06.06.2026

Russian Language Day Brings Students from Nine Countries Together

On June 5, 2026, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University (IKBFU) celebrated Russian Language and Culture Day with a festive programme dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Kaliningrad Region. The event brought together students from the region's leading higher education institutions: IKBFU, Ushakov Baltic Higher Naval School, Kaliningrad State Technical University, and the Kaliningrad branch of St Petersburg State Agrarian University.

The highlight of the day was the traditional Russian poetry recitation competition, now in its ninth year. In 2026, the competition set an all‑time record: more than 55 international students from nine countries recited poems in Russian. Participants represented India, China, Ecuador, Colombia, Mozambique, Cameroon, Guinea‑Bissau, Côte d'Ivoire, and Burundi.

The audience heard immortal verses by Marina Tsvetaeva, Sergei Yesenin, and Robert Rozhdestvensky, as well as poems dedicated to Kaliningrad and original works written by the students themselves

Yana Vorozheina, Vice-Rector for Social and Humanitarian Policy and Regional Cooperation:
Anyone who comes to us from abroad, loves the Russian language, and respects our culture is already a true friend of Russia. I am delighted to welcome you to our university and to celebrate this wonderful occasion with you. Your professors are also present in this hall — they are true ambassadors of Russian culture, and they have prepared you for this day. Let us offer them our sincere gratitude for their hard work. Yes, there is an element of competition, and winners will be determined. Nevertheless, my advice to you is this: do not be anxious about the rankings. Instead, take genuine pleasure in your encounter with Russian culture. Today, every one of you here is already a winner.

Yana Vorozheina, Vice-Rector for Social and Humanitarian Policy and Regional Cooperation:

Anyone who comes to us from abroad, loves the Russian language, and respects our culture is already a true friend of Russia. I am delighted to welcome you to our university and to celebrate this wonderful occasion with you. Your professors are also present in this hall — they are true ambassadors of Russian culture, and they have prepared you for this day. Let us offer them our sincere gratitude for their hard work. Yes, there is an element of competition, and winners will be determined. Nevertheless, my advice to you is this: do not be anxious about the rankings. Instead, take genuine pleasure in your encounter with Russian culture. Today, every one of you here is already a winner.

The international audience was captivated by the folk ensemble "Zaryana." Performing traditional folk songs, the group showcased the depth and diversity of Russian musical folklore. The live music, ancient melodies, and bright folk costumes prompted a lively reaction — ending with a standing ovation.

Tatyana Tsvigun, Advisor to the Rectorate for Russian Language and Development of Humanitarian Education:
Over the course of your studies, you have become like family to us. Poetry is the language of the heart — of love, friendship and pride. Today, you will take the stage, speak beautifully, and share what matters most to you. Each of you once chose Russia for your education. We taught you our language and culture, and now you will share your souls with us — souls that have become a little Russian. Over the years, I have seen how valuable the bonds between Russian language teachers are, and how important our connections with one another. We hold in our hands the image of Russia that our students will carry home. The bond between teacher and student — between the one who guides and the one who follows — is very close. How wonderful that we meet on the eve of Russian Language Day and Alexander Pushkin's birthday. I am sure he has become dear to you too. I know we will laugh and cry today, and feel deeply for every performer. Being with you is endlessly fascinating — the way you feel the music, rhythm, and intonation of Russian is a priceless gift.

Tatyana Tsvigun, Advisor to the Rectorate for Russian Language and Development of Humanitarian Education:

Over the course of your studies, you have become like family to us. Poetry is the language of the heart — of love, friendship and pride. Today, you will take the stage, speak beautifully, and share what matters most to you. Each of you once chose Russia for your education. We taught you our language and culture, and now you will share your souls with us — souls that have become a little Russian. Over the years, I have seen how valuable the bonds between Russian language teachers are, and how important our connections with one another. We hold in our hands the image of Russia that our students will carry home. The bond between teacher and student — between the one who guides and the one who follows — is very close. How wonderful that we meet on the eve of Russian Language Day and Alexander Pushkin's birthday. I am sure he has become dear to you too. I know we will laugh and cry today, and feel deeply for every performer. Being with you is endlessly fascinating — the way you feel the music, rhythm, and intonation of Russian is a priceless gift.

Before the awards ceremony, the organisers held an interactive quiz for participants, testing their knowledge of Russian culture, history, and geography.

The evening ended with a cherished tradition: a heartfelt Russian tea party. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, over cups of tea and traditional treats, students from different countries gathered to talk, share their impressions, discuss their favourite poems, and experience Russian hospitality first‑hand.

This competition was just one chapter in the annual Russian Language Marathon — a journey that began on 22 May, Slavic Literature and Culture Day. For international students, the marathon is a key platform for showcasing language progress, practising public speaking, and exploring Russian literature.