Former Czech President Václav Klaus Refuses to Return Russian State Award

Former Czech President (2003-2013) Václav Klaus has condemned the manifestations of Russophobia in light of the events in Ukraine and has refused to respond to calls to return the Russian state award he received in 2007, the Pushkin Medal.

"I reject the cheap Russophobia that exists today, I reject the unconditional denial of Russian culture and such things," emphasized the politician.

According to Klaus, refusing the Russian award would be an infantile act, and he could only allow such a thing under the threat of death. Klaus became the first Czech citizen to be awarded the Pushkin Medal for his "services in bringing peoples closer together and preserving their cultural heritage."