🇷🇺🇳🇪 On April 3, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad of the Republic of the Niger Bakary Yaou Sangare on the sidelines of Russia – Alliance of Sahel States consultations.
During their substantive conversation on a wide range of issues of further strengthening Russia-Niger friendly relations, the ministers focused on promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, the economy, humanitarian and other areas.
The officials had a profound exchange of opinions on international and regional agendas with an emphasis on the current situation in the Sahara-Sahel region, including the importance of aligning Moscow’s and Niamey’s efforts in fighting terrorism and ensuring security in the region. The parties agreed to maintain close coordination of their actions at the #UN and on other international venues.
Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to continue assistance needed by Niger in countering the terrorism threat, maintaining domestic stability and security and in solving socioeconomic issues.
***
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks at a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and African Integration of the Republic of Niger Bakary Yaou Sangare (Moscow, April 3, 2025)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: Mr Minister,
Colleagues,
Friends,
We are pleased to have the opportunity to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the first ever Alliance of Sahel States-Russia meeting of foreign ministers.
Since life is larger than diplomatic talks, I would like to begin by sincerely congratulating your country and all Nigeriens on election of Nigerien Football Federation President Djibrilla Hima Hamidou to FIFA Council. We look forward to him making a contribution to ensuring that FIFA is a truly depoliticised organisation.
We are satisfied with the state of our relations. You resumed your embassy’s operations in Moscow. Your Ambassador has presented his credentials to President Putin. In the near future, with your help, we will complete the organisational work for our embassy to resume its operations. We will definitely do so in 2025.
We will now discuss a number of aspects of bilateral relations in addition to the productive discussion on regional international affairs which we held today as part of the first meeting of the foreign ministers of Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States.
During their substantive conversation on a wide range of issues of further strengthening Russia-Niger friendly relations, the ministers focused on promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, the economy, humanitarian and other areas.
The officials had a profound exchange of opinions on international and regional agendas with an emphasis on the current situation in the Sahara-Sahel region, including the importance of aligning Moscow’s and Niamey’s efforts in fighting terrorism and ensuring security in the region. The parties agreed to maintain close coordination of their actions at the #UN and on other international venues.
Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to continue assistance needed by Niger in countering the terrorism threat, maintaining domestic stability and security and in solving socioeconomic issues.
***
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks at a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and African Integration of the Republic of Niger Bakary Yaou Sangare (Moscow, April 3, 2025)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: Mr Minister,
Colleagues,
Friends,
We are pleased to have the opportunity to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the first ever Alliance of Sahel States-Russia meeting of foreign ministers.
Since life is larger than diplomatic talks, I would like to begin by sincerely congratulating your country and all Nigeriens on election of Nigerien Football Federation President Djibrilla Hima Hamidou to FIFA Council. We look forward to him making a contribution to ensuring that FIFA is a truly depoliticised organisation.
We are satisfied with the state of our relations. You resumed your embassy’s operations in Moscow. Your Ambassador has presented his credentials to President Putin. In the near future, with your help, we will complete the organisational work for our embassy to resume its operations. We will definitely do so in 2025.
We will now discuss a number of aspects of bilateral relations in addition to the productive discussion on regional international affairs which we held today as part of the first meeting of the foreign ministers of Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States.
🇷🇺🇲🇱 On April 3, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop on the sidelines of the Russia – Alliance of Sahel States consultations.
During their conversation, the ministers discussed a wide range of issues related to strengthening the traditionally friendly bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared intention to step up mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, the economy, culture and other areas.
The exchange of views on international and regional matters revealed that Moscow and Bamako have common positions on key global issues, including the need to shape a more just polycentric world order based on the rule of international law and the provisions of the UN Charter, and to reject external dictates and neocolonial practices.
Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to further provide comprehensive support to Mail to counter terrorism and achieve sustainable socio-economic development.
#RussiaMali #RussiaAfrica
During their conversation, the ministers discussed a wide range of issues related to strengthening the traditionally friendly bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared intention to step up mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, the economy, culture and other areas.
The exchange of views on international and regional matters revealed that Moscow and Bamako have common positions on key global issues, including the need to shape a more just polycentric world order based on the rule of international law and the provisions of the UN Charter, and to reject external dictates and neocolonial practices.
Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to further provide comprehensive support to Mail to counter terrorism and achieve sustainable socio-economic development.
#RussiaMali #RussiaAfrica
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement and answer to a media question following a meeting of the foreign ministers of Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States (Moscow, April 3, 2025)
💬 We have held the first meeting in the new Russia-Alliance of Sahel States format with our friends from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. <...>
We regard the establishment of the Alliance as proof of the three Sahel states’ commitment to building a new regional security architecture and conducting an independent foreign policy with reliance on their national interests and potential.
The Alliance of Sahel States is a bright evidence of Africa’s second revival and the Africans’ striving to play an active and independent role in global affairs and to shake off the remains of their colonial dependence.
☝️ We will continue to provide all-round support to the strengthening of the continent’s positions and will promote a more just multipolar world order where the African continent and its integration structures hold a befitting place.
It is gratifying to feel the general mood for strengthening our partnership based on mutual trust, respect and mutual advantage. I emphasised Russia’s readiness to provide all-round assistance to the Alliance in the three priority areas of its operation:
• defence and security;
• the economy;
• diplomacy in the sense of participation in international processes.
<...>
🤝 We agree that the Russia-Alliance of Sahel States dialogue will give an extra boost to advancing bilateral relations and creating quadripartite cooperation mechanisms. All of the above will help promote comprehensive cooperation and interaction within the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum at the level of foreign ministers. Preparations for holding its second meeting are underway. <...>
From the Q&A session:
• Russia confirmed today that it is prepared to, in addition to cooperation on strengthening the defence capabilities of the three countries through bilateral channels, assist in formation of the Joint Forces of the Alliance of Sahel States by providing advisory services.
Read in full
#RussiaAfrica
💬 We have held the first meeting in the new Russia-Alliance of Sahel States format with our friends from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. <...>
We regard the establishment of the Alliance as proof of the three Sahel states’ commitment to building a new regional security architecture and conducting an independent foreign policy with reliance on their national interests and potential.
The Alliance of Sahel States is a bright evidence of Africa’s second revival and the Africans’ striving to play an active and independent role in global affairs and to shake off the remains of their colonial dependence.
☝️ We will continue to provide all-round support to the strengthening of the continent’s positions and will promote a more just multipolar world order where the African continent and its integration structures hold a befitting place.
It is gratifying to feel the general mood for strengthening our partnership based on mutual trust, respect and mutual advantage. I emphasised Russia’s readiness to provide all-round assistance to the Alliance in the three priority areas of its operation:
• defence and security;
• the economy;
• diplomacy in the sense of participation in international processes.
<...>
🤝 We agree that the Russia-Alliance of Sahel States dialogue will give an extra boost to advancing bilateral relations and creating quadripartite cooperation mechanisms. All of the above will help promote comprehensive cooperation and interaction within the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum at the level of foreign ministers. Preparations for holding its second meeting are underway. <...>
From the Q&A session:
• Russia confirmed today that it is prepared to, in addition to cooperation on strengthening the defence capabilities of the three countries through bilateral channels, assist in formation of the Joint Forces of the Alliance of Sahel States by providing advisory services.
Read in full
#RussiaAfrica
🇷🇺🇧🇫 On April 3, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore on the sidelines of the Russia – Alliance of Sahel States consultations in Moscow.
The Ministers discussed a wide range of current issues related to further strengthening amicable Russia-Burkina Faso relations, including building up mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, the economy, humanitarian, cultural, and other spheres.
