Russian Deputy Culture Minister Warns of Anti-Russian Provocations at Venice Architecture Biennale

Russian Deputy Culture Minister Vladimir Aristarkhov has publicly warned Russian participants and visitors to the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale, opening May 25, to be vigilant against possible anti-Russian provocations. Citing the Skripal poisoning case, Aristarkhov stated that other countries will stop at nothing to provoke Russia. The remarks cast a shadow over the Russian Pavilion, curated by Semyon Mikhailovsky, who denied any government pressure on his work. The pavilion's exhibition, titled 'Station Russia,' focuses on the history and future of Russian railways, funded entirely by the state transport company with no government money. Mikhailovsky, appointed curator in 2016 through 2021, emphasized his independence and stated that the project was not submitted to the culture ministry for approval. The controversy highlights the strained relations between Russia and the West, reminiscent of the Cold War era.