Russia–Malaysia Cultural Links: Malaysia says ties with Russia are at a “very high point,” citing cooperation in energy security, AI, quantum tech, education, disaster management and aerospace, with trade topping $3.6B in 2025. Culture Diplomacy in St. Petersburg: Bangladesh’s culture minister pushes deeper people-to-people exchanges with Russia in arts, education, research and music, while Palestinian officials use the St. Petersburg United Cultures forum to spotlight heritage protection in conflict zones. Arts & Education Cooperation: Malaysia also moves toward a cultural cooperation MoU with Russia after talks with Russia’s culture minister, aiming for showcases, professional exchanges, student links and cultural tourism. Indian Classical on Tour: Centenary Stage Company brings sitar/surbahar/tabla virtuoso Ustad Shafaat Khan to the U.S. for “Where East Meets West,” blending Indian classical and folk with flamenco and Western percussion. Propaganda in Schools: A German-language report says Russian patriotism textbooks urge children to “prepare to die,” equate homosexuality with pedophilia, and frame Europe as criminal—raising alarms about militarized education. Local Life Disruption: Parents in Nalchik complain that repairs at School No. 5 started after the school year began, forcing long commutes with no organized transport. War’s Human Cost: Ukraine’s Odesa region reports injuries and damage from Russian strikes, including attacks on civilian infrastructure.