They noted Moscow’s and Ouagadougou’s willingness to deepen political dialogue and tighten foreign policy coordination.
The Russian Side confirmed its readiness to continue rendering multifaceted assistance to Burkina Faso, including in ensuring national security and resolving socioeconomic issues.
#RussiaBurkinaFaso #RussiaAfrica
The Ministers discussed a wide range of current issues related to further strengthening amicable Russia-Burkina Faso relations, including building up mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, the economy, humanitarian, cultural, and other spheres.
They noted Moscow’s and Ouagadougou’s willingness to deepen political dialogue and tighten foreign policy coordination.
The Russian Side confirmed its readiness to continue rendering multifaceted assistance to Burkina Faso, including in ensuring national security and resolving socioeconomic issues.
#RussiaBurkinaFaso #RussiaAfrica
🗓 April 4 marks the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Bratislava from Nazi invaders, expelled from the capital of Slovakia as a result of the Bratislava-Brno offensive operation (March 25 – May 5, 1945), which involved units of the 2nd Ukrainian Front, commanded by Marshal Rodion Malinovsky.
💬 Marshal Matvey Zakharov, Chief of Staff of the 2nd Ukrainian Front:
🏅 On March 25, Soviet forces launched an offensive on the heavily fortified city. In an effort to minimise civilian casualties and destruction, the Soviet high command opted not to use large-calibre artillery systems, primarily deploying assault infantry units instead.
By April 2, Soviet forces had entered the eastern and north-eastern districts of the city. On April 4, Red Army forces reached Bratislavsky Hrad, a fortress in central Bratislava, where the remaining German garrison was holed up. The city fell by the end of the day, with scattered Nazi units retreating towards Vienna.
Soviet authorities immediately began efforts to restore normal life in the city. Archive documents from the Russian Defence Ministry, declassified ahead of the 75th Anniversary of Bratislava’s liberation, indicate that rubble and debris had been cleared from the city’s central streets and squares by April 10, 1945. The sewage system was reactivated, and people began returning to their homes from nearby villages.
As a result of the Bratislava-Brno operation, the forces of the 2nd Ukrainian Front advanced 200 km, destroyed 9 Wehrmacht divisions and created conditions for further offensive operations towards Prague and Vienna.
The military units that distinguished themselves in the battles for the city were awarded the honorary title of "Bratislava".
A total of 6'845 Soviet officers and soldiers lost their lives while fighting in Bratislava, most of whom are buried at the Slavin military memorial complex in the centre of the Slovak capital.
Every year on April 4, this complex hosts commemorative events dedicated to the city’s liberation from Nazi invaders, with participation from Russian representatives. This year, a delegation of students from MGIMO University will take part in the event.
In total, 63'518 Red Army officers and soldiers were killed while liberating Slovakia.
***
⚔️ Simultaneously, the forces of the 3rd Ukrainian Front halted a major German offensive south of Lake Balaton in Hungary, where the German high command had deployed its best remaining tank units, amid fierce and brutal fighting.
The Red Army pursued the retreating enemy units and completely liberated Hungary by April 4.
The Wehrmacht’s further resistance was futile from a military and strategic perspective, serving only as an attempt by Hitler and his inner circle to delay their inevitable downfall by sacrificing the lives of hundreds of thousands of their compatriots.
🕯 Over 140'000 Soviet officers and soldiers were killed or went missing while liberating Hungary. There are 1'231 Russian (Soviet) burial sites in the country, including 1'036 that date back to the World War II period.
#Victory80
💬 Marshal Matvey Zakharov, Chief of Staff of the 2nd Ukrainian Front:
Before advancing on Bratislava, the front’s command established communications with Slovak partisans, who proved invaluable. They provided crucial intelligence about the German fortification system, plans for defending specific cities, as well as the strength and organisation of the enemy forces.
By April 2, Soviet forces had entered the eastern and north-eastern districts of the city. On April 4, Red Army forces reached Bratislavsky Hrad, a fortress in central Bratislava, where the remaining German garrison was holed up. The city fell by the end of the day, with scattered Nazi units retreating towards Vienna.
Soviet authorities immediately began efforts to restore normal life in the city. Archive documents from the Russian Defence Ministry, declassified ahead of the 75th Anniversary of Bratislava’s liberation, indicate that rubble and debris had been cleared from the city’s central streets and squares by April 10, 1945. The sewage system was reactivated, and people began returning to their homes from nearby villages.
As a result of the Bratislava-Brno operation, the forces of the 2nd Ukrainian Front advanced 200 km, destroyed 9 Wehrmacht divisions and created conditions for further offensive operations towards Prague and Vienna.
The military units that distinguished themselves in the battles for the city were awarded the honorary title of "Bratislava".
A total of 6'845 Soviet officers and soldiers lost their lives while fighting in Bratislava, most of whom are buried at the Slavin military memorial complex in the centre of the Slovak capital.
Every year on April 4, this complex hosts commemorative events dedicated to the city’s liberation from Nazi invaders, with participation from Russian representatives. This year, a delegation of students from MGIMO University will take part in the event.
In total, 63'518 Red Army officers and soldiers were killed while liberating Slovakia.
***
⚔️ Simultaneously, the forces of the 3rd Ukrainian Front halted a major German offensive south of Lake Balaton in Hungary, where the German high command had deployed its best remaining tank units, amid fierce and brutal fighting.
The Red Army pursued the retreating enemy units and completely liberated Hungary by April 4.
The Wehrmacht’s further resistance was futile from a military and strategic perspective, serving only as an attempt by Hitler and his inner circle to delay their inevitable downfall by sacrificing the lives of hundreds of thousands of their compatriots.
🕯 Over 140'000 Soviet officers and soldiers were killed or went missing while liberating Hungary. There are 1'231 Russian (Soviet) burial sites in the country, including 1'036 that date back to the World War II period.
#Victory80
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🎙 Statement by First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Dmitry Polyanskiy on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (New York, April 3, 2025)
💬 Dmitry Polyanskiy: The situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank remains unacceptably critical.
Following the breakdown of agreements between Hamas and Israel, Palestinian civilians have been living in conditions of full ground air and maritime blockade for over a month now. Not only has West Jerusalem blocked the delivery of humanitarian supplies but also imposed restrictions on the work of UN humanitarian organizations, which entailed existential problems for two million people.
Here is a simple example – all bakeries in the enclave have closed due to a shortage of flour and fuel. We are puzzled – How the lack of bread in Gaza can help Israel to free the hostages who are not receiving bread either?
Alongside the humanitarian catastrophe, we see civilian infrastructure being destroyed and humanitarian workers dying. Since October 2023, at least 408 humanitarians have been killed in Gaza, which makes this conflict the most lethal on record by that measure.
⚠️ We can hardly hope that the situation will change for the better, since Israeli strikes against Gaza continue almost unabated. <...>
Upon the completion of phase 1 of the agreement with Hamas, Israel put forward new demands regarding the further implementation of the deal, then resumed its military operation and is gradually expanding its control over the Gaza Strip.
On April 1, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the creation of a second “Philadelphi Corridor” – the Morag axis, which will cut off Rafah from Khan Younis. In the same vein, we should consider the statements by Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz about the expansion of the area of operation in the enclave and the creation of additional “security zones”.
❗️ The territory wherein the Gazans have to huddle is steadily shrinking.
People are compelled to choose whether to leave their homes in Gaza or remain there without water, electricity and sufficient food hoping that the Israeli operation will cease one day and they will not fall victim to another airstrike. Of course, under such conditions, there can be no discussion of either “voluntary emigration” or evacuation.
