This analogy has been used, but Pushkin's influence on Russian culture and literature is actually more extreme than any claim Shakespeare holds over English. You'll see monuments to Pushkin everywhere you go in Russia. You'll also hear him quoted (especially if you speak Russian) and find that seemingly inconsequential places have been made venerable historical sites if Pushkin wrote there, stayed there, or spat there.
Pushkin is considered the "father of Russian literature" because he chose to write his poems and stories in the language of the common people - that is, not surprisingly, Russian. However, this was revolutionary, considering that anyone who was someone (the aristocracy) spoke French in 19th century Russia.
Pushkin's work and life is integral to Russian culture. So don't travel to Russia without knowing who Pushkin is!
