"Russia is open to the world": the II Catherine Forum was held at the National Centre RUSSIA

---

The II Catherine Forum, dedicated to the integration of foreign nationals, the role of Russia in preserving traditional spiritual and moral values, and the historical legacy of Catherine II, was held on 20 December at the National Centre RUSSIA. This year, particular attention was paid to the implementation of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated 17 September 2025 No. 655, marking the celebration of the 300th anniversary of Catherine II’s birth. The forum participants discussed shaping Russia’s image as a new centre of civilisations and a guardian of traditional values, as well as ways to reduce integration barriers for those wishing to move to the country.

The participants of the II Catherine Forum were addressed by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The head of state noted that on this day the National Centre RUSSIA was welcoming representatives of government authorities, interethnic and national cultural associations, as well as scientific, expert, and educational organisations. The forum agenda, he said, covers a wide range of issues related to the development of international humanitarian cooperation and support for foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in Russia.

"On the eve of the 300th anniversary of Catherine II, you are to discuss the historical significance of her multifaceted activities for the socio-economic development of our state, and above all the manifestos of 1762 and 1763, which provided foreigners with broad opportunities for living and working in our country. I would like to emphasise that the strength and appeal of the Russian World have always lain in its openness and respect for all distinctive traditions and cultures. Today, we see that millions of people across all continents share these approaches. Therefore, we will continue to support our compatriots and foreign nationals who remain committed to traditional spiritual and moral values, giving priority attention to improving relevant legislation," the head of state noted.

The Catherine Forum is a place where Russia’s foreign friends gather — those who share values, respect the country, and care about it, said the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation, Magomedsalam Magomedov. He noted that many of the forum participants have already become citizens of Russia.

Magomedsalam Magomedov emphasised that Russia is open and friendly to those who think, feel, and view the world through shared values with the country. According to him, Russia is one of the few countries in the world that consistently and resolutely defends its values. At the same time, across much of the West, a certain reassessment is taking place, with ideas alien to traditional values being imposed. There are many people to whom Russia’s position is close, and Russia will always be a home for those who are ready to stand together with it in defence of these values.

Relying on traditional values, multinational unity, and the support of the President, Russia is steadily strengthening its internal cohesion and state institutions, said Vladimir Vasilyev, Chairman of the Assembly of Peoples of Russia and Head of the United Russia faction in the State Duma. According to him, the country is successfully addressing interethnic and social challenges, engaging society in national development, and preparing for future challenges through systematic work, dialogue with citizens, and responsible public policy.

"Our President pays very close attention to these issues. I would like to emphasise in particular that during the special military operation — a period when, it would seem, all the contradictions within our society should have come to the fore — everything unfolded in exactly the opposite way, not as those who sought to defeat us had expected. There is a very important point here: during the special military operation, 486 servicemen were awarded the title of Hero of Russia. Among them are representatives of 27 nationalities. And what is especially important is that 77 Heroes are ethnic Ukrainians. They say that Russia is conducting an unjust, aggressive special military operation. Seventy-seven Heroes of Russia are ethnic Ukrainians. Think about that. These are precisely the traditional values that have already been discussed today. There is no falsehood at the front. This is an enormous potential, and we will certainly make use of it," Vladimir Vasilyev emphasised.

The Russian World and Russia’s values are expressed through respect for people’s cultural identity, compassion, care for one’s neighbour, and a unifying language, said the Director of the Department of Information and Press and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Maria Zakharova. She noted that in difficult situations, including war and crises, the human factor comes to the fore, demonstrating the best qualities — mutual assistance and brotherhood, regardless of nationality or citizenship.

"We value what is our own, we preserve it, and where we can, we help. Love, friendship, empathy, compassion, family, special attention to children — to all children, regardless of their nationality, religion, or their parents’ names. We speak about this not only verbally, but also enshrine it in legislation, so that these values can be passed on to future generations, so that the life ahead is framed from a legal perspective, and so that it is easier for those who join our space. Every day, life sets new challenges, goals, and objectives before us," Maria Zakharova said.