We reaffirm our position of principle that territorial or demographic changes are unacceptable in Gaza, which is (and has always been) an integral part of the Palestinian State. <...>
We are convinced of the need to establish an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, to release all forcibly detained persons and provide safe and unhindered humanitarian access. At the same time, it is important that the agreements reached be sustainable.
As practice shows, without guarantees and oversight on the part of the international community, any truce can collapse in no time. In this regard, it is the UN Security Council that must play a key role in the negotiation process and in ensuring the compliance with its outcomes by all parties.
We call on international mediators to prioritize the return to a peaceful settlement.
👉 In this context, we would like to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian State within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It must coexist with Israel in peace and security, in accordance with the internationally recognized legal decisions.
Read in full
💬 Dmitry Polyanskiy: The situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank remains unacceptably critical.
Following the breakdown of agreements between Hamas and Israel, Palestinian civilians have been living in conditions of full ground air and maritime blockade for over a month now. Not only has West Jerusalem blocked the delivery of humanitarian supplies but also imposed restrictions on the work of UN humanitarian organizations, which entailed existential problems for two million people.
Here is a simple example – all bakeries in the enclave have closed due to a shortage of flour and fuel. We are puzzled – How the lack of bread in Gaza can help Israel to free the hostages who are not receiving bread either?
Alongside the humanitarian catastrophe, we see civilian infrastructure being destroyed and humanitarian workers dying. Since October 2023, at least 408 humanitarians have been killed in Gaza, which makes this conflict the most lethal on record by that measure.
⚠️ We can hardly hope that the situation will change for the better, since Israeli strikes against Gaza continue almost unabated. <...>
Upon the completion of phase 1 of the agreement with Hamas, Israel put forward new demands regarding the further implementation of the deal, then resumed its military operation and is gradually expanding its control over the Gaza Strip.
On April 1, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the creation of a second “Philadelphi Corridor” – the Morag axis, which will cut off Rafah from Khan Younis. In the same vein, we should consider the statements by Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz about the expansion of the area of operation in the enclave and the creation of additional “security zones”.
❗️ The territory wherein the Gazans have to huddle is steadily shrinking.
People are compelled to choose whether to leave their homes in Gaza or remain there without water, electricity and sufficient food hoping that the Israeli operation will cease one day and they will not fall victim to another airstrike. Of course, under such conditions, there can be no discussion of either “voluntary emigration” or evacuation.
We reaffirm our position of principle that territorial or demographic changes are unacceptable in Gaza, which is (and has always been) an integral part of the Palestinian State. <...>
We are convinced of the need to establish an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, to release all forcibly detained persons and provide safe and unhindered humanitarian access. At the same time, it is important that the agreements reached be sustainable.
As practice shows, without guarantees and oversight on the part of the international community, any truce can collapse in no time. In this regard, it is the UN Security Council that must play a key role in the negotiation process and in ensuring the compliance with its outcomes by all parties.
We call on international mediators to prioritize the return to a peaceful settlement.
👉 In this context, we would like to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian State within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It must coexist with Israel in peace and security, in accordance with the internationally recognized legal decisions.
Read in full
🇷🇺🇦🇿 April 4, 2025 marks 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The fundamental bilateral documents are the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Security signed on July 3, 1997 and the Declaration on Friendship and Strategic Partnership signed on July 3, 2008.
The Declaration on Allied Interaction between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan signed in Moscow on 22 February 2022 brought bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level.
📈 Trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan is developing successfully. Contacts between businesses are expanding, including through small and medium-sized businesses. The Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation is an important element of bilateral cooperation.
Interregional cooperation is expanding, involving 72 regions of the Russian Federation. 18 of them have agreements on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.
💬 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin during his meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev (August 19, 2024):
💬 From the congratulatory letter of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov (April 4, 2025):
🤝 We congratulate our Azerbaijani friends on our common holiday! We express our interest in continuing the further progressive development of the whole range of bilateral relations.
#RussiaAzerbaijan
The fundamental bilateral documents are the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Security signed on July 3, 1997 and the Declaration on Friendship and Strategic Partnership signed on July 3, 2008.
The Declaration on Allied Interaction between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan signed in Moscow on 22 February 2022 brought bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level.
📈 Trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan is developing successfully. Contacts between businesses are expanding, including through small and medium-sized businesses. The Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation is an important element of bilateral cooperation.
Interregional cooperation is expanding, involving 72 regions of the Russian Federation. 18 of them have agreements on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.
💬 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin during his meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev (August 19, 2024):
"We are very pleased with the level of cooperation between our countries. The Declaration on Allied Cooperation, which we signed in February 2022, is being effectively implemented in both the political and economic areas. We are witnessing positive developments and strong results".
💬 From the congratulatory letter of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov (April 4, 2025):
"Over the past decades, based on centuries-old traditions of friendship and good neighbourliness, the multifaceted ties between our countries have been steadily strengthening and continue to develop in the context of strategic partnership and alliance".
🤝 We congratulate our Azerbaijani friends on our common holiday! We express our interest in continuing the further progressive development of the whole range of bilateral relations.
#RussiaAzerbaijan
🇷🇺🇲🇱🇧🇫🇳🇪 On April 3, Moscow hosted the first Russia-Alliance of Sahel States (AES/ASS) Ministerial meeting with the participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop (the President of Mali currently holds the ASS presidency), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad of the Republic of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and African Integration of the Republic of Niger Bakary Yaou Sangaré.
The Ministers engaged in a detailed discussion on issues related to strengthening friendly relations between Russia and the ASS with a focus on intensifying political dialogue and enhancing sector-specific cooperation.
They stated that the Parties had similar views on the majority of topics under discussion. Sergey Lavrov confirmed that Russia was ready to help the ASS evolve an independent political course and shape a new regional security architecture based on self-reliance.
🤝 The Ministers agreed on further enhancing coordination at the UN and other international venues. Significant attention was given to promoting interaction within the framework of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.
The participants in the meeting approved a joint statement. The next meeting in the same format will be held in one of the ASS countries.
#RussiaAfrica #Sahel
The Ministers engaged in a detailed discussion on issues related to strengthening friendly relations between Russia and the ASS with a focus on intensifying political dialogue and enhancing sector-specific cooperation.
They stated that the Parties had similar views on the majority of topics under discussion. Sergey Lavrov confirmed that Russia was ready to help the ASS evolve an independent political course and shape a new regional security architecture based on self-reliance.
🤝 The Ministers agreed on further enhancing coordination at the UN and other international venues. Significant attention was given to promoting interaction within the framework of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.
The participants in the meeting approved a joint statement. The next meeting in the same format will be held in one of the ASS countries.
#RussiaAfrica #Sahel
◾️ On April 4, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was founded — the Washington Treaty was signed by 12 nations from Europe and North America.
Since its inception, this so-called “defensive alliance” has continually expanded. Over time, NATO has absorbed 20 new member-states through ten rounds of enlargement (a euphemism for expansion), with seven of these occurring following the dissolution of the Soviet Union: in 1999, 2004, 2009, 2017, 2020, 2023, and 2024.
The alliance’s military interventions worldwide have always been a major source of instability and chaos in global affairs, undermining security worldwide, directly leading to mass civilian casualties and devastating consequences — as witnessed by the aggression against Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, the crisis and situation around Ukraine, and elsewhere.
❗️Back in 2007, during the Munich Security Conference, Russia's President Vladimir Putin explicitly highlighted NATO’s destabilizing role in following the Cold War:
Both the Soviet Union and Russia, at various times, sought rapprochement with NATO, even expressing frank interest in joining the alliance to create a an indivisible security system in Europe.
