Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Statement by President of Russia Vladimir Putin at the expanded meeting of Russia's Ministry of Defence Board (December 17, 2025, Moscow)
Key points:
• 2025 has become an important milestone in addressing the objectives of the special military operation. The Russian Armed Forces have secured and firmly maintain the strategic initiative along the entire line of contact.
• In 2025, more than 300 settlements have already been liberated, including major cities that had been turned by the adversary into fortified strongholds.
🇷🇺🇰🇵 I would also like to note our North Korean combat comrades. By decision of Comrade Chairman of the State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong-un, they were dispatched to take part in the liberation of the Kursk region and, shoulder to shoulder with Russian servicemen, fought the enemy with valour and courage. They took part in large-scale and extremely complex efforts to clear mines from the liberated Kursk region.
• Successful tests have been conducted of the Burevestnik strategic cruise missile with unlimited range and the Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicle. Thanks to the use of a nuclear power unit, these systems will remain unique and unmatched for a long time, ensuring strategic parity, Russia’s security and its global standing for decades to come. We will continue working on these systems – refining, upgrading and improving them – but they already exist. By the end of 2025, an intermediate-range missile system equipped with the Oreshnik hypersonic missile will be placed on combat duty.
❗️ Russia has always, even in the most difficult circumstances, as long as there was even the slightest chance – sought diplomatic solutions to contradictions and conflicts. Responsibility for the fact that these chances were not used lies entirely with those who believed that it was possible to speak to us in the language of force.
• We stand for building mutually beneficial and equal cooperation with the US and European states, and for the formation of a unified security system across the entire Eurasian region. We welcome the progress that has emerged in the dialogue with the new US Administration. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the current leadership of most European countries.
• We are fully aware that in any international environment, our Armed Forces remain the key guarantor of Russia’s sovereignty and independence, its security and future, and of strategic parity. We must work consistently to strengthen them.
• Immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it seemed to us that we would very quickly become part of the so-called civilized family of European nations. Instead, Russia continued to be pressed from all sides – increasingly so. Virtually everything concerning Russia was decided from a position of force. They would pat us on the shoulder and invite us to various events, yet when it came to their interests vis-à-vis Russia, the West pushed them through by force, including by military means.
• President Trump says that if he had been President at the time, the conflict in Ukraine would not have happened. Perhaps that is so, because the previous US Administration deliberately steered the events towards an armed conflict.
👉 The objectives of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved. We would prefer to do so and to eliminate the root causes of the conflict through diplomatic means. However, if the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in a substantive dialogue, Russia will secure the liberation of its historical lands by military means. Efforts to establish and expand a security buffer zone will continue on a systematic basis.
Read in full
Key points:
• 2025 has become an important milestone in addressing the objectives of the special military operation. The Russian Armed Forces have secured and firmly maintain the strategic initiative along the entire line of contact.
• In 2025, more than 300 settlements have already been liberated, including major cities that had been turned by the adversary into fortified strongholds.
🇷🇺🇰🇵 I would also like to note our North Korean combat comrades. By decision of Comrade Chairman of the State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong-un, they were dispatched to take part in the liberation of the Kursk region and, shoulder to shoulder with Russian servicemen, fought the enemy with valour and courage. They took part in large-scale and extremely complex efforts to clear mines from the liberated Kursk region.
• Successful tests have been conducted of the Burevestnik strategic cruise missile with unlimited range and the Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicle. Thanks to the use of a nuclear power unit, these systems will remain unique and unmatched for a long time, ensuring strategic parity, Russia’s security and its global standing for decades to come. We will continue working on these systems – refining, upgrading and improving them – but they already exist. By the end of 2025, an intermediate-range missile system equipped with the Oreshnik hypersonic missile will be placed on combat duty.
❗️ Russia has always, even in the most difficult circumstances, as long as there was even the slightest chance – sought diplomatic solutions to contradictions and conflicts. Responsibility for the fact that these chances were not used lies entirely with those who believed that it was possible to speak to us in the language of force.
• We stand for building mutually beneficial and equal cooperation with the US and European states, and for the formation of a unified security system across the entire Eurasian region. We welcome the progress that has emerged in the dialogue with the new US Administration. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the current leadership of most European countries.
