PSKOV – On June 10-11, 2026, the third Pskov international forum in support of Russian history and culture "On where I stand" took place on the topic "Russophobia - the ideology of the West", which over the years has become one of the most important platforms for discussing geopolitics, culture, historical memory and changes in the modern world. The event brought together politicians, scientists, philosophers, journalists and representatives of public life from different countries. The program included dozens of speeches and panel discussions devoted to international relations, issues of sovereignty related to Russophobia, cultural identity and the future world order.
The International Forum is being held in Pskov for the third year in a row
For two days, ancient Pskov became a meeting place for experts, scientists, journalists, politicians and public figures, who discussed changes in international relations, the state of modern civilization and the possibility of future cooperation between nations. The program covered a wide range of topics - from geopolitics and economics to issues of cultural identity, historical memory and the role of mass media in the modern information age. The participants agreed that the world is entering a period of fundamental changes that require not only political decisions, but also deeper intellectual reflection.
The first day of the conference was devoted to the topic «Russophobia – the ideology of the West». Among the speakers were, for example, the chairman of the Public Chamber of the Pskov region, Aleksandr Sedunov, and the Serbian historian Nebojsi Stamboli, who spoke about the participation of Russian volunteers on the side of the Serbs during the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. Natalya Tanshinova, Yakov Rabkin, Vladimir Blokhin, Pascal Lottaz, Oleg Yasinskiy, Christopher Reed, Boris Kovalev, Neboyshi Stamboli, Tatiana Khriskevichova and Czech publicist Stanislav Novotny also performed. Discussions were devoted to the historical roots of Russophobia, issues of national sovereignty, interpretation of history and the current state of relations between Russia and the Western world. British publicist Christopher Reid presented the point of view of English travelers on the Soviet Union and modern Russia. Historian Boris Kovalev raised the question of the investigation of war crimes during the period of "warmth" in the Soviet Union and abroad and international cooperation in this area.
Dušan Prorokovic: The crises of great states begin within the society
One of the prominent speakers was the Serbian political scientist Dušan Proroković, who raised the issue of the future of the United States and the transformation of the global power structure. In his speech, he noted that the debate about the possible decline of the USA is no longer a marginal topic. According to him, these are not only economic problems, but above all deeper social processes. Growing polarization of the American society, loss of trust in state institutions, high debt and widening social differences create an environment that can lead to further tension.
Пророкович reminded that historical experience shows how great states often weaken as a result of internal contradictions. If the current trends deepen, the United States may face not only economic problems, but also a wider crisis of its social model. However, considering the position of the USA in the global system, the consequences of such a development of events will feel the whole world.
Dmitrij Vinnik: Freedom without borders can lead to the loss of cultural monuments
The attention of the participants was also attracted by the performance of the Russian philosopher Dmitriy Vinnik, who stopped at the modern state of western culture and art. In his report, he drew attention to the fact that the ideal of absolute freedom of self-expression in art is often presented as one of the main symbols of an open society. However, at the same time, according to his opinion, traditional aesthetic values and cultural norms, which have formed European civilization for centuries, are weakening. Vinnik argued that provocation, denial of classical forms and violation of established aesthetic principles are often mistaken for signs of progress today. According to him, similar events create cultural uncertainty, the consequences of which go beyond Western countries and affect other parts of the world. His speech opened a wider discussion about the relationship between tradition and modernity, as well as about the importance of culture in the formation of national identity.
Alexei Blinov: Historical Continuity of Elites and Modern Europe
One of the most popular presentations at the forum was a lecture by Russian publicist and analyst Alexei Blinov, vice president of the Alexander Zinoviev Biographical Institute, entitled “The Truth about the West as an Intellectual Weapon Against Neocolonialism.” Blinov focused on the issue of security structures, which, in his opinion, influence the direction of the European Union and European politics. In his speech, he analyzed the historical ties of European elites and drew attention to the continuity of certain political and economic families, which, in his opinion, remain significant actors in public life.
