250th Anniversary of U.S. Independence Celebrated in Kuskovo Despite Everything

A gala evening dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence took place on July 4, 2026, at the Open‑Air Theatre of the Kuskovo Estate. The event brought together over 120 people from the United States and other unfriendly countries who share a constructive position toward Russia and its values, as well as Russian public figures.

The event was supported by the World Peoples Assembly, the Peace Foundation, and the American Club in Russia.

- Human dialogue, mutual understanding, and sincere respect can exist and thrive despite any political barriers, — the organizers noted. — Today's event is an important step toward strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of Russia and the United States. The focus is on the origins of friendship between our countries and, what is especially significant, on supporting those Americans and citizens of other nations who have linked their destiny with Russia.

The choice of venue for the evening was deeply symbolic. Kuskovo is a gem of 18th‑century Russian architecture, an estate created by Count Pyotr Sheremetev in the 1750s‑1770s. It was here, in an estate that is the same age as those distant events being celebrated in the United States today, that music once again resounded and people gathered for whom the ideals of freedom, friendship, and mutual respect are close.

Opening the evening, host Elena Branson, Chair of the American Club in Russia and author of the program "Conversations with Branson," reminded those present of Russia's historical role in the United States' attainment of independence. In 1780, Catherine the Great proclaimed the Declaration of Armed Neutrality, which in effect protected the trade of the young United States from the British blockade.

- On this festive evening, we want Americans who have chosen Russia to feel the most important thing: you are not alone. We respect your choice, we support you, and we cherish that you share our values and our life with us, — Elena Branson emphasized.

Co‑organizer of the evening, Deputy Secretary‑General of the World Peoples Assembly, Candidate of Philosophical Sciences, Valery Ruzin welcomed the guests and conveyed congratulations from the Secretary‑General of the World Peoples Assembly, Andrey Belyaninov, on U.S. Independence Day:

- In the current political situation, when representatives of the authorities from many once‑civilized countries choose the language of war over dialogue, all hope rests only on public diplomacy. Thank you to everyone who supports intercultural dialogue even in these difficult times!

During the evening, the following also spoke:

• Rick Sanchez - American and Russian journalist, RT host, who worked for over 40 years at Fox News and CNN;

• John Varoli - former correspondent for The New York Times and Bloomberg, who moved to Russia in 2024.

They continued the discussion on the importance of preserving human dialogue, the value of mutual respect, and ensuring that Russia remains open to those who share traditional spiritual and moral values and strive for constructive cooperation.

The highlight of the evening was a performance by the jazz ensemble "Orchestra of Dreams and Daria Marenova." For two hours, guests enjoyed open‑air jazz in the atmosphere of an ancient park, surrounded by candles and historic pavilions. A pleasant surprise for the guests was an impromptu performance by Igor Shpynov, Advisor to the Secretary‑General of the World Peoples Assembly - he sang several songs in French. The performance drew particular delight from the French guests present that evening.

Concluding the celebration, Valery Ruzin expressed the hope that the meeting would open a new, bright page in the history of relations between peoples for all participants and invited those present to join the World Peoples Assembly to continue building bridges of mutual understanding together.

For additional information, please visit the official website of the World Peoples Assembly or contact via email at media@world-assembly.org.