🎙 Russia's Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova:
In response to President Vladimir Putin’s instruction, we are working to reunite children with their families in Russia, Ukraine, or other countries. The first reunions took place in 2022.
Since then, we have received a steady stream of requests and lists – in total, processing records for over 1,100 children. After verifying the details, only a small portion of cases required our direct assistance with reunification. Some families reunited or found each other independently; others needed no intervention because the children were already living with relatives.
❗️ To date, since the beginning of the special military operation, our efforts have helped reunite 25 children from 17 families with relatives in Russia, while 112 children from 88 families have been reunited with relatives in Ukraine and third countries.
Each story is unique. In most cases, children were living with one parent or relatives but wished to join the other parent. There were also instances where children had been placed in institutions, but their mother, father, or other close relatives sought to bring them home. We facilitated these reunions.
We began working on the list received during the Istanbul talks as soon as it was available. Most individuals on the list are adults or children already living with their parents or close relatives in Russia. For some children, Russian law enforcement has no record of them being on Russian territory.
Some children were reunited with relatives through our assistance even before we received the list – some as recently as this summer. Our work continues.
🤝 Over the past years, we have developed a clear-cut reunification process – working alongside international partners, including the State of Qatar, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Vatican, and the Ukrainian side. Typically, family reunification requires extensive preparation and often multiple approvals. Where needed, we assist families in gathering the necessary documents and arranging logistics. We also meet arriving parents and accompanying persons, given the vast geographic scope involved.
In accordance with the Presidential instructions, children may only reunite with families upon receiving an application from a parent or other close relative with the appropriate legal capacity.
During the talks, the Ukrainian side was also provided with a list of 20 children living in Ukraine and the European Union whose relatives in Russia are awaiting reunification. We hope this step will bring them closer to being reunited. Unfortunately, in some cases, we have seen no progress – even when the request came directly from parents.
In response to President Vladimir Putin’s instruction, we are working to reunite children with their families in Russia, Ukraine, or other countries. The first reunions took place in 2022.
Since then, we have received a steady stream of requests and lists – in total, processing records for over 1,100 children. After verifying the details, only a small portion of cases required our direct assistance with reunification. Some families reunited or found each other independently; others needed no intervention because the children were already living with relatives.
❗️ To date, since the beginning of the special military operation, our efforts have helped reunite 25 children from 17 families with relatives in Russia, while 112 children from 88 families have been reunited with relatives in Ukraine and third countries.
Each story is unique. In most cases, children were living with one parent or relatives but wished to join the other parent. There were also instances where children had been placed in institutions, but their mother, father, or other close relatives sought to bring them home. We facilitated these reunions.
We began working on the list received during the Istanbul talks as soon as it was available. Most individuals on the list are adults or children already living with their parents or close relatives in Russia. For some children, Russian law enforcement has no record of them being on Russian territory.
Some children were reunited with relatives through our assistance even before we received the list – some as recently as this summer. Our work continues.
🤝 Over the past years, we have developed a clear-cut reunification process – working alongside international partners, including the State of Qatar, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Vatican, and the Ukrainian side. Typically, family reunification requires extensive preparation and often multiple approvals. Where needed, we assist families in gathering the necessary documents and arranging logistics. We also meet arriving parents and accompanying persons, given the vast geographic scope involved.
In accordance with the Presidential instructions, children may only reunite with families upon receiving an application from a parent or other close relative with the appropriate legal capacity.
During the talks, the Ukrainian side was also provided with a list of 20 children living in Ukraine and the European Union whose relatives in Russia are awaiting reunification. We hope this step will bring them closer to being reunited. Unfortunately, in some cases, we have seen no progress – even when the request came directly from parents.
Forwarded from Russian Embassy in South Africa
⚡️ Plenary sessions of the #G20 Development Ministerial Conference have opened in Skukuza (#G20SouthAfrica).
A Russian delegation, headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander #Pankin, is participating in the event.
The conference agenda includes discussions on illicit financial flows, social protection, and the implementation of the #SDGs, including in the context of reforming global institutions, development financing, and strengthening multilateral cooperation.
🇷🇺 Russia will deliver statements on all thematic discussion points.
Source: Marat Berdyev, Ambassador-at-Large, Russian Foreign Ministry
A Russian delegation, headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander #Pankin, is participating in the event.
The conference agenda includes discussions on illicit financial flows, social protection, and the implementation of the #SDGs, including in the context of reforming global institutions, development financing, and strengthening multilateral cooperation.
🇷🇺 Russia will deliver statements on all thematic discussion points.
Source: Marat Berdyev, Ambassador-at-Large, Russian Foreign Ministry
🎙 Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova:
(from the weekly briefing on current foreign policy issues, July 24, 2025)
July 21 marked 85 years since the establishment of the Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian Soviet Socialist Republics.
Since the Soviet Union's collapse, the political elites of the three Baltic republics – which formally gained 'independence' (though in reality, lost it) – never miss a chance to throw mud at their Soviet past in the never-ending anti-Russia frenzy. Understandable, it's the only way to whitewash their own failures.
But let's look at the facts 👇
🇷🇺 How did Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia really fare as part of the Soviet Union?
👉 During the Soviet period, these republics were dubbed a showcase of socialism – and for good reason. Thanks to the unprecedented large-scale Soviet-wide efforts, their industrial capacity was build from the ground up: factories emerged, energy and transport infrastructure, seaports in the Baltic Sea were created – most of them still in operation to this day and of strategic importance – this is how the republics gained a solid socioeconomic foundation.
This rapid economic growth was further bolstered by lavish government funding and qualified personnel coming from across the Soviet Union to help develop the economy.
• 20+ major plants were built in Latvia, creating tens of thousands of jobs – including flagship enterprises like VEF, Radiotekhnika, RAF, Dzintars, and the RVR rolling stock plant in Riga, which became Europe’s largest manufacturer of trams, commuter trains, and diesel trains.
