"The Princess Dashkova Russian Centre at the University of Edinburgh seeks to advance knowledge in the field of Russian language studies and to foster a broader cultural understanding of Russia through research, academic training and knowledge exchange," Public Relations Manager for Edinburgh University Ronald Kerr said.
Kerr said that the center retained freedom of action in all aspects of its activities, the principle of academic freedom being at the heart of its operation. He said it prided itself in bringing together a wide range of views and opinions.
Kerr also said that the Princess Dashkova Centre was merely one of many across the UK that received partial funding from the Russkiy Mir Foundation.
"The Princess Dashkova Centre is one of several centres based in universities in the UK which work in partnership with the Russkiy Mir Foundation. It is supported by a number of sources, including the British Council, UK research councils and various private donors," Kerr said.
Edd McCracken, a spokesman for the University of Edinburgh, told Sputnik, "The future of the Centre is not in question."
The Times story appeared in the run-up to the launch of the Sputnik Radio studio in Edinburgh which began live broadcasting Wednesday.