• We are fully aware that in any international environment, our Armed Forces remain the key guarantor of Russia’s sovereignty and independence, its security and future, and of strategic parity. We must work consistently to strengthen them.
• Immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it seemed to us that we would very quickly become part of the so-called civilized family of European nations. Instead, Russia continued to be pressed from all sides – increasingly so. Virtually everything concerning Russia was decided from a position of force. They would pat us on the shoulder and invite us to various events, yet when it came to their interests vis-à-vis Russia, the West pushed them through by force, including by military means.
• President Trump says that if he had been President at the time, the conflict in Ukraine would not have happened. Perhaps that is so, because the previous US Administration deliberately steered the events towards an armed conflict.
👉 The objectives of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved. We would prefer to do so and to eliminate the root causes of the conflict through diplomatic means. However, if the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in a substantive dialogue, Russia will secure the liberation of its historical lands by military means. Efforts to establish and expand a security buffer zone will continue on a systematic basis.
Read in full
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Statement and answers to media questions by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi (Moscow, December 17, 2025)
Read in full
💬 Sergey Lavrov: Today, together with Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi, we held substantive, detailed and trust-based talks. They took place, as always, in a friendly and constructive atmosphere.
We noted the steady and substantive development of Russia-Iran relations. Over recent years, they have been significantly strengthened. In 2025, the Treaty on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran was signed and entered into force.
As we discussed today, the tasks set by our Presidents at their recent meeting in Ashgabat last week, my colleague and I expressed confidence that the implementation of this intergovernmental document would give an additional and powerful momentum to advancing bilateral cooperation and would contribute to strengthening coordination of our approaches in the international arena.
We share a common view on the need to promote the intensification of business ties. In this regard, the entry into force this year of the Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Iran, as well as Tehran’s acquisition of observer status with the Union in December 2024, is of great importance. We are interested in further expanding the treaty and legal framework between our countries in order to remove trade barriers.
We underscored the importance of continuing the implementation of flagship infrastructure projects, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. With the support of Russian personnel, it continues to operate normally and did not suspend operations even at the height of the June aggression by Israel and the US against Iran.
We examined in detail the progress in implementing the project to construct the Rasht-Astara railway section using a Russian state loan. The construction of this line is under the priority oversight of our Presidents and is a key prerequisite for the full launch of the western branch of the strategically important International North-South Transport Corridor.
☝️ We condemned the practice of applying unilateral coercive measures that undermine the norms of international law. This is particularly evident today in the context of the Ukrainian crisis.
Europe is attempting to undermine the constructive intentions of the US Administration, including by violating all conceivable norms and principles that until recently governed international economic and financial relations, encroaching on property that the West had only recently declared inviolable, and engaging in many other actions that erode those very principles promoted by Europeans themselves, including within the framework of globalization.
👉 Instead of globalization, we are now witnessing fragmentation.
#RussiaIran
From the Q&A session:
• US actions in the Caribbean are met with rejection by virtually all countries, with the exception of European states. The latter have gone quiet, refraining from any critical remarks towards Washington and subordinating all their thinking to a single goal – persuading the Trump Administration to follow the European path on the Ukrainian issue so as not to halt the war unleashed by the West against Russia.
• We are deeply concerned about the actions of the US Navy and, more broadly, the belligerent statements of the Pentagon, which has declared that, in addition to its unlawful actions of sinking civilian vessels “without trial or investigation” in the Caribbean Sea, it is also planning a ground operation.
• All of this undermines hopes that agreements can be reached within the current balance of forces on the international stage.
Read in full
💬 Sergey Lavrov: Today, together with Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi, we held substantive, detailed and trust-based talks. They took place, as always, in a friendly and constructive atmosphere.
We noted the steady and substantive development of Russia-Iran relations. Over recent years, they have been significantly strengthened. In 2025, the Treaty on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran was signed and entered into force.
As we discussed today, the tasks set by our Presidents at their recent meeting in Ashgabat last week, my colleague and I expressed confidence that the implementation of this intergovernmental document would give an additional and powerful momentum to advancing bilateral cooperation and would contribute to strengthening coordination of our approaches in the international arena.