The fact of the matter is that the Soviet-lead Warsaw Pact, often used as a scarecrow by Western propaganda, was established only in 1955 — 6 years after NATO’s creation. Unlike NATO it never had any intentions of aggressive nature, while e.g. UK with its infamous Operation Unthinkable called for a massive assault on 1 July 1945 (not even 2 months after the Victory over Nazis) by British, American and... German (i.e. Nazi) forces against the Red Army.
Not only Russia and USSR never devised aggressive plans against NATO members, but NATO itself have acted in a threatening, aggressive and expansionist manner from the get-go.
Prior to this, Moscow aimed to normalize relations and even considered joining the North Atlantic alliance. In March 1954, Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov proposed that the Soviet Union is willing explore the possibility of NATO membership to reduce tensions and prevent conflicts. However, Western powers rejected this proposal.
Following the dissolution of USSR, Russian leadership made further attempts to engage with the alliance. In June 1994, Russia became the first country to join NATO’s “Partnership for Peace” programme, aimed at developing bilateral cooperation between the alliance and partner-states.
💬 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the following in a recent interview:
In 1997, the then Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov proposed establishing contacts between Russia & NATO, leading to the signing of the Russia-NATO Founding Act and the creation of the Russia-NATO Council. Positive development, but nevertheless, NATO’s expansion continued.
President Vladimir Putin even mentioned that he had proposed the idea of Russia joining NATO, which was arrogantly rejected.
Today, the North Atlantic bloc remains a tool for forcefully advancing the interests of the so-called “golden billion”, i.e. the 'collective West'. The catastrophic & utterly destructive consequences of the alliance’s geopolitical maneuvering and capacity-building are evident to any rational observer.
Since its inception, this so-called “defensive alliance” has continually expanded. Over time, NATO has absorbed 20 new member-states through ten rounds of enlargement (a euphemism for expansion), with seven of these occurring following the dissolution of the Soviet Union: in 1999, 2004, 2009, 2017, 2020, 2023, and 2024.
The alliance’s military interventions worldwide have always been a major source of instability and chaos in global affairs, undermining security worldwide, directly leading to mass civilian casualties and devastating consequences — as witnessed by the aggression against Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, the crisis and situation around Ukraine, and elsewhere.
❗️Back in 2007, during the Munich Security Conference, Russia's President Vladimir Putin explicitly highlighted NATO’s destabilizing role in following the Cold War:
I think it is obvious that NATO expansion does not have any relation with the modernisation of the Alliance itself or with ensuring security in Europe. On the contrary, it represents a serious provocation that reduces the level of mutual trust. And we have the right to ask: against whom is this expansion intended?
Both the Soviet Union and Russia, at various times, sought rapprochement with NATO, even expressing frank interest in joining the alliance to create a an indivisible security system in Europe.
The fact of the matter is that the Soviet-lead Warsaw Pact, often used as a scarecrow by Western propaganda, was established only in 1955 — 6 years after NATO’s creation. Unlike NATO it never had any intentions of aggressive nature, while e.g. UK with its infamous Operation Unthinkable called for a massive assault on 1 July 1945 (not even 2 months after the Victory over Nazis) by British, American and... German (i.e. Nazi) forces against the Red Army.
Not only Russia and USSR never devised aggressive plans against NATO members, but NATO itself have acted in a threatening, aggressive and expansionist manner from the get-go.
Prior to this, Moscow aimed to normalize relations and even considered joining the North Atlantic alliance. In March 1954, Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov proposed that the Soviet Union is willing explore the possibility of NATO membership to reduce tensions and prevent conflicts. However, Western powers rejected this proposal.
Following the dissolution of USSR, Russian leadership made further attempts to engage with the alliance. In June 1994, Russia became the first country to join NATO’s “Partnership for Peace” programme, aimed at developing bilateral cooperation between the alliance and partner-states.
💬 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the following in a recent interview:
The leadership focused on creating proper conditions for deepening partnership with the West. As it turned out later - in fact, it became clear fairly quickly, but almost all our politicians and citizens found it out later - our role in that “partnership” was that of the “little brother.” We were assigned this role. This, of course, was a huge mistake.
Many Western analysts now acknowledge in their memoirs that there was no sense in expanding NATO and keeping Russia “on the sidelines.”
In 1997, the then Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov proposed establishing contacts between Russia & NATO, leading to the signing of the Russia-NATO Founding Act and the creation of the Russia-NATO Council. Positive development, but nevertheless, NATO’s expansion continued.
President Vladimir Putin even mentioned that he had proposed the idea of Russia joining NATO, which was arrogantly rejected.
Today, the North Atlantic bloc remains a tool for forcefully advancing the interests of the so-called “golden billion”, i.e. the 'collective West'. The catastrophic & utterly destructive consequences of the alliance’s geopolitical maneuvering and capacity-building are evident to any rational observer.
Russian MFA 🇷🇺
◾️ On April 4, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was founded — the Washington Treaty was signed by 12 nations from Europe and North America. Since its inception, this so-called “defensive alliance” has continually expanded. Over time,…
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#See4Yourself #Think4Yourself
“Not an Inch Eastward” they said... – what the West promised and what the West did in a nutshell.
To put things in perspective, here's NATO’s expansion over the years. This “defensive” alliance has undergone ten waves of enlargement (or if speaking plainly – ten waves of constant expansion), seven of which occurred after the dissolution of the USSR.
Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has incorporated the following countries, building up their aggressive military potential, sowing anti-Russian sentiment and foisting its confrontational mindset on new and old members alike:
📍 1999: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland;
📍 2004: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia;
📍 2009: Albania, Croatia;
📍 2017: Montenegro;
📍 2020: North Macedonia;
📍 2023: Finland;
📍 2024: Sweden.
As of now, the alliance comprises 32 members. On NATO’s so-called Eastern flank, for decades there has been an active buildup of military capabilities.
As a result, the militarization of Europe is unleashed and out of control, with the security architecture and balance that kept the region relatively safe is being dismantled.
“Not an Inch Eastward” they said... – what the West promised and what the West did in a nutshell.
To put things in perspective, here's NATO’s expansion over the years. This “defensive” alliance has undergone ten waves of enlargement (or if speaking plainly – ten waves of constant expansion), seven of which occurred after the dissolution of the USSR.
Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has incorporated the following countries, building up their aggressive military potential, sowing anti-Russian sentiment and foisting its confrontational mindset on new and old members alike:
📍 1999: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland;
📍 2004: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia;
📍 2009: Albania, Croatia;
📍 2017: Montenegro;
📍 2020: North Macedonia;
📍 2023: Finland;
📍 2024: Sweden.
As of now, the alliance comprises 32 members. On NATO’s so-called Eastern flank, for decades there has been an active buildup of military capabilities.
As a result, the militarization of Europe is unleashed and out of control, with the security architecture and balance that kept the region relatively safe is being dismantled.
Russian MFA 🇷🇺
◾️ On April 4, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was founded — the Washington Treaty was signed by 12 nations from Europe and North America. Since its inception, this so-called “defensive alliance” has continually expanded. Over time,…
Truth regarding NATO 👉 #Think4Yourself
NATO is the main military force of the 'collective West', clinging to its eroding dominance against the backdrop of the emerging multipolar world order.
This so-called “defensive alliance” (which it is absolutely not) is the world's largest military expender, one that drives the arms race and ensures its capability to force on others the 'rule-based order' — another euphemism, which is code for a loose system where the West and the West alone will establish or change any rules at any time at one's whim, if it's to the West.
It is no surprise that NATO stands as the unequivocal global leader in military expenditure.
