Russia’s cultural heritage is under attack, and we must defend it.
Analysis
In a speech to the Ministry of Culture staff on 1 March 2016, Minister Vladimir Medinsky warned that ‘Russia’s cultural heritage is under attack’ and called for measures to defend it. The phrasing matches the quoted statement, confirming it was indeed uttered by him in that context.
Background
Medinsky’s tenure as Culture Minister (2012‑2020) was marked by frequent references to safeguarding Russian cultural traditions against perceived Western influence. The 2016 address emphasized increased funding for heritage preservation and stricter regulation of cultural imports, framing the issue as an attack on national identity.
Verdict summary
The quote accurately reflects Vladimir Medinsky’s 2016 statement on protecting Russian cultural heritage.
Sources consulted
— TASS, “Medinsky: Russian cultural heritage is under attack, we must defend it”, 2 March 2016
— RIA Novosti, “Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky’s speech on cultural heritage protection”, 3 March 2016
— Official transcript of the Ministry of Culture staff meeting, 1 March 2016, available on the Ministry’s website