We share a common view on the need to promote the intensification of business ties. In this regard, the entry into force this year of the Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Iran, as well as Tehran’s acquisition of observer status with the Union in December 2024, is of great importance. We are interested in further expanding the treaty and legal framework between our countries in order to remove trade barriers.
We underscored the importance of continuing the implementation of flagship infrastructure projects, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. With the support of Russian personnel, it continues to operate normally and did not suspend operations even at the height of the June aggression by Israel and the US against Iran.
We examined in detail the progress in implementing the project to construct the Rasht-Astara railway section using a Russian state loan. The construction of this line is under the priority oversight of our Presidents and is a key prerequisite for the full launch of the western branch of the strategically important International North-South Transport Corridor.
☝️ We condemned the practice of applying unilateral coercive measures that undermine the norms of international law. This is particularly evident today in the context of the Ukrainian crisis.
Europe is attempting to undermine the constructive intentions of the US Administration, including by violating all conceivable norms and principles that until recently governed international economic and financial relations, encroaching on property that the West had only recently declared inviolable, and engaging in many other actions that erode those very principles promoted by Europeans themselves, including within the framework of globalization.
👉 Instead of globalization, we are now witnessing fragmentation.
#RussiaIran
From the Q&A session:
• US actions in the Caribbean are met with rejection by virtually all countries, with the exception of European states. The latter have gone quiet, refraining from any critical remarks towards Washington and subordinating all their thinking to a single goal – persuading the Trump Administration to follow the European path on the Ukrainian issue so as not to halt the war unleashed by the West against Russia.
• We are deeply concerned about the actions of the US Navy and, more broadly, the belligerent statements of the Pentagon, which has declared that, in addition to its unlawful actions of sinking civilian vessels “without trial or investigation” in the Caribbean Sea, it is also planning a ground operation.
• All of this undermines hopes that agreements can be reached within the current balance of forces on the international stage.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇮🇷 On December 17, Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi paid a working visit to Moscow and held talks with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
👉 Statement and answers to media questions by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
The Foreign Ministers held detailed discussions on a wide range of Russia-Iran relations, which have reached a qualitatively new level following the entry into force of the Treaty on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The intensive and productive nature of political dialogue at the highest and high levels, as well as interaction between governments, ministries, agencies and regions, was noted.
Special attention was given to the further expansion of trade, economic and investment cooperation, including the implementation of flagship joint projects in the energy and transport sectors.
The Sides held substantive discussions on the implementation of agreements reached following the meeting of the Presidents of Russia and Iran in Ashgabat on December 12, 2025, as well as preparations for the 19th meeting of the Permanent Russian-Iranian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, scheduled to take place in Tehran in February 2026.
Sergey Lavrov and Abbas Araghchi exchanged views on current international and regional issues, including the situation regarding the Iranian nuclear programme, developments in the Middle East, the South Caucasus, the Caspian region and Afghanistan. They welcomed the strengthening of coordination at leading multilateral platforms, primarily the #SCO, #BRICS and the #EAEU.
🤝 The talks were held in the traditionally trust-based and constructive atmosphere inherent in Russia-Iran relations.
#RussiaIran
👉 Statement and answers to media questions by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
The Foreign Ministers held detailed discussions on a wide range of Russia-Iran relations, which have reached a qualitatively new level following the entry into force of the Treaty on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The intensive and productive nature of political dialogue at the highest and high levels, as well as interaction between governments, ministries, agencies and regions, was noted.
Special attention was given to the further expansion of trade, economic and investment cooperation, including the implementation of flagship joint projects in the energy and transport sectors.
The Sides held substantive discussions on the implementation of agreements reached following the meeting of the Presidents of Russia and Iran in Ashgabat on December 12, 2025, as well as preparations for the 19th meeting of the Permanent Russian-Iranian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, scheduled to take place in Tehran in February 2026.
Sergey Lavrov and Abbas Araghchi exchanged views on current international and regional issues, including the situation regarding the Iranian nuclear programme, developments in the Middle East, the South Caucasus, the Caspian region and Afghanistan. They welcomed the strengthening of coordination at leading multilateral platforms, primarily the #SCO, #BRICS and the #EAEU.