• Lithuania’s industrial sector expanded at a similar pace, with key complexes such as Žalgiris, Elfa, Azot, and the Šiauliai Television Plant driving growth.
• Estonia, meanwhile, developed its mechanical engineering and electrical industries in Tallinn, along with the world’s first gas shale plant in Kohtla-Järve, among other facilities.
🌾 The three republics also achieved a high level of food security and agricultural development.
🏭 By 1965, industrial output in the three republics had grown 15 times compared to their pre-war levels.
Once again: in 20 years after the devastating World War II the three republics' industry not just doubled or tripled, which would've been a huge accomplishment in itself, but had grown x15 TIMES. It's an unprecedented case of economic success.
🔬 Scientific and academic capabilities also saw dramatic expansion. Before 1940, Lithuania had just 600 researchers and 6,000 university students; by 1973, those numbers had risen to over 10,000 researchers and 43,000 students.
📈 This progress translated into higher living standards. By 1961, the average per capita income in the Baltic republics exceeded 700 roubles, well above the USSR average of 547 roubles.
This represents just a fraction of the overwhelming statistical evidence demonstrating the Soviet Union’s immense material, human and intellectual investment in the Baltic republics’ development.
❗️ Much of this industrial and scientific potential was created from the ground up during the Soviet era, with significant resources allocated without compensation, just to stimulate regional growth.
***
Yet despite huge advantage & legacy of the Soviet-era, modern Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have fallen off the map and have been reduced to EU’s economic periphery since casting off their “shackles of Soviet occupation.”
The numbers don’t lie.
Here’s another important and telling indicator of the current situation in these republics.
During the Soviet era, these republics enjoyed rapid population growth.
📉 Today’s demographics tell a shocking story:
• Since gaining “independence,” Latvia’s population has plummeted by -33% (from 2.7 million in 1990 to just 1.8 million).
• Lithuania saw a -32% drop (from 3.7 million in 1990 to 2.5 million),
• Estonia’s population fell by -17%(from 1.57 million in 1990 to 1.3 million).
❓ A “flight” to freedom?
▪️ More like a nose-dive into the abyss.
(from the weekly briefing on current foreign policy issues, July 24, 2025)
July 21 marked 85 years since the establishment of the Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian Soviet Socialist Republics.
Since the Soviet Union's collapse, the political elites of the three Baltic republics – which formally gained 'independence' (though in reality, lost it) – never miss a chance to throw mud at their Soviet past in the never-ending anti-Russia frenzy. Understandable, it's the only way to whitewash their own failures.
But let's look at the facts 👇
👉 During the Soviet period, these republics were dubbed a showcase of socialism – and for good reason. Thanks to the unprecedented large-scale Soviet-wide efforts, their industrial capacity was build from the ground up: factories emerged, energy and transport infrastructure, seaports in the Baltic Sea were created – most of them still in operation to this day and of strategic importance – this is how the republics gained a solid socioeconomic foundation.
This rapid economic growth was further bolstered by lavish government funding and qualified personnel coming from across the Soviet Union to help develop the economy.
• 20+ major plants were built in Latvia, creating tens of thousands of jobs – including flagship enterprises like VEF, Radiotekhnika, RAF, Dzintars, and the RVR rolling stock plant in Riga, which became Europe’s largest manufacturer of trams, commuter trains, and diesel trains.
• Lithuania’s industrial sector expanded at a similar pace, with key complexes such as Žalgiris, Elfa, Azot, and the Šiauliai Television Plant driving growth.
• Estonia, meanwhile, developed its mechanical engineering and electrical industries in Tallinn, along with the world’s first gas shale plant in Kohtla-Järve, among other facilities.
🌾 The three republics also achieved a high level of food security and agricultural development.
🏭 By 1965, industrial output in the three republics had grown 15 times compared to their pre-war levels.
Once again: in 20 years after the devastating World War II the three republics' industry not just doubled or tripled, which would've been a huge accomplishment in itself, but had grown x15 TIMES. It's an unprecedented case of economic success.
🔬 Scientific and academic capabilities also saw dramatic expansion. Before 1940, Lithuania had just 600 researchers and 6,000 university students; by 1973, those numbers had risen to over 10,000 researchers and 43,000 students.
📈 This progress translated into higher living standards. By 1961, the average per capita income in the Baltic republics exceeded 700 roubles, well above the USSR average of 547 roubles.
This represents just a fraction of the overwhelming statistical evidence demonstrating the Soviet Union’s immense material, human and intellectual investment in the Baltic republics’ development.
❗️ Much of this industrial and scientific potential was created from the ground up during the Soviet era, with significant resources allocated without compensation, just to stimulate regional growth.
***
Yet despite huge advantage & legacy of the Soviet-era, modern Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have fallen off the map and have been reduced to EU’s economic periphery since casting off their “shackles of Soviet occupation.”
The numbers don’t lie.
Here’s another important and telling indicator of the current situation in these republics.
During the Soviet era, these republics enjoyed rapid population growth.
📉 Today’s demographics tell a shocking story:
• Since gaining “independence,” Latvia’s population has plummeted by -33% (from 2.7 million in 1990 to just 1.8 million).
• Lithuania saw a -32% drop (from 3.7 million in 1990 to 2.5 million),
• Estonia’s population fell by -17%(from 1.57 million in 1990 to 1.3 million).
❓ A “flight” to freedom?
▪️ More like a nose-dive into the abyss.
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🇷🇺 President of Russia Vladimir Putin took part in a ceremony to raise the naval flag on the Knyaz Pozharsky nuclear-powered submarine cruiser, which is entering service with the Navy, held at the Sevmash plant ( July 24, 2025, Severodvinsk).
💬 President Putin: Comrades,
Today, here in Severodvinsk, one of Russia’s leading shipbuilding centres, we are raising the naval flag on the Knyaz Pozharsky strategic submarine cruiser and officially put it in service with the Russian Navy. I sincerely congratulate the shipbuilders and navy sailors on this significant and historic event.