Annually, the member-states of this “peaceful” (NOT) alliance allocate approximately $1.3 trillion to military needs, accounting for over half of all defence spending worldwide.
❗️ However, the colossal expenditure on “defence” have not yielded additional stability or security for Europe. On the contrary, NATO’s geopolitical expansion eastward resulted in turmoil, military conflicts and the erosion of the European security architecture.
NATO is the main military force of the 'collective West', clinging to its eroding dominance against the backdrop of the emerging multipolar world order.
This so-called “defensive alliance” (which it is absolutely not) is the world's largest military expender, one that drives the arms race and ensures its capability to force on others the 'rule-based order' — another euphemism, which is code for a loose system where the West and the West alone will establish or change any rules at any time at one's whim, if it's to the West.
It is no surprise that NATO stands as the unequivocal global leader in military expenditure.
Annually, the member-states of this “peaceful” (NOT) alliance allocate approximately $1.3 trillion to military needs, accounting for over half of all defence spending worldwide.
❗️ However, the colossal expenditure on “defence” have not yielded additional stability or security for Europe. On the contrary, NATO’s geopolitical expansion eastward resulted in turmoil, military conflicts and the erosion of the European security architecture.
⚡️ Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s comment on Kiev regime’s unrelenting terrorist attacks on Russian civilians (April 4, 2025)
💬 On the night of April 4, in the village of Belaya Berezka, Bryansk Region, one civilian was killed and one wounded in Ukrainian military-operated drone strikes on residential quarters.
As we reported earlier, in the morning of April 1, as a result of a premeditated attack by a Ukrainian kamikaze drone on a bus carrying passengers in Pobedy Square in central Gorlovka, 16 people were injured. Five were hospitalised in critical condition.
Over the past three days, at least nine civilians were injured in drone attacks in towns and villages of the Belgorod Region. In the Kherson Region, seven people, mostly elderly, were injured in UAV strikes and shelling attacks over the same period.
It has been conclusively established that Banderites organise daily hunting raids using UAVs to target innocent and defenceless people. Drones carrying explosives are in cold blood targeted to attack anyone spotted by neo-Nazis. Zelensky’s bandits mercilessly open fire on women, the elderly and children. They target residential houses, stores, schools, hospitals, social buildings, and mass transit facilities.
❗️ The above facts prove that the Kiev junta’s plans do not include a ceasefire or a negotiated settlement. The Zelensky regime has no political will for peace. His clique is morbidly obsessed with causing bloodshed, sowing terror, and inflicting damage and utmost suffering on civilians.
As they continue to target Russian border regions, the Ukrainian Nazis aim to kill as many Russians as possible, to intimidate, and to sow panic among the Russian people. However, these efforts are useless. Our people will not waver and will do everything to repeat the feat of their forefathers who, 80 years ago, managed to achieve the Great Victory over Nazism and to rid the world of the brown plague.
#KievRegimeCrimes
💬 On the night of April 4, in the village of Belaya Berezka, Bryansk Region, one civilian was killed and one wounded in Ukrainian military-operated drone strikes on residential quarters.
As we reported earlier, in the morning of April 1, as a result of a premeditated attack by a Ukrainian kamikaze drone on a bus carrying passengers in Pobedy Square in central Gorlovka, 16 people were injured. Five were hospitalised in critical condition.
Over the past three days, at least nine civilians were injured in drone attacks in towns and villages of the Belgorod Region. In the Kherson Region, seven people, mostly elderly, were injured in UAV strikes and shelling attacks over the same period.
It has been conclusively established that Banderites organise daily hunting raids using UAVs to target innocent and defenceless people. Drones carrying explosives are in cold blood targeted to attack anyone spotted by neo-Nazis. Zelensky’s bandits mercilessly open fire on women, the elderly and children. They target residential houses, stores, schools, hospitals, social buildings, and mass transit facilities.
❗️ The above facts prove that the Kiev junta’s plans do not include a ceasefire or a negotiated settlement. The Zelensky regime has no political will for peace. His clique is morbidly obsessed with causing bloodshed, sowing terror, and inflicting damage and utmost suffering on civilians.
As they continue to target Russian border regions, the Ukrainian Nazis aim to kill as many Russians as possible, to intimidate, and to sow panic among the Russian people. However, these efforts are useless. Our people will not waver and will do everything to repeat the feat of their forefathers who, 80 years ago, managed to achieve the Great Victory over Nazism and to rid the world of the brown plague.
#KievRegimeCrimes
Forwarded from MoD Russia
⚡️ In the past 24 hours, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have deliberately attacked Russian energy infrastructure facilities.
▫️On 3 April, at 23:28, in Bryansk region, in Belaya Beryozka of the Trubchevsky District, as a result of an attack by a Ukrainian strike drone, a low-pressure gas pipeline was damaged and civil consumers were deprived of gas.
▫️On 4 April, at 00:36, in Belaya Beryozka of the Trubchevsky District (Bryansk region), as a result of the attack by a Ukrainian strike UAV, an internal low-pressure gas pipeline (Zhilkomservis unitary enterprise of Trubchevsk) was damaged and civil consumers were deprived of gas.
▫️In Kotovsk of Tambov region, on 4 April, at 05:05, as a result of the attack by a Ukrainian strike drone, a distributing steel low-pressure gas pipeline (Gazprom Gazoraspredelenie Tambov JSC) was damaged. Civil consumers were left without access to gas supply.
▫️On 4 April, 07:10, in Bryansk region, as a result of a deliberate shelling by the AFU against a power facility (Rosseti Tsentr's branch – Bryanskenergo), civil consumers of Klimovsky District were left without electricity.
▫️Moreover, at 08:00, as a result of a shelling by the AFU against the power facility (Rosseti Tsentr's branch-Bryanskenergo), dozens of civil consumers of Klimovsky District were left without electric power.
▫️In Lipetsk region, on 4 April, at 08:10, as a result of a Ukrainian strike drone attack against an energy facility in Nikolayevka (Rosseti Centre's branch – Lipetskenergo), civil consumers were cut off electricity in Lipetsky District.
❗️For more than two weeks now, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to attack unilaterally on a daily basis the Russian energy infrastructure thus ignoring Zelensky's public commitments to halt such strikes from 18 March onwards.
🔹 Russian Defence Ministry
▫️On 3 April, at 23:28, in Bryansk region, in Belaya Beryozka of the Trubchevsky District, as a result of an attack by a Ukrainian strike drone, a low-pressure gas pipeline was damaged and civil consumers were deprived of gas.
▫️On 4 April, at 00:36, in Belaya Beryozka of the Trubchevsky District (Bryansk region), as a result of the attack by a Ukrainian strike UAV, an internal low-pressure gas pipeline (Zhilkomservis unitary enterprise of Trubchevsk) was damaged and civil consumers were deprived of gas.
▫️In Kotovsk of Tambov region, on 4 April, at 05:05, as a result of the attack by a Ukrainian strike drone, a distributing steel low-pressure gas pipeline (Gazprom Gazoraspredelenie Tambov JSC) was damaged. Civil consumers were left without access to gas supply.
▫️On 4 April, 07:10, in Bryansk region, as a result of a deliberate shelling by the AFU against a power facility (Rosseti Tsentr's branch – Bryanskenergo), civil consumers of Klimovsky District were left without electricity.
▫️Moreover, at 08:00, as a result of a shelling by the AFU against the power facility (Rosseti Tsentr's branch-Bryanskenergo), dozens of civil consumers of Klimovsky District were left without electric power.
▫️In Lipetsk region, on 4 April, at 08:10, as a result of a Ukrainian strike drone attack against an energy facility in Nikolayevka (Rosseti Centre's branch – Lipetskenergo), civil consumers were cut off electricity in Lipetsky District.