🤝 The talks were held in the traditionally trust-based and constructive atmosphere inherent in Russia-Iran relations.
#RussiaIran
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
📰 Article by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for African media dedicated to the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum (December 18, 2025)
"Russia–Africa: New Horizons for Old Friends"
✍️ Cairo will soon host [December 19-20] an important political event: heads and officials of the foreign ministries of Russia and the African countries will gather in the hospitable capital of Egypt to assess the state of Russian–African relations and set out the ways of their development.
For the first time, the ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, which is the official name of our meeting, will take place on the African continent. We are glad that a year ago, during the first such conference in the Russian city of Sochi, our partners responded to the proposal to host the Ministerial Conference in 2025.
The work of the Forum is crucial for promoting the full range of Russian–African relations; it organically complements and enriches Russia's relations with the African countries which are developing dynamically on a bilateral basis as well.
African friends remember, and we appreciate it, that our country, it was the Soviet Union back then, supported their desire to break free from the shackles of colonial dependence.
We are proud that our predecessors provided this assistance selflessly and with dedication.
It was the Soviet Union that played the key role in the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples exactly 65 years ago. After that Moscow has consistently contributed to the formation of young African States, their national economies, and the establishment of education and healthcare systems. <...>
🌍 Russia appreciates that Africa's reawakening. In the middle of last century, the struggle culminated in decolonization, and now the African people are fighting for making all areas of their life sovereign. We fully support this fight.
It is symbolic that at the UN & other international platforms Russia has been actively calling for enhanced efforts to eradicate modern practices of neo-colonialism.<...>
It is important for us that Africa seeks to speak with a common voice in the international arena.
Russian diplomacy will contribute to the development of the African continent as an influential centre of a multipolar world. This priority is enshrined in the Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation. We believe that it is the inalienable right of African countries to independently determine the ways and models of their development and to choose international partners.
💬 As Russia's President Vladimir Putin said:
Russia and Africa are natural allies in the process of democratization of international relations on the principles of the UN Charter in their integrity, entirety and interconnection. <...>
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia pays special attention to the maintenance of peace and security in Africa as a necessary condition for its social and economic progress. In the spirit of the "African solutions to African problems" concept, we are contributing to the settlement of regional conflicts and enhanced potential of the States of the continent to combat terrorism. <...>
Africa's importance to Russia is marked by the expansion of our diplomatic presence on the continent. Embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan have been opened this year. Next are new diplomatic missions in Gambia, Liberia, Togo and the Comoros. <...>
🤝 Russia is a long-standing and trusted friend of Africa. The values of collectivism, solidarity, and mutual assistance are at the core of the Russian cultural code, which is generally in line with the African philosophy of Ubuntu – "I exist because we exist".
Read the article in full
#RussiaAfrica
"Russia–Africa: New Horizons for Old Friends"
✍️ Cairo will soon host [December 19-20] an important political event: heads and officials of the foreign ministries of Russia and the African countries will gather in the hospitable capital of Egypt to assess the state of Russian–African relations and set out the ways of their development.
For the first time, the ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, which is the official name of our meeting, will take place on the African continent. We are glad that a year ago, during the first such conference in the Russian city of Sochi, our partners responded to the proposal to host the Ministerial Conference in 2025.
The work of the Forum is crucial for promoting the full range of Russian–African relations; it organically complements and enriches Russia's relations with the African countries which are developing dynamically on a bilateral basis as well.
African friends remember, and we appreciate it, that our country, it was the Soviet Union back then, supported their desire to break free from the shackles of colonial dependence.
We are proud that our predecessors provided this assistance selflessly and with dedication.
It was the Soviet Union that played the key role in the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples exactly 65 years ago. After that Moscow has consistently contributed to the formation of young African States, their national economies, and the establishment of education and healthcare systems. <...>
🌍 Russia appreciates that Africa's reawakening. In the middle of last century, the struggle culminated in decolonization, and now the African people are fighting for making all areas of their life sovereign. We fully support this fight.
