A personal statement by the Science Museum Group Director, Sir Ian Blatchford:
‘In response to the suffering of the people of Ukraine during the Russian invasion, I have taken the personal decision to return a Russian cultural decoration received in 2015.
The Pushkin Medal marked the success of the Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age exhibition at the Science Museum. This landmark exhibition was the first ever scholarly survey of the pioneering achievement of Russian cosmonauts and scientists in space exploration. It was made possible by the expertise and dedication of colleagues in the Science Museum Group and many people in cultural and scientific organisations in Russia, who retain my gratitude and respect. We had hoped to mark an important part of 20th century history and also foster stronger progressive links between the UK and Russia.
However, I cannot keep a medal that was handed out in the name of the Russian state by Vladimir Putin, who is responsible for this war. My enduring admiration for the Russian people themselves, and their cultural and scientific achievements, is undiminished.
I know I speak for all my colleagues in the Science Museum Group, when I say we stand united in opposition to this conflict and in support of all those impacted by Russia’s invasion.’