During the plenary session titled "Russia — a Space of Opportunities. Preserving Values, Creating the Future", speakers also included Senator, member of the Committee on International Affairs, Hero of Russia Alexander Karelin; President of the Federal National Cultural Autonomy of the Russian Germans and member of the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations Konstantin Matis; Chair of the General Council of the Assembly of Peoples of the World and member of the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations Svetlana Smirnova; Deputy Head of the Service for Citizenship and Registration of Foreign Nationals of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation Valentina Kazakova; Director of the "Young Professionals" track at the ANO "Agency for Strategic Initiatives to Promote New Projects" Alexander Vaino; and a descendant of the line of Catherine II, German journalist, President of Deutsche Lebensbrücke e.V. in Munich and board member of the Almanach de Gotha in London, Prince Eduard von Anhalt.

On the same day, a formal ceremony was held to present passports of the Russian Federation to five resettlers: Alexandra Tara McCabe (United States), Pierre Olivier Charles Manod (France), Danila Ivanovich (Serbia), Dmitry Mikhailovich Yurovsky (Germany), and Andrei Gennadyevich Noskov (Germany). The new citizens received their passports and copies of the Constitution of the Russian Federation in the presence of the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia, Magomedsalam Magomedov, and the Deputy Head of the Service for Citizenship and Registration of Foreign Nationals of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, Valentina Kazakova.

Several expert sessions were held at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the II Catherine Forum. In particular, the "Humanitarian Resettlers" session took place, where foreigners from Western countries living in Russia shared their experiences of relocation and adaptation. Many admitted that their previous perceptions of the country had been shaped by stereotypes, which were completely dismantled by personal experience. Participants highlighted people’s openness and friendliness, a high level of safety, a comfortable urban environment, and growing interest in Russia as a country for permanent residence and raising children.

One of the key reasons for relocating, according to the foreigners, was the preservation of traditional family values in Russia, which, in their view, are gradually being eroded in the West. Russia is perceived by them as a stable society with clear reference points and historical continuity. Particular emphasis was placed on a sense of social support and safety, especially in major cities, where, as participants noted, it is possible to live calmly and raise children.

The "Humanitarian Resettlers" session featured the following speakers: the author of the Telegram channel "An Englishman on Russians and Life in Russia", UK citizen Craig Ashton; American IT specialist and former top executive at Microsoft Jozef Schutzman; writer and publicist, former assistant to former US President Joe Biden Tara Reade; author and host of the blog "The Most Russian American" Tim Kirby; British environmental consultant and co-founder of the expat club The Bridge Club Guy Eames; Director General and founder of Moscow Connect, an ecosystem of the brands The Bridge, Rumove, and Recruitified, Philip Hutchinson; French businessman and founder of the Ruspatriation project Alexander Stefanesco; Chair of the Way Home project Svetlana Anokhina-Rose; Coordinator of the Centre for Assistance to Resettlers from Western Countries Anatoly Bublik; and the Commissioner under the Governor of the Pskov region for Work with Compatriots and Migration Issues Yelena Polonskaya.

As part of the "Russia’s Media Image" session, experts discussed mechanisms for overcoming stereotypes about Russia in the international information space and strategies for promoting an objective image of the country, the Russian World, and culture through modern media tools. The moderator of the discussion, Director of the Department for Government Relations at RUTUBE Igor Pavlov, noted that a media image is shaped by many factors, including political decisions, managerial steps, and media traces that influence perceptions of the country. Representatives of TASS and RT emphasised the importance of accuracy, quality, and timeliness of information, global presence, and the ability to offer an alternative point of view to a global audience, despite pressure from Western countries.

Russian-American blogger Alexandra Jost spoke about her mission to dismantle Western stereotypes about Russia through her blog and everyday content, and to show the country’s culturally rich, welcoming, and human side. Retired US Marine Corps intelligence officer and military analyst Scott Ritter added that music, cinema, art, and humour are effective tools of dialogue and "soft power" capable of bringing peoples together; however, he stressed that Russia should use them cautiously, protecting its civilisational identity and taking into account the potential manipulative influence of the West.

The Forum was held at the National Centre RUSSIA and focused on the integration of foreign citizens, the preservation of traditional spiritual and moral values, and the legacy of Catherine the Great. The organisers of the II Catherine Forum were the All-Russian Public and State Organisation "Assembly of Peoples of Russia" and the Federal National Cultural Autonomy of Russian Germans.