To the Editor:

“Softening Russia’s Image With Art and Cash” (front page, Oct. 7) was shocking in its distortion of the role that Russian culture and history play in our country. American policy favors sanctions, but not isolating Russians and portraying that country in the most hostile light possible.

Let’s be clear: Both countries can annihilate each other if their mutual enmity keeps escalating. Mistake or miscalculation could easily result in a nuclear blunder. The only prudent path is enhanced understanding through cultural exchange and political dialogue.

That is what we are attempting at Fort Ross in California, a state park that commemorates a 19th-century Russian settlement and sponsors annual dialogues to promote better relations with Russia. Much more of that is needed.

Jerry Brown

Williams, Calif.

The writer, the former governor, helped organize and spoke at the annual Fort Ross Dialogue.