‘Beautiful women and no cancel culture’: Russia welcomes expats with bizarre new video

Looking for a change of scene?

Russia’s “beautiful women, cheap gas, and traditional values” await you, according to a bizarre new video shared by a Russian embassy.

The 53 second clip urges foreigners to “move to Russia” by listing the country’s supposed virtues.

“This is Russia,” a disembodied voiceover declares, accompanied by stirring music.

Stock footage of women, natural landscapes, and sculptures fill the screen.

“Delicious cuisine, beautiful women, cheap gas, rich history,” the voice booms.

“World-famous literature, unique architecture, fertile soil, cheap electricity and water.

“Traditional values, Christianity, no cancel culture, hospitality, vodka.”

If you can resist the irresistible combination of ‘cheap taxi and delivery’ and ‘ballet,’ the video has one more draw card.

“Economy that can withstand thousands of sanctions,” the voice boasts.

This is the video’s only overt reference to the war in Ukraine. Almost six months after Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, the conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.

Ironically, the first shot of the video - a shot of a coat of arms at the Ukraine Pavilion in a Moscow exhibition centre - features Ukrainian script.

The video ends on a baffling note, urging would-be immigrants to hurry up.

“Move to Russia. Don’t delay - winter is coming, the video urges.

It’s unclear whether this is a reference to a catchphrase from the popular TV show Game of Thrones.

Some commentators have interpreted the line as a reference to Russia’s control of much of Europe’s gas supply.

“Does “Winter is coming” mean they might stop pumping gas to Europe (or otherwise spread more misery)?” tweeted American author Kurt Anderson.

How has the Russian video been received online?

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