In the very near future, this new missile-carrying submarine will take up duty to safeguard our maritime borders and strengthening the security of the Fatherland. This is already the fifth serial missile carrier of the Borei-A class delivered to the Navy over the past six years.
Such submarines form the core of the naval strategic nuclear forces. With their extensive modernisation potential, they will ensure the security of our state for decades to come.
The Knyaz Pozharsky is equipped with the most advanced radio-electronic systems and strike weapons, such as Bulava ballistic missiles, modern torpedo weapons, and sonar countermeasure systems.
Thanks to cutting-edge design solutions, the submarine features advanced power plants and navigation systems, while also offering significantly improved conditions for the crew’s service and rest.
Today, there are more than 70 vessels at various stages of construction at Russian shipyards. Here at Sevmash alone, six new nuclear submarines are scheduled to be built by 2030.
This rhythmic and consistent work will strengthen the economic stability of shipbuilding enterprises and their industrial partners, but, most importantly, it will help attract highly qualified personnel and further develop new high-tech solutions.
We will fully implement our plans to create a modern, powerful Navy, capable of ensuring Russia’s security and defending our national interests across all areas of the World Ocean. There can be no doubt about this.
I wish the crew of the Knyaz Pozharsky submarine success in fulfilling their assigned missions. And, in keeping with the good naval tradition – fair wind and seven feet under the keel!
(The ceremony of raising the naval flag on the Knyaz Pozharsky nuclear submarine cruiser. The Russian national anthem is played.)
Comrades, congratulations on the first raising of the naval flag!
***
ℹ️ The Knyaz Pozharsky is a Borei-A class nuclear-powered submarine of the fourth generation. It is equipped with up-to-date missile and torpedo weapons, navigation, radio engineering and sonar systems, has high manoeuvrability characteristics and acoustic stealth.
The cruiser became the 142nd nuclear-powered submarine built at the Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (Sevmash), the largest shipbuilding plant in the country, which is part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation. There are plans to build six more nuclear-powered submarines there by 2030.
💬 President Putin: Comrades,
Today, here in Severodvinsk, one of Russia’s leading shipbuilding centres, we are raising the naval flag on the Knyaz Pozharsky strategic submarine cruiser and officially put it in service with the Russian Navy. I sincerely congratulate the shipbuilders and navy sailors on this significant and historic event.
In the very near future, this new missile-carrying submarine will take up duty to safeguard our maritime borders and strengthening the security of the Fatherland. This is already the fifth serial missile carrier of the Borei-A class delivered to the Navy over the past six years.
Such submarines form the core of the naval strategic nuclear forces. With their extensive modernisation potential, they will ensure the security of our state for decades to come.
The Knyaz Pozharsky is equipped with the most advanced radio-electronic systems and strike weapons, such as Bulava ballistic missiles, modern torpedo weapons, and sonar countermeasure systems.
Thanks to cutting-edge design solutions, the submarine features advanced power plants and navigation systems, while also offering significantly improved conditions for the crew’s service and rest.
Today, there are more than 70 vessels at various stages of construction at Russian shipyards. Here at Sevmash alone, six new nuclear submarines are scheduled to be built by 2030.
This rhythmic and consistent work will strengthen the economic stability of shipbuilding enterprises and their industrial partners, but, most importantly, it will help attract highly qualified personnel and further develop new high-tech solutions.
We will fully implement our plans to create a modern, powerful Navy, capable of ensuring Russia’s security and defending our national interests across all areas of the World Ocean. There can be no doubt about this.
I wish the crew of the Knyaz Pozharsky submarine success in fulfilling their assigned missions. And, in keeping with the good naval tradition – fair wind and seven feet under the keel!
(The ceremony of raising the naval flag on the Knyaz Pozharsky nuclear submarine cruiser. The Russian national anthem is played.)
Comrades, congratulations on the first raising of the naval flag!
***
ℹ️ The Knyaz Pozharsky is a Borei-A class nuclear-powered submarine of the fourth generation. It is equipped with up-to-date missile and torpedo weapons, navigation, radio engineering and sonar systems, has high manoeuvrability characteristics and acoustic stealth.
The cruiser became the 142nd nuclear-powered submarine built at the Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (Sevmash), the largest shipbuilding plant in the country, which is part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation. There are plans to build six more nuclear-powered submarines there by 2030.
❗️ Russia's Foreign Ministry statement on the Israeli Parliament’s adoption of a declaration on extending sovereignty to the territory of the West Bank
On July 23, the Knesset (Parliament) of Israel adopted a declaration on extending the sovereignty of Israel to the territory of the West Bank.
• While not a legislative act, the document urges the Government to “extend, as soon as possible, Israeli sovereignty, including Israeli law, judicial authority, and administration, to the entire Jewish settlement area in all its diversity in Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley.”
• It also describes the creation of a Palestinian state as an “existential threat to Israel, its citizens and the entire region.”
This move by Israeli lawmakers has been received with deep concern in Moscow. It effectively predetermines the outcome of talks on the final status of the Palestinian territories and contradicts Israel’s commitments under the Oslo Process, as well as the provisions of relevant United Nations General Assembly and Security Council resolutions.
Russia remains committed to facilitating direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, with the goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state that coexists in peace and security with Israel – a cornerstone of long-term stability in the Middle East.
We proceed from the assumption that the adopted declaration will not be followed by concrete steps from the Government of Israel aimed to facilitate its actual implementation. Should such steps be taken, they would inevitably lead to a further escalation of tensions in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, with unpredictable consequences for both Israel and the entire Middle East.
Russia continues to prioritise an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and detainees, and the relaunch of the peace process, while avoiding unilateral actions that seek to create irreversible facts on the ground.
On July 23, the Knesset (Parliament) of Israel adopted a declaration on extending the sovereignty of Israel to the territory of the West Bank.
• While not a legislative act, the document urges the Government to “extend, as soon as possible, Israeli sovereignty, including Israeli law, judicial authority, and administration, to the entire Jewish settlement area in all its diversity in Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley.”