It is symbolic that at the UN & other international platforms Russia has been actively calling for enhanced efforts to eradicate modern practices of neo-colonialism.<...>
It is important for us that Africa seeks to speak with a common voice in the international arena.
Russian diplomacy will contribute to the development of the African continent as an influential centre of a multipolar world. This priority is enshrined in the Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation. We believe that it is the inalienable right of African countries to independently determine the ways and models of their development and to choose international partners.
💬 As Russia's President Vladimir Putin said:
We have virtually no disagreements with any African countries and the level of trust and mutual affinity is high, mainly because our relations with Africa have never been tarnished. We have never been involved in the exploitation of African peoples.
Russia and Africa are natural allies in the process of democratization of international relations on the principles of the UN Charter in their integrity, entirety and interconnection. <...>
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia pays special attention to the maintenance of peace and security in Africa as a necessary condition for its social and economic progress. In the spirit of the "African solutions to African problems" concept, we are contributing to the settlement of regional conflicts and enhanced potential of the States of the continent to combat terrorism. <...>
Africa's importance to Russia is marked by the expansion of our diplomatic presence on the continent. Embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan have been opened this year. Next are new diplomatic missions in Gambia, Liberia, Togo and the Comoros. <...>
🤝 Russia is a long-standing and trusted friend of Africa. The values of collectivism, solidarity, and mutual assistance are at the core of the Russian cultural code, which is generally in line with the African philosophy of Ubuntu – "I exist because we exist".
Read the article in full
#RussiaAfrica
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🔴 #LIVE: 2025 Annual News Conference and Direct Line with the people of Russia by President Vladimir Putin
Russia's Head of State holds the yearly 'Direct Line' call-in session for the Russian citizens and journalists on the 2025 outcomes
🔴 X (ex-Twitter)
🔴 Facebook
🔴 Ruptly
🔴 Kremlin.News
Russia's Head of State holds the yearly 'Direct Line' call-in session for the Russian citizens and journalists on the 2025 outcomes
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin answered questions from journalists and the people of Russia at the 2025 Year-End Conference (December 19, 2025)
Read in full
Key points:
• In 2025, Russia's GDP growth stood at 1%. However, over the past three years, cumulative growth reached 9.7%, which is a more representative figure. By comparison, growth in the eurozone over the same period amounted to 3.1%. Slower growth in Russia is a deliberate choice – the price paid for preserving economic quality, stability, and sound macroeconomic fundamentals.
• Attempts in Brussels to seize Russian assets should not be called “theft” but robbery, as these actions are carried out openly. This robbery has not been carried out because the consequences could be extremely serious for the perpetrators – not only for their reputation, but also for the foundations of the global financial system. All assets taken will ultimately have to be returned. Russia will defend its interests, primarily through legal channels.
• Claims that Russia is rejecting peace initiatives are completely baseless. Moscow has openly stated its readiness to make compromises. At this stage, the initiative now lies fully with the West – above all, with the Kiev regime and its European sponsors. Russia stands ready for negotiations and a peaceful resolution.
• Efforts to build a new security architecture in Europe remain highly relevant. Even before the collapse of the USSR, proposals were made in Europe for a security system without NATO expansion, involving the US, Eastern Europe, and Russia – without exclusions or threats. Russia is not demanding anything extraordinary and does not challenge states’ right to choose their means of defence, but such choices must not threaten others, including Russia.
• Europe’s ruling elites are trying to hide years of economic and social policy failures with the myth of a “hostile Russia”. Where is Europe’s so-called "green agenda", when coal plants are being reopened and nuclear power stations being brought back? Today’s situation was created by Western politicians themselves, who continue to escalate tensions.
• Donald Trump was previously accused of "colluding with Russia" during the elections, but the allegations proved baseless – there was no collusion or interference by Russia. At the same time, European political elites intervened directly, openly, and unambiguously. Some in Europe still hope that the 2026 US midterm elections might alter the political balance and enable increased pressure on President Trump.
