Dear Washington Post readers:
I am happy to welcome all of you to the first issue of Trendline Russia, a landmark publication which I hope will become your guide and companion to Russia.
Trendline Russia offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of Russian life, discover the rich Russian culture, taste the air that Russians breathe, and read about issues that truly shape the day in the country. It will also provide comprehensive coverage of events inside Russia and on its approaches to complex international issues. Having worked in the U.S. for a long time, I know firsthand that old stereotypes about Russia die hard – just as oversimplified Cold War-style misconceptions about what is today a country with a developing democracy, dynamic economy, cutting-edge technology, high fashion and competitive sports.
I have no doubt that this supplement will give an insight into the hearts of Russians, who are, as I hope you will discover, not that different from Americans. Russia and America will celebrate 200 years of official bilateral relations next year, and are destined to cooperate closely in building a better world, a place without wars, where our children and grandchildren will be safe.
I hope this new media product from Russia, made possible thanks to the combined efforts of Rossiiskaya Gazeta and Russian News & Information Agency RIA Novosti, will appeal to its new readership. I would like to wish our readers a new and exciting Russian experience, and further professional achievements to the Trendline Russia staff. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Yuri Ushakov
Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the United States of America
