Russian cultural diplomacy in Germany: between promoting Russia and undermining Ukraine

A number of facts testify to Russia’s destructive influence abroad through disinformation or direct interference in the domestic politics of countries, alongside the financing of political forces. Yet, there is another less obvious (and therefore even more dangerous) Russian Trojan horse – the institutions of cultural diplomacy, which under the cover of culture promote the Kremlin's agenda and anti-Ukrainian narratives. Despite the war, Germany still remains one of the most affected EU countries by Russian soft influence.

September 27, 2025 - Maria Protsiuk