❗️For more than two weeks now, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to attack unilaterally on a daily basis the Russian energy infrastructure thus ignoring Zelensky's public commitments to halt such strikes from 18 March onwards.
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Forwarded from Russian Mission Geneva
🕯 On March 24 and 26, 2025, as a result of a series of targeted attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces, employees of Russian news agencies were killed in the line of duty: Alexander Fedorchak (“Izvestia”), Andrey Panov and Alexander Sirkeli (“Zvezda”), as well as Anna Prokofyeva (“Channel One”). Correspondents Mikhail Skuratov (“TASS”) and Nikita Goldin (“Moskovskiy Komsomolets”) sustained injuries of varying severity.
🎙 A sufficient amount of time has passed since these tragic events for the relevant international human rights bodies to respond to them accordingly. Even the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, who usually ignores crimes by Ukrainian militants against Russian journalists, was forced to issue a condemnation of the recent killings of Russian media representatives. The only ones still reluctant to publicly condemn these crimes are the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and his Office (OHCHR).
📩 Yesterday, on April 2, I sent Mr. Türk an official letter in which I once again described in detail the attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on our correspondents. Today, a similar appeal from the Chairman of Russia’s Federation Council Commission on Information Policy and Media Interaction, Alexey Pushkov, was submitted to both the High Commissioner and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan.
❗️ In these documents, we reminded the UN human rights defenders that, in accordance with international law, journalists are considered civilians, and their killings are classified as war crimes. We called for a categorical condemnation of these and other targeted attacks by the AFU on Russian media representatives.
‼️ We expect an appropriate response from Mr. Türk and Ms. Khan. After all, its abscence would amount to their silent complicity in the crimes of the Kiev regime.
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Forwarded from MoD Russia
⚡️ Today, on 4 April, at 18:49, the Russian Armed Forces delivered a precision strike with a high-explosive missile at a restaurant in Krivoy Rog where commanders of formations and Western instructors were meeting.
As a result of the strike, the enemy lost up to 85 servicemen and officers of foreign countries as well as up to 20 motor vehicles.
🔹 Russian Defence Ministry
As a result of the strike, the enemy lost up to 85 servicemen and officers of foreign countries as well as up to 20 motor vehicles.
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⚡️ Joint statement following consultations between the ministers of foreign affairs of the Russian Federation and the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS) (Moscow, April 3, 2025)
📃 At the invitation of the Government of the Russian Federation, the first consultations of the ministers of foreign affairs of the Russian Federation and the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS) were held in Moscow on April 3, 2025.
• The participating delegations were led, respectively, by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad of the Republic of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad of the Republic of the Niger Bakary Yaou Sangare. The meeting was co-chaired by Sergey Lavrov and Abdoulaye Diop, who represented the head of the state that currently holds the CSS presidency.
• In accordance with the vision shared by President of Burkina Faso Ibrahim Traoré, Interim President of the Republic of Mali and CSS President Assimi Goïta, and President of the Republic of the Niger Abdourahamane Tchiani, and while taking into account the readiness of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to support the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), the purpose of these high-level political consultations was to strengthen the bond of good relations, friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the CSS and the Russian Federation, and institutionalising this bond.
• In the field of security and defence, Russia and the CSS agreed to establish a pragmatic and solidary strategic partnership.
• The Parties also expressed their resolve to step up efforts to combat terrorism and instability in all manifestations across the CSS territory. In view of this, the Russian Side reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Joint CSS Military Force’s efforts to defend the territorial integrity of the CSS countries.
• In addition, the Parties strongly condemned acts of aggression by states supporting terrorism, in particular, Ukraine’s criminal conspiracy with armed terrorist groups operating in the Sahel.
• Taking this opportunity, the Russian Side praised the CSS’s leading role and considerable efforts to build a sustainable model of regional security and recognised its positive contribution to the security of the Sahara-Sahel region. The CSS welcomed Russia’s significant input in strengthening international peace and security.
• When it comes to diplomatic efforts, the Parties welcomed their coordination and mutual support at international platforms in regard to major political and geostrategic issues based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and interconnectedness.
• The Parties welcomed their convergence of views on issues of mutual interest, in particular the de-politicisation of human rights issues, non-interference in internal affairs and equal treatment of states at international organisations.
• The Parties also reached a consensus on the key role of economic cooperation on a mutually beneficial and partnership basis. In this regard, the Parties agreed to intensify contacts between economic operators and create favourable conditions for doing business.
• The Ministers of foreign affairs of the Russian Federation and the CSS states agreed to hold consultations on a regular basis. Meetings will be held annually on a rotational basis. The second meeting will be held on the territory of the CSS at a time to be determined by mutual agreement through diplomatic channels.
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📃 At the invitation of the Government of the Russian Federation, the first consultations of the ministers of foreign affairs of the Russian Federation and the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS) were held in Moscow on April 3, 2025.
• The participating delegations were led, respectively, by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad of the Republic of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad of the Republic of the Niger Bakary Yaou Sangare. The meeting was co-chaired by Sergey Lavrov and Abdoulaye Diop, who represented the head of the state that currently holds the CSS presidency.
• In accordance with the vision shared by President of Burkina Faso Ibrahim Traoré, Interim President of the Republic of Mali and CSS President Assimi Goïta, and President of the Republic of the Niger Abdourahamane Tchiani, and while taking into account the readiness of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to support the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), the purpose of these high-level political consultations was to strengthen the bond of good relations, friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the CSS and the Russian Federation, and institutionalising this bond.
• In the field of security and defence, Russia and the CSS agreed to establish a pragmatic and solidary strategic partnership.
• The Parties also expressed their resolve to step up efforts to combat terrorism and instability in all manifestations across the CSS territory. In view of this, the Russian Side reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Joint CSS Military Force’s efforts to defend the territorial integrity of the CSS countries.
• In addition, the Parties strongly condemned acts of aggression by states supporting terrorism, in particular, Ukraine’s criminal conspiracy with armed terrorist groups operating in the Sahel.
• Taking this opportunity, the Russian Side praised the CSS’s leading role and considerable efforts to build a sustainable model of regional security and recognised its positive contribution to the security of the Sahara-Sahel region. The CSS welcomed Russia’s significant input in strengthening international peace and security.
• When it comes to diplomatic efforts, the Parties welcomed their coordination and mutual support at international platforms in regard to major political and geostrategic issues based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and interconnectedness.
• The Parties welcomed their convergence of views on issues of mutual interest, in particular the de-politicisation of human rights issues, non-interference in internal affairs and equal treatment of states at international organisations.
• The Parties also reached a consensus on the key role of economic cooperation on a mutually beneficial and partnership basis. In this regard, the Parties agreed to intensify contacts between economic operators and create favourable conditions for doing business.
• The Ministers of foreign affairs of the Russian Federation and the CSS states agreed to hold consultations on a regular basis. Meetings will be held annually on a rotational basis. The second meeting will be held on the territory of the CSS at a time to be determined by mutual agreement through diplomatic channels.
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Forwarded from Russian Mission Vienna
🇷🇺 Comment by Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov to «IRNA» news agency
❓Can you clarify the position of the Russian Federation regarding President of the USA Donald Trump’s recent remarks, in which he threatened to bomb Iran if a new nuclear agreement is not reached?
