Recently in Austria there was a significant event for the International Russophile Movement (IRM) – the grand opening of a local branch. This warm gathering was held in Vienna at the iconic and luxurious Sala Terrena, a venue where Mozart himself once played and is considered the oldest concert hall in the historic city. The establishment of the IRM chapter in Austria aims to create a positive atmosphere for further dialog with Russia through cultural and public initiatives.

The main topic of discussion at the branch opening was strengthening relations with Russian compatriots worldwide. Speaking of which, many from around our planet travelled to Austria for the grand opening. Russophiles from different countries arrived in Vienna, among them were representatives from Slovakia, Albania, Cameroon, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Germany.

The event was kicked off by a greeting from the Russian Ambassador to Austria D.E. Lyubinsky. Mr. Lyubinsky’s words were as follows…

“Dear friends! (Today these words sound more sincere than ever),

From the bottom of my heart I am glad to welcome you to the opening of the Austrian Branch of the International Russophile Movement in Vienna. It is gratifying that two years after its establishment, the Movement has finally reached this Alpine republic, being one of the first chapters to be started in an unfriendly country within the confines of the EU. For us, this came as no surprise.

Over the past years, overshadowed by the deep degradation of bilateral Russian-Austrian relations, that was certainly not on our initiative, one thing has remained unchanged – the genuine interest and respect of Austrians for our country, which no Brussels propaganda or local political machinations can influence.

The attempts of the “Collective West” to isolate our country in the international arena, to “cancel” Russian culture and all things Russian, have ultimately failed. Not least of all, much has been accomplished in rebuking these attempts thanks to the active position of representatives of the Russophile Movement, which today operates in more than 130 countries around the world. Civil society turns out to be wiser and more far-sighted than so-called political elites.

The traditions of friendship, respect for other peoples, historical, spiritual and moral guidelines and values common to all world religions and civilizations trigger a lively positive response among the inhabitants of all continents and countries, including Europe and Austria. This is reflected not only in our efforts to strengthen the Multipolar World Order, to develop cooperation in such associations as BRICS, the SCO, the EAEU, the CIS or the G20, but also with non-governmental organizations and foundations, as well as with constructively-minded activists.

Your meeting is taking place on the eve of a special date for Russia, the post-Soviet space and the entire continent – the 80th anniversary of our victory in the Great Patriotic War. It is a special honor and responsibility to celebrate it here, in a city liberated by the Red Army. At the moment we are working hard to prepare and implement a wide and diverse program that will allow us to honor the memory of both the victims of the war and our ancestor-heroes who ended it. We look forward to your participation in our memorial events. We are always open and positively inclined to support your initiatives and activities on this and other topics.

I wish the Austrian Chapter and the International Russophile Movement good luck and success.”

The microphone was then passed to the head of the Austrian Chapter. In his opening words he thanked the audience for the great interest in the event, which was visible in the crowded hall and the large number of representatives of different organizations that attended. Many kind words and forms of congratulations were received by the organizers of the event.

From here there was much optimistic discussion of based on the themes of cooperation between Russophiles worldwide and how the mental plague of “cancel culture” can be stopped.  Various valuable ideas popped up in the discussion along with much “food for thought” to be further worked out in detail in future meetings.

The official part of the event ended with a musical program. The “Kalinka Ensemble” created a good mood for all present with their Russian ethnic music and energy.

After the grand opening ended, the members of the delegation visited the Russian Church of St. Nicholas at the Russian Embassy, as well as the Soviet Army Monument, which are important symbols of Russian-Austrian historical ties. In addition, a gathering was held with Dmitry Koreneev, head of the “Immortal Regiment” movement in Austria, where they discussed the prospects for joint initiatives to “preserve historical memory”.

The opening ceremony of the branch of the International Russophile Movement in Austria was an important step towards strengthening cultural and social ties between the two countries and to promote Russian culture and history abroad. We cannot let the trendy madness of Russophobia in the halls of power of Europe create hatred and divide people who would otherwise live in a state of mutual respect. Austria as a nation has been a true symbol of culture for the world and we should not allow it to fall off the cliff into the abyss of racism so prevalent in the hearts of western politicians.