According to a professor at the Research Centre for Canada and the Soviet Successor States of Carleton University, the Union of Artists is now known as the Union of Russian Artists (20 Sept. 1993). It is no longer the only artists' union but is simply one of many.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Research Centre for Canada and the Soviet Successor States, Carleton University, Ottawa. 20 September 1993. Telephone interview with Professor.