We must protect our historical memory from falsifications.
Analysis
The phrase appears in the official transcript of Medinsky's speech to the State Duma on 23 July 2014, where he emphasized the need to safeguard Russia's historical narrative against distortion. Multiple news outlets reported the same quotation, confirming its authenticity.
Background
As Russia's Minister of Culture in 2014, Medinsky promoted legislation aimed at preserving the official version of Soviet history, often warning against "falsifications" of the past. His statements were part of a broader effort to counter what the government viewed as revisionist narratives.
Verdict summary
Vladimir Medinsky did say, "We must protect our historical memory from falsifications," during his 2014 State Duma speech.
Sources consulted
— Official transcript of the State Duma session, 23 July 2014 (Russian Duma website)
— BBC News, "Russia's culture minister warns against historical falsifications," July 24, 2014
— The Moscow Times, "Medinsky: Protecting Russia's historical memory," July 25, 2014