope with this heavy loss and heavy tragedy. Much more important for us is the humanitarian presence, Russian language, Russian literature, culture, social and humanitarian programs, exchange programs, educational and other programs in the near abroad. In Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and so on," Primakov emphasized.
He noted that these priorities align with the political interests of the Russian Federation, its Foreign Policy Concept, and strategic guidelines. "The enrollment of students continues, the current conflict situation has not affected it in any way," - Primakov said. - "Over the past few years, the number of students that the Russian Federation recruits to study at universities under the government's quota has increased by 15-30 thousand people a year. There are also exchange programs and tours of our teams, organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture. So, all the work continues."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on materials from TASS