U.S. Embassy Moscow, Public Affairs Section FY 2023 Annual Program Statement (APS)

Overview

While waging an unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine, President Putin has systematically intensified repression inside Russia, shutting down independent media, restricting internet access, and punishing dissent with harsh prison terms. We recognize the terrible choice this presents for the Russian people who cannot make their voices heard. However, we do not hold the people of Russia responsible for President Putin’s actions, and cutting off contact with the Russian people does not serve the long-term interests of the United States. We welcome a future when Russia plays a constructive role in international affairs. To this end, the United States continues to pursue people-to-people exchanges and programs that welcome individual Russian students, scholars, and emerging civil society members to our academic institutions and our country to learn about American people, values, and institutions and to bring as many Russians as possible into contact with an affirmative image of America and Americans to build connections with the next generation of Russians.

Priority Programming Areas: 

• Media & Information: Projects that promote an understanding of freedom of the press, good journalistic practices, increased access to information, and improved media and digital literacy for the Russian people;
• Sharing America: Projects that promote an understanding of the American values of democracy, freedom of expression, and an open society, as well as proposals that increase the understanding of America’s diverse cultures and groups; 
• Empowering Women & Minorities: Projects that support women and minority rights and persons with disabilities;
• Environment & Space: Projects that promote improvements, innovation, advancement, and collaboration in the areas of space and the environment;
• English Language Learning & Teaching: Projects that support innovative, interactive teaching and learning of the English language. Projects that support ongoing efforts of the Regional English Language Office will be especially welcome.

Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time on or before 6:00 pm Moscow time/11:00 am EST, March 21, 2023. No applications will be accepted after that date.