• It also describes the creation of a Palestinian state as an “existential threat to Israel, its citizens and the entire region.”
This move by Israeli lawmakers has been received with deep concern in Moscow. It effectively predetermines the outcome of talks on the final status of the Palestinian territories and contradicts Israel’s commitments under the Oslo Process, as well as the provisions of relevant United Nations General Assembly and Security Council resolutions.
Russia remains committed to facilitating direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, with the goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state that coexists in peace and security with Israel – a cornerstone of long-term stability in the Middle East.
We proceed from the assumption that the adopted declaration will not be followed by concrete steps from the Government of Israel aimed to facilitate its actual implementation. Should such steps be taken, they would inevitably lead to a further escalation of tensions in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, with unpredictable consequences for both Israel and the entire Middle East.
Russia continues to prioritise an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and detainees, and the relaunch of the peace process, while avoiding unilateral actions that seek to create irreversible facts on the ground.
🎙 Briefing by Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (Moscow, July 24, 2025)
• Ukraine crisis
• Kiev regime crimes
• Developments in Moldova
• Restrictions on Russia backfire on their originators
• The UN General Assembly resolution on countering hate speech
• The 80th anniversary of Nuremberg trials
📰 Read
📺 Watch
***
#KievRegimeCrimes #Terrorism
The Kiev regime continues to carry out terrorist attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Russia.
Over the past week, 127 people have been injured in shelling and drone attacks. Seven of them have died and 120, including 11 minors, have been wounded.
#Ukraine
According to Ukrainian statistics, since the beginning of 2025, the number of service members who have left military units without permission has exceeded 110,000, meaning more than half of the recruits rounded up by Zelensky’s hunters and forcibly sent to the army – to slaughter – have fled. In total, since February 2022, official data alone records more than 230,000 desertions from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Experts believe the real number could be significantly higher.
#EU #Sanctions
According to Eurostat, since sanctions had been imposed on Russia, the EU has paid nearly 200 billion euros extra for gas. Companies with the capital exceeding $1 billion are steadily moving from the EU the US jurisdiction, among others.
Energy price hikes have imposed a heavier toll on public budgets, further exacerbating the debt issue. In countries like Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, and Portugal, public debt has exceeded 100% of the GDP for more than one year now.
• Ukraine crisis
• Kiev regime crimes
• Developments in Moldova
• Restrictions on Russia backfire on their originators
• The UN General Assembly resolution on countering hate speech
• The 80th anniversary of Nuremberg trials
📰 Read
📺 Watch
***
#KievRegimeCrimes #Terrorism
The Kiev regime continues to carry out terrorist attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Russia.
Over the past week, 127 people have been injured in shelling and drone attacks. Seven of them have died and 120, including 11 minors, have been wounded.
#Ukraine
According to Ukrainian statistics, since the beginning of 2025, the number of service members who have left military units without permission has exceeded 110,000, meaning more than half of the recruits rounded up by Zelensky’s hunters and forcibly sent to the army – to slaughter – have fled. In total, since February 2022, official data alone records more than 230,000 desertions from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Experts believe the real number could be significantly higher.
#EU #Sanctions
According to Eurostat, since sanctions had been imposed on Russia, the EU has paid nearly 200 billion euros extra for gas. Companies with the capital exceeding $1 billion are steadily moving from the EU the US jurisdiction, among others.
Energy price hikes have imposed a heavier toll on public budgets, further exacerbating the debt issue. In countries like Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, and Portugal, public debt has exceeded 100% of the GDP for more than one year now.
🎙 Address by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Aleksandr Pankin at G20 Development Working Group Ministerial Meeting during the main session (Skukuza, 25 July 2025)
💬 Distinguished Mme President, dear colleagues,
Having successfully worked on Ministerial Declaration, allow me to make some comments on certain trends related to development.
Amid the ongoing disruptions and rising tensions, we see a major move towards the formation of a multipolar world and the need to put an end to neo-colonial practices, establish a new economic order and bring about genuine multilateralism and democratisation in international relations.
The emergence of meaningful arrangements for cooperation in the regions of the Global South, such as the #BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Eurasian Economic Union, African Union, #ASEAN, League of Arab States, CELAC and others, gave rise to noticeable positive developments.
It has become apparent that the global economic balance of power is shifting, emerging economies from the Global South are becoming key drivers of growth, industrial development and innovation.
These developments are being hampered by purposefully created barriers, including unfair competition, suppression of national sovereignty and politically motivated sanctions, which are threatening the integrity of global economy and markets. Global institutions, business mechanisms, settlement and payment channels and reserve currencies under control of a few are actively used to this end. Developing countries face excessively inflated borrowing costs, while the official donor assistance promised earlier is being reduced.
This is amplifying the risks of instability in the world economic system – we are witnessing the erosion of energy and food security, extraterritorial interference in the economic policy of sovereign states, fuelling of conflicts and speeding up of the arms race.
We need meaningful actions to reverse dramatic situation, when the poorest countries with a population of 3.4 billion people are compelled to spend more on interest payments on debt than they invest in their own citizens, and a third of African countries are on the brink of default or have already defaulted.
The decade-old agreements to reform global financial institutions, primarily the IMF and World Bank, involving the dismantling of major shareholders’ blocking powers, are still being sabotaged.
❗️ This situation deprives the Global South of an equal say and authority when it comes to decision-making.
The inequalities in the international supply chains and markets are affecting many developing countries, especially in Africa, where commodity producers get only a fraction of proceeds from the sale of resources, whereas foreign and transnational companies are making immense profits. We have not seen tangible steps to remedy such dire situation yet.
We support the priorities set forth by South Africa, as well as by other BRICS presidencies in the G20. They give an opportunity to clearly understand where we stand, what the root causes of problems and pressing issues are.
We need plausible solutions to boost economic growth and equal access to opportunities, and most importantly, to prevent the situation in which some would be doomed to be lagging behind and marginalization.