• The combined GDP of Russia and European countries in purchasing power parity terms would exceed that of the US. By combining and complementing their capabilities, the sides could prosper instead of confronting each other. Russia is not fighting Europe – Europe is fighting Russia through Ukrainian nationalists. Moscow is ready to cease hostilities immediately, provided Russia’s security is guaranteed in the medium- and long-term.
• I hope that a blockade of the Kaliningrad Region never happens. But if threats of this kind are created, they will be eliminated. Everyone must clearly understand that such actions would lead to an unprecedented escalation, push the conflict to a completely different level, and could expand it up to a large-scale armed confrontation.
• Aggressive statements by NATO leadership raise serious concerns. In the updated US National Security Strategy, Russia is not designated as an enemy, despite the fact that the US is NATO’s key player, founder, and main sponsor. Yet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks of preparing for war with Russia – contradicting the position of NATO’s leading country and pointing to a lack of professional responsibility among a number of Western leaders.
• We are ready to work with the UK, Europe as a whole, and the US – but on equal terms and with mutual respect. ☝️ Should this point ever be reached, it will benefit everyone.
#YearInReview2025
Read in full
Key points:
• In 2025, Russia's GDP growth stood at 1%. However, over the past three years, cumulative growth reached 9.7%, which is a more representative figure. By comparison, growth in the eurozone over the same period amounted to 3.1%. Slower growth in Russia is a deliberate choice – the price paid for preserving economic quality, stability, and sound macroeconomic fundamentals.
• Attempts in Brussels to seize Russian assets should not be called “theft” but robbery, as these actions are carried out openly. This robbery has not been carried out because the consequences could be extremely serious for the perpetrators – not only for their reputation, but also for the foundations of the global financial system. All assets taken will ultimately have to be returned. Russia will defend its interests, primarily through legal channels.
• Claims that Russia is rejecting peace initiatives are completely baseless. Moscow has openly stated its readiness to make compromises. At this stage, the initiative now lies fully with the West – above all, with the Kiev regime and its European sponsors. Russia stands ready for negotiations and a peaceful resolution.
• Efforts to build a new security architecture in Europe remain highly relevant. Even before the collapse of the USSR, proposals were made in Europe for a security system without NATO expansion, involving the US, Eastern Europe, and Russia – without exclusions or threats. Russia is not demanding anything extraordinary and does not challenge states’ right to choose their means of defence, but such choices must not threaten others, including Russia.
• Europe’s ruling elites are trying to hide years of economic and social policy failures with the myth of a “hostile Russia”. Where is Europe’s so-called "green agenda", when coal plants are being reopened and nuclear power stations being brought back? Today’s situation was created by Western politicians themselves, who continue to escalate tensions.
• Donald Trump was previously accused of "colluding with Russia" during the elections, but the allegations proved baseless – there was no collusion or interference by Russia. At the same time, European political elites intervened directly, openly, and unambiguously. Some in Europe still hope that the 2026 US midterm elections might alter the political balance and enable increased pressure on President Trump.
• The combined GDP of Russia and European countries in purchasing power parity terms would exceed that of the US. By combining and complementing their capabilities, the sides could prosper instead of confronting each other. Russia is not fighting Europe – Europe is fighting Russia through Ukrainian nationalists. Moscow is ready to cease hostilities immediately, provided Russia’s security is guaranteed in the medium- and long-term.
• I hope that a blockade of the Kaliningrad Region never happens. But if threats of this kind are created, they will be eliminated. Everyone must clearly understand that such actions would lead to an unprecedented escalation, push the conflict to a completely different level, and could expand it up to a large-scale armed confrontation.
• Aggressive statements by NATO leadership raise serious concerns. In the updated US National Security Strategy, Russia is not designated as an enemy, despite the fact that the US is NATO’s key player, founder, and main sponsor. Yet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks of preparing for war with Russia – contradicting the position of NATO’s leading country and pointing to a lack of professional responsibility among a number of Western leaders.
• We are ready to work with the UK, Europe as a whole, and the US – but on equal terms and with mutual respect. ☝️ Should this point ever be reached, it will benefit everyone.
#YearInReview2025
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🗓 On December 18, building on the UN General Assembly resolution 80/106 “International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations”, adopted on December 5 at the initiative of the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter with Russia’s participation, a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly was held to mark the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.