💬 We are categorically against any threats of the use of force made by the United States against Iran, not to mention threats of military strikes against nuclear facilities. We condemn such policies. Russia consistently advocates for diplomacy as the only way to address issues around Iran’s nuclear programme
💬 We are witnessing a paradox. We had the JCPOA - a multilateral agreement that was effectively working from 2015 to 2018 and that was aimed at settling all questions around Iran’s nuclear ambitions by political and diplomatic means. Then in 2018, during his first term, the United States President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from this agreement and imposed the so-called «maximum pressure» campaign against Iran. Seven years later, we see that this policy proved to be a complete fiasco. The United States failed to achieve any of its stated goals - on the contrary, the effect it gave is completely opposite. Iran is further developing its nuclear capacities which raises concerns of the Western countries
💬 While JCPOA was exactly aimed at alleviating those concerns once and for all. What we witness now is that the United States Administration is raising stakes even further by resorting to blackmail and actual military threats. And yet, President Trump keeps insisting that his preference is to reach an agreement. If so, the only way to do it is through the actual diplomacy, not the use of force or threats to use force
💬 Another important element that should not be overlooked in this context: Iran is a non-nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The NPT is the cornerstone of the international security architecture. Iran placed its nuclear facilities under comprehensive IAEA safeguards. Its peaceful nuclear program is under continuous monitoring of the IAEA, with measures more intensive than in any other non-nuclear-weapon State. It has been confirmed multiple times (including just recently by the American intelligence) that there are no signs that Iran is seeking to build a nuclear explosive device or is conducting any work to that end
💬 To conclude: there is the urgent need to resume dialogue and negotiations on issues related to the Iranian nuclear programme in a businesslike manner, without threats and provocative blackmailing. This is the only pragmatic and potentially fruitful way ahead
❓Can you clarify the position of the Russian Federation regarding President of the USA Donald Trump’s recent remarks, in which he threatened to bomb Iran if a new nuclear agreement is not reached?
💬 We are categorically against any threats of the use of force made by the United States against Iran, not to mention threats of military strikes against nuclear facilities. We condemn such policies. Russia consistently advocates for diplomacy as the only way to address issues around Iran’s nuclear programme
💬 We are witnessing a paradox. We had the JCPOA - a multilateral agreement that was effectively working from 2015 to 2018 and that was aimed at settling all questions around Iran’s nuclear ambitions by political and diplomatic means. Then in 2018, during his first term, the United States President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from this agreement and imposed the so-called «maximum pressure» campaign against Iran. Seven years later, we see that this policy proved to be a complete fiasco. The United States failed to achieve any of its stated goals - on the contrary, the effect it gave is completely opposite. Iran is further developing its nuclear capacities which raises concerns of the Western countries
💬 While JCPOA was exactly aimed at alleviating those concerns once and for all. What we witness now is that the United States Administration is raising stakes even further by resorting to blackmail and actual military threats. And yet, President Trump keeps insisting that his preference is to reach an agreement. If so, the only way to do it is through the actual diplomacy, not the use of force or threats to use force
💬 Another important element that should not be overlooked in this context: Iran is a non-nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The NPT is the cornerstone of the international security architecture. Iran placed its nuclear facilities under comprehensive IAEA safeguards. Its peaceful nuclear program is under continuous monitoring of the IAEA, with measures more intensive than in any other non-nuclear-weapon State. It has been confirmed multiple times (including just recently by the American intelligence) that there are no signs that Iran is seeking to build a nuclear explosive device or is conducting any work to that end
💬 To conclude: there is the urgent need to resume dialogue and negotiations on issues related to the Iranian nuclear programme in a businesslike manner, without threats and provocative blackmailing. This is the only pragmatic and potentially fruitful way ahead
#Opinion by Russian MFA Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova
💬 The German Foreign Ministry, helmed (still) by the revanchist and neo-Nazi Annalena Baerbock, who in the year of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory over Nazism dares claim the post of the UN General Assembly President, advised that official representatives of Russia and Belarus should not be invited to the commemorative events on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. There is nothing new about this.
But the next "regulation" is definitely a novelty, or rather a blast from a horrible past.
According to the Berliner Zeitung newspaper, which got hold of a confidential document from the German Foreign Ministry, Russians and Belarusians will not be allowed to participate and even be physically present at the ceremonies. Moreover, they will be forcibly removed. Journalists quote the document as saying the following:
“…Russian and Belarusian representatives may not be invited to celebrate events of federal, regional and local significance. Institutions may exercise the right of removing them at their discretion.”
The very fact that the ideological heirs and direct descendants of Hitler's executioners would expel Russians from the Victory celebrations already looks like an outrageous insult. However, Baerbock and her Einsatzgrupp are not original in this respect but borrow almost entirely the experience of their predecessors. Recall 👇
On September 21, 1939, exactly three weeks after the outbreak of World War II, Gestapo chief Reinhard Heydrich signed a decree establishing ghettos in Western Poland: "At this point, the first prerequisite for achieving the final goal is the herding of rural Jews into large cities." The Germans needed to get rid of the unwanted Jews on the German territory and to establish residential communities for them. The ultimate goal, mentioned by Heydrich, was not openly announced at that time. The Wannsee Conference, which determined the ways and means of the "final solution to the Jewish question," was still three years away.
Police Einsatzgruppen and collaborators began to remove civilians based on the ethnic and national principle, incidentally, as prescribed in the Heydrich and Baerbock documents.
In 1939-1944, the Germans established over 1,300 ghettos throughout the Reich-controlled territory, including the occupied lands. For the Germans, the ghettos were a “temporary location” for Jews, the ultimate goal being their extermination in concentration camps.
While the world celebrates the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Nazism, Annalena Baerbock and her office continue to recreate the inhuman practices used by the Nazis. If the German security forces really remove Russians, Belarusians, former Soviet citizens, including those of Jewish origin, from ceremonial & solemn events, it will deserve only one definition — revival of Nazism. Baerbock’s “Triumph of the Will.”
💬 The German Foreign Ministry, helmed (still) by the revanchist and neo-Nazi Annalena Baerbock, who in the year of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory over Nazism dares claim the post of the UN General Assembly President, advised that official representatives of Russia and Belarus should not be invited to the commemorative events on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. There is nothing new about this.
But the next "regulation" is definitely a novelty, or rather a blast from a horrible past.
According to the Berliner Zeitung newspaper, which got hold of a confidential document from the German Foreign Ministry, Russians and Belarusians will not be allowed to participate and even be physically present at the ceremonies. Moreover, they will be forcibly removed. Journalists quote the document as saying the following:
“…Russian and Belarusian representatives may not be invited to celebrate events of federal, regional and local significance. Institutions may exercise the right of removing them at their discretion.”
The very fact that the ideological heirs and direct descendants of Hitler's executioners would expel Russians from the Victory celebrations already looks like an outrageous insult. However, Baerbock and her Einsatzgrupp are not original in this respect but borrow almost entirely the experience of their predecessors. Recall 👇
On September 21, 1939, exactly three weeks after the outbreak of World War II, Gestapo chief Reinhard Heydrich signed a decree establishing ghettos in Western Poland: "At this point, the first prerequisite for achieving the final goal is the herding of rural Jews into large cities." The Germans needed to get rid of the unwanted Jews on the German territory and to establish residential communities for them. The ultimate goal, mentioned by Heydrich, was not openly announced at that time. The Wannsee Conference, which determined the ways and means of the "final solution to the Jewish question," was still three years away.
Police Einsatzgruppen and collaborators began to remove civilians based on the ethnic and national principle, incidentally, as prescribed in the Heydrich and Baerbock documents.
In 1939-1944, the Germans established over 1,300 ghettos throughout the Reich-controlled territory, including the occupied lands. For the Germans, the ghettos were a “temporary location” for Jews, the ultimate goal being their extermination in concentration camps.