We are willing to share with our partners best Russian practices in various spheres, from energy and agriculture to healthcare, as well as to launch needed projects in the field of economic cooperation, digitalisation and preservation of cultural diversity and identity. We will continue to build the #RussiaAfrica Partnership and advance integration based on the Greater Eurasian Partnership.
To address development challenges, we can put to use the achievements of last year’s BRICS Kazan Summit and this year’s Summit in Brazil in regard to the launch of settlement, exchange and reinsurance mechanisms as well as platform infrastructure for promoting growth and attracting investment.
💬 Distinguished Mme President, dear colleagues,
Having successfully worked on Ministerial Declaration, allow me to make some comments on certain trends related to development.
Amid the ongoing disruptions and rising tensions, we see a major move towards the formation of a multipolar world and the need to put an end to neo-colonial practices, establish a new economic order and bring about genuine multilateralism and democratisation in international relations.
The emergence of meaningful arrangements for cooperation in the regions of the Global South, such as the #BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Eurasian Economic Union, African Union, #ASEAN, League of Arab States, CELAC and others, gave rise to noticeable positive developments.
It has become apparent that the global economic balance of power is shifting, emerging economies from the Global South are becoming key drivers of growth, industrial development and innovation.
These developments are being hampered by purposefully created barriers, including unfair competition, suppression of national sovereignty and politically motivated sanctions, which are threatening the integrity of global economy and markets. Global institutions, business mechanisms, settlement and payment channels and reserve currencies under control of a few are actively used to this end. Developing countries face excessively inflated borrowing costs, while the official donor assistance promised earlier is being reduced.
This is amplifying the risks of instability in the world economic system – we are witnessing the erosion of energy and food security, extraterritorial interference in the economic policy of sovereign states, fuelling of conflicts and speeding up of the arms race.
We need meaningful actions to reverse dramatic situation, when the poorest countries with a population of 3.4 billion people are compelled to spend more on interest payments on debt than they invest in their own citizens, and a third of African countries are on the brink of default or have already defaulted.
The decade-old agreements to reform global financial institutions, primarily the IMF and World Bank, involving the dismantling of major shareholders’ blocking powers, are still being sabotaged.
❗️ This situation deprives the Global South of an equal say and authority when it comes to decision-making.
The inequalities in the international supply chains and markets are affecting many developing countries, especially in Africa, where commodity producers get only a fraction of proceeds from the sale of resources, whereas foreign and transnational companies are making immense profits. We have not seen tangible steps to remedy such dire situation yet.
We support the priorities set forth by South Africa, as well as by other BRICS presidencies in the G20. They give an opportunity to clearly understand where we stand, what the root causes of problems and pressing issues are.
We need plausible solutions to boost economic growth and equal access to opportunities, and most importantly, to prevent the situation in which some would be doomed to be lagging behind and marginalization.
We are willing to share with our partners best Russian practices in various spheres, from energy and agriculture to healthcare, as well as to launch needed projects in the field of economic cooperation, digitalisation and preservation of cultural diversity and identity. We will continue to build the #RussiaAfrica Partnership and advance integration based on the Greater Eurasian Partnership.
To address development challenges, we can put to use the achievements of last year’s BRICS Kazan Summit and this year’s Summit in Brazil in regard to the launch of settlement, exchange and reinsurance mechanisms as well as platform infrastructure for promoting growth and attracting investment.
Forwarded from Russian Embassy in South Africa
🎙️ Interview with Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Aleksandr Pankin for TASS (July 26, 2025)
Key Points
• Russia is committed to eliminating global inequality, aiming to ensure that African and other developing countries not only gain equal access to resources and financing, but also actively participate in the governance of various international institutions, including economic ones — so that their voices are heard.
• Under the prevailing neocolonial practices of the West toward Africa, stable development and social progress on the continent are unattainable. This calls for a fundamental transformation of the global order and the democratization of international relations. African nations recognize and support Russia’s policy aimed at these objectives.
• A paradoxical situation exists: the volume of capital flowing into African countries is effectively matched by capital outflows. In essence, this reflects the ongoing exploitation of Africa, particularly its natural resources, from which the local populations and governments receive minimal benefit.
• Within the G20 framework, Russia and South Africa maintain strong coordination and mutual support. South Africa plays a constructive role in ensuring that the G20 remains a non-confrontational platform, enabling dialogue and consensus-building among all member states wherever possible.
• The #BRICS agenda holds global relevance, and its countries also participate in the #G20. However, BRICS tends to offer more effective solutions due to the shared vision among its members. In contrast, the G20 faces challenges stemming from the divide between Western and developing nations, making compromise more difficult to achieve.
#G20SouthAfrica
Key Points
• Russia is committed to eliminating global inequality, aiming to ensure that African and other developing countries not only gain equal access to resources and financing, but also actively participate in the governance of various international institutions, including economic ones — so that their voices are heard.
• Under the prevailing neocolonial practices of the West toward Africa, stable development and social progress on the continent are unattainable. This calls for a fundamental transformation of the global order and the democratization of international relations. African nations recognize and support Russia’s policy aimed at these objectives.
• A paradoxical situation exists: the volume of capital flowing into African countries is effectively matched by capital outflows. In essence, this reflects the ongoing exploitation of Africa, particularly its natural resources, from which the local populations and governments receive minimal benefit.
• Within the G20 framework, Russia and South Africa maintain strong coordination and mutual support. South Africa plays a constructive role in ensuring that the G20 remains a non-confrontational platform, enabling dialogue and consensus-building among all member states wherever possible.
• The #BRICS agenda holds global relevance, and its countries also participate in the #G20. However, BRICS tends to offer more effective solutions due to the shared vision among its members. In contrast, the G20 faces challenges stemming from the divide between Western and developing nations, making compromise more difficult to achieve.
#G20SouthAfrica
🎙 Nikolay Patrushev, Aide to the President of Russia and Chairman of the Maritime Board of the Russian Federation, gives interview to RIA Novosti (July 26, 2025)
❓ Question: Mr. Patrushev, we are talking on the eve of Russian Navy Day. How do you think our Navy is approaching its professional holiday?
