"Estonian-Russian relations have always been difficult, but cultural interaction has been important to us. The war in Ukraine has hit cultural cooperation very hard. We understand that the entire field of culture is currently suffering on both the Estonian and Russian sides, but the world community does not tolerate the violation of international law, the attack on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of another country, "emphasized Minister of Culture Tiit Terik.
Withdrawal from cultural co-operation means that Estonia does not plan to conclude an Estonian-Russian co-operation program for 2022–2024 under the co-operation agreement signed two years ago. The program that was being prepared would have laid the foundations for specific co-operation activities and also allowed for mutual funding of cultural activities from the state budget.
"In some ways, the field of culture and sports is already a step forward, because many institutions and organizers have no longer considered cultural co-operation and exchange with Russia's participation possible and have clearly told their partners and the public about it," added Minister Terik.
The government will discuss the issue of government-level agreements with Russia tomorrow, March 1st, and the Ministry of Culture will raise the issue of suspending the renewal of the cooperation program. As of today, the national flag of Ukraine is also flying outside the building of the Ministry of Culture.
