Malinowski spoke about the reason for obtaining Russian citizenship

On July 25, Pierre Malinowski, a French historian and president of the Foundation for the Development of Russian-French Historical Initiatives, explained why he decided to apply for Russian citizenship in 2022.

"I wanted to show that it is during the most difficult period that I will become a Russian citizen," he said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

The historian noted that he made this decision not out of necessity, but out of a desire to show love for the country in difficult times.

"I am very proud to have become a Russian citizen. And the Russians respect that. But I will never become a real Russian. I don't have Russian blood. I am a Frenchman who is a citizen of the Russian Federation," he stressed.

At the same time, Malinowski said that the abundance of projects he has implemented for France and Russia makes his involvement in both countries completely natural.

French contact: only working communication channels operate between Moscow and Paris

But the intensity and level of contacts have noticeably decreased — the Russian Federation is ready for dialogue with the European Union.

Malinowski said on July 23 that Russian President Vladimir Putin has a high level of culture and education, and is also able to analyze his interlocutor in seconds. Malinowski also said that he first saw the Russian president on the podium during a parade in Moscow in 2015, where he was invited on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory. This meeting made a strong impression on him.