Nikolay Patrushev: I will answer your question with an extract from the famous Navy march: "The Naval Guards march with confidence, they can face any danger. Tested in battle, tested in fire. The Naval Guard is trouble for enemies.” The Russian Navy can provide for the national security in all sea and ocean areas in any scenario.
The Navy Development Strategy up to 2050 has been prepared by the Maritime Board and was approved by the President on May 30, 2025.
To implement it, an updated programme of navy shipbuilding until 2050 has been drafted to be submitted for President’s endorsement in September.
Its key feature should be planning of the entire life cycle of each ship, ensuring independence from import and technological sovereignty of domestic shipbuilding.
👉 In a word, Russian Navy is developing in the correct way.
Key points:
• Russia’s nuclear shield is the best guarantee of our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• The Kaliningrad Region is an inalienable part of Russia, and any military encroachment on it will be countered with a prompt and devastating response with all the means and forces we have.
• We pay special attention to deploying the Navy in various areas of the World Ocean. We have secured our presence in the eastern Mediterranean, in the center of the Pacific Ocean as well as near the southern part of the Kuril Islands. <...> We carried out cruises to the South China Sea, the Philippine Sea and the Red Sea, to the Straits of Singapore and Malacca, the Gulf of Aden and the Caribbean in order to protect Russian maritime navigation and counter piracy.
• Current actions by NATO look very much like a scenario of a full-scale aggression against our country.
• We observe operational and combat training activities of national and joint armed forces with an anti-Russia bias in the Northeastern Atlantic, in the Greenland-Norwegian sea zone, in Norway, Finland and Sweden. They build up their rapid reaction troops of the NATO Allied Forces in Poland, Baltic countries and in the Baltic Sea area. We see permanent combat patrolling by UK and French nuclear submarines with ballistic missiles in remote ocean areas, and patrols of UK and US nuclear attack submarines in the sea waters adjacent to the Russian Federation.
• Russia is prepared to resolutely and effectively ward off military threats at sea, including in the context of the NATO plans to destabilise the situation in the Baltic and Black seas.
• Learning foreign languages is a useful thing. The knowledge of Russian could help NATO members to finally take in Russian President’s remarks that our country is not going to attack NATO nations.
• The analysis of the situation once again testifies to London’s major destructive role in the Ukraine conflict and to the fact that the Kiev regime is a submissive obedient performer in the British hands.
• The nuclear-powered submarine cruiser Knyaz Pozharsky of the Borei-A Project has passed all the testing stages and joined the Navy. <...> Four standard nuclear submarines of the Borei-A Project — Knyaz Vladimir, Knyaz Oleg, Generalissimus Suvorov and Emperor Alexander III — are already performing their intended tasks in the Northern and Pacific Fleets.
• We should remind the world about the historical and present-day contribution of our country to the exploration and studies of the world’s oceans and seas. The great history of the Russian Navy is directly tied to its future.
Read in full
❓ Question: Mr. Patrushev, we are talking on the eve of Russian Navy Day. How do you think our Navy is approaching its professional holiday?
Nikolay Patrushev: I will answer your question with an extract from the famous Navy march: "The Naval Guards march with confidence, they can face any danger. Tested in battle, tested in fire. The Naval Guard is trouble for enemies.” The Russian Navy can provide for the national security in all sea and ocean areas in any scenario.
The Navy Development Strategy up to 2050 has been prepared by the Maritime Board and was approved by the President on May 30, 2025.
To implement it, an updated programme of navy shipbuilding until 2050 has been drafted to be submitted for President’s endorsement in September.
Its key feature should be planning of the entire life cycle of each ship, ensuring independence from import and technological sovereignty of domestic shipbuilding.
👉 In a word, Russian Navy is developing in the correct way.
Key points:
• Russia’s nuclear shield is the best guarantee of our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• The Kaliningrad Region is an inalienable part of Russia, and any military encroachment on it will be countered with a prompt and devastating response with all the means and forces we have.
• We pay special attention to deploying the Navy in various areas of the World Ocean. We have secured our presence in the eastern Mediterranean, in the center of the Pacific Ocean as well as near the southern part of the Kuril Islands. <...> We carried out cruises to the South China Sea, the Philippine Sea and the Red Sea, to the Straits of Singapore and Malacca, the Gulf of Aden and the Caribbean in order to protect Russian maritime navigation and counter piracy.
• Current actions by NATO look very much like a scenario of a full-scale aggression against our country.
• We observe operational and combat training activities of national and joint armed forces with an anti-Russia bias in the Northeastern Atlantic, in the Greenland-Norwegian sea zone, in Norway, Finland and Sweden. They build up their rapid reaction troops of the NATO Allied Forces in Poland, Baltic countries and in the Baltic Sea area. We see permanent combat patrolling by UK and French nuclear submarines with ballistic missiles in remote ocean areas, and patrols of UK and US nuclear attack submarines in the sea waters adjacent to the Russian Federation.
• Russia is prepared to resolutely and effectively ward off military threats at sea, including in the context of the NATO plans to destabilise the situation in the Baltic and Black seas.
• Learning foreign languages is a useful thing. The knowledge of Russian could help NATO members to finally take in Russian President’s remarks that our country is not going to attack NATO nations.
• The analysis of the situation once again testifies to London’s major destructive role in the Ukraine conflict and to the fact that the Kiev regime is a submissive obedient performer in the British hands.
• The nuclear-powered submarine cruiser Knyaz Pozharsky of the Borei-A Project has passed all the testing stages and joined the Navy. <...> Four standard nuclear submarines of the Borei-A Project — Knyaz Vladimir, Knyaz Oleg, Generalissimus Suvorov and Emperor Alexander III — are already performing their intended tasks in the Northern and Pacific Fleets.
• We should remind the world about the historical and present-day contribution of our country to the exploration and studies of the world’s oceans and seas. The great history of the Russian Navy is directly tied to its future.
