Putin has ordered the creation of a "Nobel Prize equivalent" in literature

Vladimir Putin endorsed the idea put forward by writer and propagandist Zakhar Prilepin to establish an international literary prize intended to serve as an alternative to the Nobel Prize, and promised to task the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with developing it.

Prilepin presented the proposal at a meeting of the Council on Culture. 

He stated that, in his opinion, the Nobel Prize had become a “political tool,” specifically citing the anti-war statements made by laureates after the start of the war against Ukraine.

The propagandist believes that the new prize should represent the interests of the so-called “global majority” and serve as an alternative to existing international awards.

Putin responded by stating that he would support the initiative and instruct the Foreign Ministry to work on it.

As a reminder, the Kremlin has expressed hope for new negotiations with Ukraine.

The Kremlin also commented on the upcoming talks in the U.S. without Russia’s participation.