Our country played a key role in supporting the national liberation movements of colonial peoples. The Victory of the Soviet Union over German Nazism and Japanese militarism inspired patriotic forces resisting colonial oppression and triggered a powerful surge of liberation movements worldwide. The dedicated efforts of Soviet diplomacy, aimed at dismantling the colonial system, ensured the adoption on December 14, 1960, during the 15th Session of the UN General Assembly, of resolution 1514, which enshrined this historic Declaration.
The document became one of the most significant achievements of the UN. At the time, it freed nearly one third of the world’s population from colonial domination and led to the emergence of dozens of new states across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania.
Our country provided newly independent states with political and material support, helped them defend their sovereignty, and assisted in rebuilding national economies undermined by decades of colonial exploitation. We actively contributed to the restoration of infrastructure, the establishment of state institutions, education systems and training of national personnel, and delivered substantial humanitarian assistance.
❗️ The colonial era, which is considered de jure concluded with the adoption of the Declaration, de facto remains unresolved. 17 territories worldwide still lack sovereignty or remain directly dependent on administering metropolitan states. Even after the formal liberation of dependent territories, former colonial powers have not abandoned practices of exploitation, continuing to draw resources from previously subordinated countries to sustain their own development and claims to global dominance. This includes the persistence of unequal relations, through which natural, economic, intellectual and other resources are extracted under various pretexts.
Today, with Russia's active support, a broad front of Global Majority states is taking shape, determined to put an end to the remnants of the shameful colonial era that impede the emergence of a fair and equitable multipolar global architecture. An important role in this effort is played by the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter.
🤝 Russia will continue, together with like-minded partners, to consolidate efforts aimed at overcoming diktat and ensuring the right of peoples to independent development, grounded in cultural and civilisational identity and traditional values.
#StopColonialism
Our country played a key role in supporting the national liberation movements of colonial peoples. The Victory of the Soviet Union over German Nazism and Japanese militarism inspired patriotic forces resisting colonial oppression and triggered a powerful surge of liberation movements worldwide. The dedicated efforts of Soviet diplomacy, aimed at dismantling the colonial system, ensured the adoption on December 14, 1960, during the 15th Session of the UN General Assembly, of resolution 1514, which enshrined this historic Declaration.
The document became one of the most significant achievements of the UN. At the time, it freed nearly one third of the world’s population from colonial domination and led to the emergence of dozens of new states across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania.
Our country provided newly independent states with political and material support, helped them defend their sovereignty, and assisted in rebuilding national economies undermined by decades of colonial exploitation. We actively contributed to the restoration of infrastructure, the establishment of state institutions, education systems and training of national personnel, and delivered substantial humanitarian assistance.
❗️ The colonial era, which is considered de jure concluded with the adoption of the Declaration, de facto remains unresolved. 17 territories worldwide still lack sovereignty or remain directly dependent on administering metropolitan states. Even after the formal liberation of dependent territories, former colonial powers have not abandoned practices of exploitation, continuing to draw resources from previously subordinated countries to sustain their own development and claims to global dominance. This includes the persistence of unequal relations, through which natural, economic, intellectual and other resources are extracted under various pretexts.
Today, with Russia's active support, a broad front of Global Majority states is taking shape, determined to put an end to the remnants of the shameful colonial era that impede the emergence of a fair and equitable multipolar global architecture. An important role in this effort is played by the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter.
🤝 Russia will continue, together with like-minded partners, to consolidate efforts aimed at overcoming diktat and ensuring the right of peoples to independent development, grounded in cultural and civilisational identity and traditional values.
#StopColonialism
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
📸 #PhotoOfTheDay
The official #FamilyPhoto ceremony with the participation of FM Sergey Lavrov and African nations' Ministers & representatives was held ahead of the Plenary Session of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum
📍 Cairo, December 20
#RussiaAfrica
The official #FamilyPhoto ceremony with the participation of FM Sergey Lavrov and African nations' Ministers & representatives was held ahead of the Plenary Session of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum
📍 Cairo, December 20
#RussiaAfrica