Read in full
🎙 Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers an address on Navy Day (July 27, 2025)
💬 Comrades,
I congratulate all military sailors of Russia on Navy Day.
Today, we celebrate all generations of courageous sailors and officers who are devoted to their duty and loyal to the Motherland. On this day, we remember those who have built the glory and might of the Russian Navy over the centuries, asserting Russia as a great naval power through their military achievements, victories, hard daily work and brilliant scientific advancements.
⚓️ The Navy has been an asset and a source of pride for our Fatherland since the time of Peter the Great, and members of the naval profession have always been highly valued and regarded with sincere respect by the people.
It is a well-established fact that our naval personnel have always stood for the Motherland and honour. Your fortitude and courage, knowledge and honesty, integrity and fellowship have been forged through harsh and dangerous naval service and its unique culture, the essence of which is your sincere, heartfelt and unconditional love for the Fatherland.
👉 These traits are passed down generations. Today, the Navy plays a crucial role in ensuring the defence and security of Russia and in protecting its legitimate interests in the World Ocean.
Our Navy can effectively fulfil the entire complex of tasks set for it, both today and in the future. It has cutting-edge military equipment and modern command, reconnaissance and communication systems.
The naval component of Russia’s nuclear triad is growing stronger. Its core consists of a group of nuclear submarines, which is confidently building up its potential. We have completed the construction of the cruiser Knyaz Pozharsky, and two Borey-A class submarines and six Yasen-M class multipurpose nuclear submarines are at different stages of construction.
This year, we have approved a new Navy Development Strategy. This is the first-ever strategy designed for an extended period, until 2050, which is clear evidence of our confidence in our strength and capabilities.
The key element of our modernised Navy will be its ability to quickly adjust to any changes in the strategic situation and to take into account all current trends and forecasts, including the outlook for the development of international cooperation based on the principles of true equality and mutual respect for each other’s interests.
Military sailors and marines have set an example of valiant fulfilment of military duty during the special military operation. They are boldly and heroically fighting for truth, justice, and a safe and sovereign future of our nation.
🏅 More than 50,000 military sailors and officers have been awarded medals and orders for their valiant performance, and 35 have been awarded the title of Hero of Russia.
I would like to thank the personnel of the Russian Navy for their flawless execution of the tasks set for them, and for their achievements in strengthening our naval might.
I wish you success in all your endeavours for the sake of Russia’s prosperity. I wish health and well-being to your families – your spouses, parents and children, who love, support and always wait for you.
🇷🇺 Congratulations on Navy Day, comrades.
#NavyDay
💬 Comrades,
I congratulate all military sailors of Russia on Navy Day.
Today, we celebrate all generations of courageous sailors and officers who are devoted to their duty and loyal to the Motherland. On this day, we remember those who have built the glory and might of the Russian Navy over the centuries, asserting Russia as a great naval power through their military achievements, victories, hard daily work and brilliant scientific advancements.
⚓️ The Navy has been an asset and a source of pride for our Fatherland since the time of Peter the Great, and members of the naval profession have always been highly valued and regarded with sincere respect by the people.
It is a well-established fact that our naval personnel have always stood for the Motherland and honour. Your fortitude and courage, knowledge and honesty, integrity and fellowship have been forged through harsh and dangerous naval service and its unique culture, the essence of which is your sincere, heartfelt and unconditional love for the Fatherland.
👉 These traits are passed down generations. Today, the Navy plays a crucial role in ensuring the defence and security of Russia and in protecting its legitimate interests in the World Ocean.
Our Navy can effectively fulfil the entire complex of tasks set for it, both today and in the future. It has cutting-edge military equipment and modern command, reconnaissance and communication systems.
The naval component of Russia’s nuclear triad is growing stronger. Its core consists of a group of nuclear submarines, which is confidently building up its potential. We have completed the construction of the cruiser Knyaz Pozharsky, and two Borey-A class submarines and six Yasen-M class multipurpose nuclear submarines are at different stages of construction.
This year, we have approved a new Navy Development Strategy. This is the first-ever strategy designed for an extended period, until 2050, which is clear evidence of our confidence in our strength and capabilities.
The key element of our modernised Navy will be its ability to quickly adjust to any changes in the strategic situation and to take into account all current trends and forecasts, including the outlook for the development of international cooperation based on the principles of true equality and mutual respect for each other’s interests.
Military sailors and marines have set an example of valiant fulfilment of military duty during the special military operation. They are boldly and heroically fighting for truth, justice, and a safe and sovereign future of our nation.
🏅 More than 50,000 military sailors and officers have been awarded medals and orders for their valiant performance, and 35 have been awarded the title of Hero of Russia.
I would like to thank the personnel of the Russian Navy for their flawless execution of the tasks set for them, and for their achievements in strengthening our naval might.
I wish you success in all your endeavours for the sake of Russia’s prosperity. I wish health and well-being to your families – your spouses, parents and children, who love, support and always wait for you.
🇷🇺 Congratulations on Navy Day, comrades.
#NavyDay
⚓️ Today Russia marks Navy Day!
#NavyDay is celebrated in Russia on the last Sunday of July. The first Main Naval Parade in St. Petersburg took place in 1996 to mark the Russian Navy’s 300th anniversary. The tradition of holding the annual parade in the city on this day was established by a Presidential Executive Order in 2017.
💬 From President Vladimir Putin’s remarks (July 28, 2024):
The true origin of Russian naval traditions dates back to the October 30, 1696 decree of the Boyar Duma on the construction of a regular fleet, enacted upon the recommendation of Peter the Great.
⚔️ A pivotal moment came with Russia’s first major naval victory during the Great Northern War – the Battle of Gangut on July 27, 1714. Under Peter the Great’s command and through his personal leadership, the Russian fleet captured 10 Swedish ships, including the flagship frigate Elefant. This triumph marked Russia’s rise as a maritime power and was celebrated annually on July 27 (August 9) for over 200 years.