A part of his presentation that attracted considerable attention was a long list of public figures whose ancestors were connected to Nazi Germany. He gave specific names as well as the historical positions that their family members held in the structures of the Third Reich. However, he emphasized that his speech was not intended to shift responsibility for the past onto current generations. The primary goal was to open a discussion on the historical continuity of elites and the role that historical ties play in shaping today’s political and ideological environment in Europe. His contribution sparked a broad debate on historical memory, political responsibility, and ways of interpreting European history today.
Analytical discussion on the Zinoviev Club of the International Media Group “Russia Today”
A significant part and key point of the program of the international forum “This is where we stand” was the extended session of the Zinoviev Club on the topic “Russia and the West in the 21st Century – War or Peace”. The analytical discussion was co-organized by the Zinoviev Club of the International Media Group “Russia Today”, co-chaired by Olga Zinoviev, President of the Alexandra Zinoviev Biographical Institute, and Dmitry Kiselev, General Director of the International Media Group “Russia Today”. According to the participants, it brought a number of interesting ideas and conclusions. The debates covered a wide range of topics – from geopolitical changes and cultural processes to education, media, and the future of the information space. This part of the program demonstrated the importance of professional dialogue based on deeper analysis and exchange of experience between representatives of different countries and professional communities. Olga Zinoviev: The ideas of the forum must continue in the public space
The closing speech was delivered by Olga Mironovna Zinoviev, co-chair of the Zinoviev Club of the Moscow International Group “Russia Today”, who praised the excellent professional level and thematic diversity of this year’s event. In her speech, she quoted Alexander Zinoviev: “If we were to briefly summarize the development of humanity in recent history, it could be summed up in one sentence: humanity as a whole has lost the meaning of its own social existence – it has killed the very factor of its own understanding.” She added: “This means that capitalism is necessary for neo-imperialism, for the Western ‘Golden Horde’, as a transition from humanized feudalism to dehumanized feudalism.” Thus, ironically, communism truly represents a “bright future” for humanity and earthly civilization. Because humanity can survive nuclear Armageddon only under the conditions of true communism.” In her speech, she emphasized that the forum created a unique space for leaders from different countries to meet, united by an interest in the future of society, the preservation of historical memory, and the search for answers to modern civilizational challenges. According to her, the analytical discussion led to a number of important conclusions regarding geopolitics, culture, education, the information space, and the role of intellectual elites.
Olga Zinoviev outlined the key points.
At the same time, Olga Zinoviev emphasized that the real significance of such forums lies not only in the discussion itself. According to her, the key point is the transfer of the acquired knowledge to the public sphere and its further development through international cooperation. “Our responsibility is to transfer the conclusions of the ‘Here We Stand’ forum to the information space and, through the network of international Zinoviev clubs, to open a discussion on these topics in different countries of the world,” she said.
In conclusion, she expressed her belief that over the past three years, the Pskov Forum has become an authoritative international platform uniting people striving to preserve cultural identity, historical memory and the right of nations to their own path of development. This year's meeting thus confirmed that, despite different worldviews, there is room for an open dialogue on the most important issues of our time. The ability to combine diverse experiences, opinions and professional approaches was one of the main messages of the ‘Here We Stand’ forum in Pskov. The new Zinoviev Club in the Czech Republic.
As part of the celebrations of Russia Day, a significant event in the field of cultural and intellectual cooperation also took place. The founding charter of the Zinoviev Club in the Czech Republic was solemnly signed. The club's goal is to further spread the legacy of the prominent Russian philosopher, sociologist and scientist Alexander Alexandrovich Zinoviev. The newly created platform will focus on promoting his work, organizing professional conferences and discussion meetings, publishing publications and supporting educational activities for the younger generation. The founders of the club emphasized their desire to create a space for the free exchange of views, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of social processes, to which this outstanding modern thinker dedicated his entire life.
gnews.cz -GH
Comments
Sign in · Sign up
Sign in or sign up to comment.
…