Useful idiots 2.0: saving ‘great Russian literature’ from cancel culture or extolling Russian imperialism?

In early 2024, a new prize for independent (émigré) Russian literature was founded in Switzerland. With so many authors and their books banned in Putin’s Russia, it appears a laudable initiative. Yet, the prize’s goals reflect those of official Russian cultural propaganda and entirely disregard the context of Russia’s imperialist war on Ukraine. As a result, consciously or not, the prize’s founders and experts support Russian imperialism and colonial wars of conquest.