Russian Culture Abroad & Identity: Georgian National Ballet “Sukhishvili” chief Nino Sukhishvili issued an appeal amid accusations and reiterated she will not go to Russia on behalf of the state ensemble, framing the issue as tense and not worth escalating. Cultural Diplomacy & Exhibitions: The Smithsonian’s traveling show “Americans,” co-presented with the National Museum of the American Indian, is set to tour Florida communities including Fort Myers (Dec. 12–Feb. 6), exploring how Indigenous identity is woven into U.S. popular culture. Language & Literature: A new international Russian-language writing contest, “Russky Glagol,” has opened for submissions, aiming to draw writers and translators from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Arts Administration: Tampa’s Gasparilla Arts named a four-person selection jury for its 2027 Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, bringing museum, academic, and working-artist perspectives. Education & Rights: UNESCO reports 2.4 million Afghan girls have been denied secondary education since the Taliban returned in 2021, warning the figure could approach 4 million by 2030 if bans remain. Russian Cultural Institutions Under Scrutiny: Germany’s “Russian House” in Berlin remains at the center of legal and political disputes over alleged links to Russian intelligence, with authorities reviewing its treaty basis.