Vladimir Rostislavovich Medinsky is a Russian politician, political scientist and historian who currently serves as an Aide to President Vladimir Putin. Previously, he has served as the Minister of Culture from May 2012 to January 2020. He was a member of the 4th and 5 State Duma from 2004 to 2011. He has been a member of the General Council of the United Russia party since 2017. Medinsky has the federal state civilian service rank of 1st class Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation.