When Russian Culture Goes to War

One of the biggest points of contention between average Ukrainian and Western intellectuals is their opposing perspectives on the role of Russian culture in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Cultural exchanges are generally regarded in the West as strengthening democratic security on the domestic level as well as contributing to peace and mutual enrichment internationally. Thus, maintaining cultural connections even during times of war is regarded as an essential tool necessary to differentiate between an overtly hostile regime and a presumably benevolent society to keep the door open for future dialogue. Limiting cultural links is considered undesirable, with the exception of individual artists and organizations directly implicated in war support and subversive activities.