Culture & economy: which is more important for Russia?

Cultural victories mean just as much to Russia as economic expansion figures and the country's success on the international scene.

Addressing a Tuesday awards ceremony that gathered Russian literary and artistic folk, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that such cultural victories are essential for people-"They make them proud of their country and its achievements," he said.

Nowadays, Russian musicians and artists have an opportunity to work the way their talent and their notion of what is beautiful and just bid them, noted the president.

Spectacular premieres, new popular editions and books, modern architectural ensembles and non-traditional design have become an integral part of Russia's nationwide upsurge, he said.

"This is another chance for us to make sure that a country's authority and society's dignity were, and always will be, based on spiritual and cultural values," Putin emphasized.