Marharyta Sytnyk, co-founder of the public initiative Holka and author of the Bridges of Ukraine project, stated this on Espreso TV."Culture in the hands of an aggressor is a powerful tool of influence, which it has used, is using, and, unfortunately, will continue to use. Manuals from 1968, created by the KGB, defined culture as 'soft power,' one of the key elements for influencing policy and a strategic direction of foreign economic activity.An analysis of modern Russian documents also shows that culture is an instrument of soft power, as well as the use of Russians living abroad and foreigners who sympathize with Russia. Their loyalty is often bought with Russian money, and this is also a serious means of influence," noted Sytnyk.According to the co-founder of the Holka initiative, one of Russia's leading cultural figures, the director of the Hermitage Museum, directly states that Russian culture is a "special military operation." And the Kremlin does not hide this—they speak openly and use it accordingly."At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, a large network of Russian cultural centers operated in many countries, but some of them were forced to close due to sanctions. However, the Russians continue to open such centers in other regions—particularly in the Middle East and the countries of the Global South, where we are also fighting for our own agency and influence.Colossal funds are still being poured into these projects to form and support the image of 'great Russian culture,' which, unfortunately, foreigners still admire and which still has influence," emphasized Sytnyk.