Zakharova announced the growing trend towards cultural "neo-barbarism"

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on May 20 at the BRICS+ Intermuseum International festival that cultural "neo-barbarism" was gaining momentum in the world.

"We live in a time when neo—barbarism is rearing its head and gaining momentum, when museums and theaters are canceled, when previously agreed expositions, exhibitions or tours are literally closed and crossed out," Zakharova said.

She noted that people who have devoted their lives to museum work, studying culture and art of different nations are subject to sanctions. According to the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this phenomenon is a common challenge. Zakharova stressed that cultural "neo-barbarism" can lead to the destruction of the ability of peoples to recognize each other and prevent conflicts. The diplomat urged to unite and actively resist this phenomenon.

"Either we agree with this, but then [there will be] the end of civilization."… Because this is the forerunner, this is the beginning of the abolition of humanity. This is an end to the opportunity to get to know each other. And what does it mean to get to know each other? To prevent conflicts. Either we say a decisive "no" to this and fight, and it should be a proactive fight," she added.

The Russian Foreign Ministry organized the third exhibition "Colors of the World", for the second year in a row it is held with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation as part of the international festival "Intermuseum". The project will reveal to the public an unknown facet of the life of professional diplomats, who will show their vision of the world in their artistic works.

This year, 100 works from about 20 embassies of Asian, African, Middle Eastern, Latin American and CIS countries came to the exhibition, their authors were heads and employees of foreign diplomatic missions, as well as their family members. The exhibition also features works by contemporary artists. The exhibition will be held from May 20 to 23, 2026 in the new building of the Tretyakov Gallery (Kadashevskaya Embankment, 12).

Nice apartment: the audience was invited to visit the avant-gardists

The exhibition at the Zotov Center recreates the house of artists of the 1920s

Commenting on the controversy surrounding Russia's participation in the Venice Biennale, Senator from the Italian League party Manuel Vescovi noted on May 17 that exclusions and the construction of barriers lead to nothing, a reasonable approach is to restore dialogue with Russia. Vescovi added that when he was vice-chairman of the Italian delegation to the Council of Europe, it was decided to end the dialogue with the Russian Federation. Then, according to him, the European parliamentarians deprived themselves of the opportunity to communicate with their Russian colleagues, and such a decision did not turn out to be fruitful.