While the world celebrates the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Nazism, Annalena Baerbock and her office continue to recreate the inhuman practices used by the Nazis. If the German security forces really remove Russians, Belarusians, former Soviet citizens, including those of Jewish origin, from ceremonial & solemn events, it will deserve only one definition — revival of Nazism. Baerbock’s “Triumph of the Will.”
Forwarded from Embassy of Russia in Ethiopia 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇪🇹Russia and Ethiopia: A Partnership Built on Common Ground
Did you know that Russia and Ethiopia share a rich history of cooperation dating back over 125 years? From the Battle of Adwa in 1896 to Ethiopia joining BRICS in 2024, our nations have walked similar paths through history.
✍️In an exclusive interview “Legal Insight” magazine, Russia's Trade Representative in Ethiopia, Yaroslav Tarasyuk, highlights the deep connections between our countries:
🔸Both nations are multinational federations with Orthodox Christian heritage
🔸 We've shared experiences in empire building, socialism, and market economy transitions
🔸Russian expertise has contributed to Ethiopia's development through 43 major projects
🔸Current cooperation spans automotive, energy, chemical, food industries, and digital technologies
📈 With Ethiopia now being the fifth largest economy in Africa and growing at 7-8% annually, Russian businesses are finding excellent opportunities in this dynamic market.
Russian companies are actively exploring Ethiopia's special economic zones and industrial parks, particularly in pharmaceuticals, where Ethiopia aims to become a regional production hub.
As Ethiopia continues its impressive economic growth as a new BRICS member, Russia stands ready as a trusted partner in its development journey.
📎Read in full
#RussiaEthiopiaRelations #BRICS #EconomicCooperation #TradePartnership
Did you know that Russia and Ethiopia share a rich history of cooperation dating back over 125 years? From the Battle of Adwa in 1896 to Ethiopia joining BRICS in 2024, our nations have walked similar paths through history.
✍️In an exclusive interview “Legal Insight” magazine, Russia's Trade Representative in Ethiopia, Yaroslav Tarasyuk, highlights the deep connections between our countries:
🔸Both nations are multinational federations with Orthodox Christian heritage
🔸 We've shared experiences in empire building, socialism, and market economy transitions
🔸Russian expertise has contributed to Ethiopia's development through 43 major projects
🔸Current cooperation spans automotive, energy, chemical, food industries, and digital technologies
Russian companies are actively exploring Ethiopia's special economic zones and industrial parks, particularly in pharmaceuticals, where Ethiopia aims to become a regional production hub.
As Ethiopia continues its impressive economic growth as a new BRICS member, Russia stands ready as a trusted partner in its development journey.
📎Read in full
#RussiaEthiopiaRelations #BRICS #EconomicCooperation #TradePartnership
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🎙 Answer by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to questions of Spetskor (Special Correspondent) project by Russian media outlet VGTRK (April 5, 2025)
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❓Question: The Balts have always been anti-Russian, even when they were part of the Soviet Union. Their Russophobia was activated after the 2014 Maidan. In 2018, it came to black lists of Russians who pose a threat to national security. Their criminal prosecution began. The Russian Federation speaks out about this. Does the international community pay attention to this, including human rights organisations?
💬 Maria Zakharova: Russophobia is most pronounced in the Baltic states, where segregationist policies towards ethnic minorities — particularly Russians — have long been in place. Harassment is not only left unchecked by the authorities in these countries, but, to the contrary, is actively justified, encouraged, and even promoted by them.
The Baltic states have imposed artificial barriers to human interaction and have demonstrated a hostile approach by advancing anti-Russian initiatives in the EU and NATO, including calls for increased military and political support to the Kiev regime.
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Baltic law enforcement regimes have launched dozens of fabricated criminal cases against Russian-speaking compatriots and Russian nationals, relying on pseudo-legal frameworks. The local justice systems are completely controlled by the authorities and have become instruments of repression in the fullest sense. These states apply distorted interpretations of international legal norms, often aligned with political goals of their ruling Russophobic elites and their overseas allies.
For our part, we regularly raise the issue of violent repression against the Russian and Russian-speaking population by Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian authorities at UN human rights platforms in New York and Geneva, as well as at the OSCE. We submit formal appeals to relevant monitoring and executive bodies, urging them to assess the unlawful actions of the Baltic authorities:
🔻particularly the demolition of Soviet war memorials,
🔻desecration of monuments to victims of Nazism,
🔻abuse of military pensioners,
🔻restrictions on Russian-language education (which is the native tongue for a significant portion of the population),
🔻violations of religious freedom,
🔻prosecution of those who do not support these criminal policies.
Regrettably, our efforts receive little meaningful response — often met with meaningless run-around replies or complete silence. This has long ceased to surprise in view of the politicised bias in the performance of the UN and OSCE structures. We regard this silence as tacit endorsement of the repressive police regimes in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Nevertheless, we remain committed to addressing these issues in a consistent and assertive manner.
The worsening human rights situation and ethnic discrimination in the Baltic states continues to be a key focus in the Ministry’s annual thematic reports—most notably, the report titled Violations of the Rights of Russian Citizens and Fellow Citizens in Foreign Countries, as well as in the first Joint Report by the Foreign Ministries of Russia and Belarus, entitled Human Rights Situation in Certain Countries.
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❓Question: The Balts have always been anti-Russian, even when they were part of the Soviet Union. Their Russophobia was activated after the 2014 Maidan. In 2018, it came to black lists of Russians who pose a threat to national security. Their criminal prosecution began. The Russian Federation speaks out about this. Does the international community pay attention to this, including human rights organisations?
💬 Maria Zakharova: Russophobia is most pronounced in the Baltic states, where segregationist policies towards ethnic minorities — particularly Russians — have long been in place. Harassment is not only left unchecked by the authorities in these countries, but, to the contrary, is actively justified, encouraged, and even promoted by them.
The Baltic states have imposed artificial barriers to human interaction and have demonstrated a hostile approach by advancing anti-Russian initiatives in the EU and NATO, including calls for increased military and political support to the Kiev regime.
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Baltic law enforcement regimes have launched dozens of fabricated criminal cases against Russian-speaking compatriots and Russian nationals, relying on pseudo-legal frameworks. The local justice systems are completely controlled by the authorities and have become instruments of repression in the fullest sense. These states apply distorted interpretations of international legal norms, often aligned with political goals of their ruling Russophobic elites and their overseas allies.
For our part, we regularly raise the issue of violent repression against the Russian and Russian-speaking population by Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian authorities at UN human rights platforms in New York and Geneva, as well as at the OSCE. We submit formal appeals to relevant monitoring and executive bodies, urging them to assess the unlawful actions of the Baltic authorities:
🔻particularly the demolition of Soviet war memorials,
🔻desecration of monuments to victims of Nazism,
🔻abuse of military pensioners,
🔻restrictions on Russian-language education (which is the native tongue for a significant portion of the population),
🔻violations of religious freedom,
🔻prosecution of those who do not support these criminal policies.
Regrettably, our efforts receive little meaningful response — often met with meaningless run-around replies or complete silence. This has long ceased to surprise in view of the politicised bias in the performance of the UN and OSCE structures. We regard this silence as tacit endorsement of the repressive police regimes in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Nevertheless, we remain committed to addressing these issues in a consistent and assertive manner.
The worsening human rights situation and ethnic discrimination in the Baltic states continues to be a key focus in the Ministry’s annual thematic reports—most notably, the report titled Violations of the Rights of Russian Citizens and Fellow Citizens in Foreign Countries, as well as in the first Joint Report by the Foreign Ministries of Russia and Belarus, entitled Human Rights Situation in Certain Countries.