On November 27, the Austrian branch of the International Movement of Russophiles (IMR) was inaugurated in Vienna. Delegates from various countries, including Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Albania, Bulgaria, Kenya, and Cameroon, attended the event. The forum took place in the historic Ferdinandihof building. The event was opened by the head of the Austrian IMR branch, Patrick Poppel, who thanked the numerous guests for their response to the invitation and emphasized that the attendees represented various organizations and social strata, united by shared ideas of supporting Russia.
The Secretary-General of IMR, Nikolai Malinov, addressed the attendees. He presented an overview of the IMR's creation and history, explained its main goals and objectives, and called on everyone to remain on the side of truth during these challenging times when supporting traditional values and a multipolar world can lead to persecution, arrest, and infringement of activists' rights.
The Slovak delegation included Ján Čarnogurský, former Prime Minister of Slovakia; Prof. Jozef Dolník and Jozef Bogdan, chairs of the Slovak and Czech IMR sections; and Nadezhda Yadryshnikova, Vice President of the European Fund for Slavic Literacy and Culture (EFSPaK). At the meeting, Nadezhda Yadryshnikova read a welcoming address from the EFSPaK President, Prof. I.I. Bondarenko, to the forum participants. The letter emphasized the importance of a united fight against Russophobia and the support of the Russian language, culture, and progressive ideas from Russia. Books published by EFSPaK were presented to IMR as a gift.
Speakers, both Russian-speaking and Austrian, highlighted that despite the complicated relations between Russia and Austria, both countries are finding ways to resolve the most pressing issues and approach their historical heritage with respect.
The evening and the historic atmosphere were enriched by a performance from the "Kalinka" ensemble.