For 329 years, the ships of the Russian Navy and their crews have guarded the Fatherland’s borders, standing as a rightful source of pride and glory. Their legacy includes triumphant naval victories, round-the-world voyages, and great geographical discoveries.
🇷🇺 The territory of Russia is washed by the waters of 12 seas and one sea-lake. They are part of the basins of three oceans: the Atlantic (Baltic, Black, and Azov seas), the Arctic (White, Barents, Kara, Laptev, East Siberian, and Chukchi seas), and the Pacific (Bering, Okhotsk, and Japan seas). The Caspian Sea-Lake belongs to the area of internal drainage.
With approximately 8.6 mln sq km of sea waters (2.4% of the World Ocean), Russia boasts the largest maritime territory of any country. This includes 3.9 mln sq km of continental shelf and 4.7 mln sq km of deep-water areas. The total coastline of the Russian seas stretches 60,985 km.
🚢 The Navy Fleet of the Russian Federation is the successor of the Navy Fleet of Russia and the Navy Fleet of the Soviet Union. Structurally, the Russian Navy consists of five operational-strategic units: the Northern, the Pacific, the Baltic, and the Black Sea fleets and the Caspian Flotilla.
We are proud of the heroic history of the Russian Navy, and we cherish the memory of our naval commanders and sailors!
#NavyDay is celebrated in Russia on the last Sunday of July. The first Main Naval Parade in St. Petersburg took place in 1996 to mark the Russian Navy’s 300th anniversary. The tradition of holding the annual parade in the city on this day was established by a Presidential Executive Order in 2017.
💬 From President Vladimir Putin’s remarks (July 28, 2024):
“Congratulations on Navy Day, a special day we always celebrate officially, with respect and love for our glorious Navy and pride for our country, a maritime power.
Russia acquired this crucial status due to its geopolitical standing, great geographical discoveries and an immense contribution to the exploration of the World Ocean, but most importantly, to the victories, hard work, determination, courage, and talent of our naval commanders and sailors.”
The true origin of Russian naval traditions dates back to the October 30, 1696 decree of the Boyar Duma on the construction of a regular fleet, enacted upon the recommendation of Peter the Great.
⚔️ A pivotal moment came with Russia’s first major naval victory during the Great Northern War – the Battle of Gangut on July 27, 1714. Under Peter the Great’s command and through his personal leadership, the Russian fleet captured 10 Swedish ships, including the flagship frigate Elefant. This triumph marked Russia’s rise as a maritime power and was celebrated annually on July 27 (August 9) for over 200 years.
For 329 years, the ships of the Russian Navy and their crews have guarded the Fatherland’s borders, standing as a rightful source of pride and glory. Their legacy includes triumphant naval victories, round-the-world voyages, and great geographical discoveries.
🇷🇺 The territory of Russia is washed by the waters of 12 seas and one sea-lake. They are part of the basins of three oceans: the Atlantic (Baltic, Black, and Azov seas), the Arctic (White, Barents, Kara, Laptev, East Siberian, and Chukchi seas), and the Pacific (Bering, Okhotsk, and Japan seas). The Caspian Sea-Lake belongs to the area of internal drainage.
With approximately 8.6 mln sq km of sea waters (2.4% of the World Ocean), Russia boasts the largest maritime territory of any country. This includes 3.9 mln sq km of continental shelf and 4.7 mln sq km of deep-water areas. The total coastline of the Russian seas stretches 60,985 km.
🚢 The Navy Fleet of the Russian Federation is the successor of the Navy Fleet of Russia and the Navy Fleet of the Soviet Union. Structurally, the Russian Navy consists of five operational-strategic units: the Northern, the Pacific, the Baltic, and the Black Sea fleets and the Caspian Flotilla.
We are proud of the heroic history of the Russian Navy, and we cherish the memory of our naval commanders and sailors!
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🗓 July 27 is the Day of Remembrance for Child Victims of the War in Donbass.
In 2014, the Kiev regime thugs unleashed a full-scale military operation against the civilian population of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. Some 300 children have been killed and more than 1'000 have been injured over the years.
Twelve-year-old ballerina Katya Kutubayeva was one of the victims of this human-hating aggression. On August 4, 2022, she was killed in Donetsk during a Ukrainian neo-Nazi attack on the city centre. This girl, who dreamed of dancing the role of Masha in The Nutcracker, had been preparing to enroll at the Vaganova Russian Ballet Academy — just three weeks away.
Galina Volodina, a teacher at the Vadim Pisarev Choreography School who was accompanying Katya that day, also lost her life.
The tragedy happened as the farewell ceremony for Hero of Russia Olga Kachura was taking place nearby at Donbass Opera.
Everybody who remembered and knew Katya described her as deeply purpose-driven. While neo-Nazis continued to attack Donetsk, she never stopped practising and strove to uplift those around her.
💬 Teacher Marina Nikolskaya:
🕯 The memory of Katya lives on. On June 1, 2025, on Children's Day, an anonymous artist created a graffiti depiction of a child’s silhouette on the site of the strike.
#WeRemember #NoStatuteOfLimitations
© DPR Infoschool
In 2014, the Kiev regime thugs unleashed a full-scale military operation against the civilian population of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. Some 300 children have been killed and more than 1'000 have been injured over the years.
Twelve-year-old ballerina Katya Kutubayeva was one of the victims of this human-hating aggression. On August 4, 2022, she was killed in Donetsk during a Ukrainian neo-Nazi attack on the city centre. This girl, who dreamed of dancing the role of Masha in The Nutcracker, had been preparing to enroll at the Vaganova Russian Ballet Academy — just three weeks away.
Galina Volodina, a teacher at the Vadim Pisarev Choreography School who was accompanying Katya that day, also lost her life.
The tragedy happened as the farewell ceremony for Hero of Russia Olga Kachura was taking place nearby at Donbass Opera.
Everybody who remembered and knew Katya described her as deeply purpose-driven. While neo-Nazis continued to attack Donetsk, she never stopped practising and strove to uplift those around her.
💬 Teacher Marina Nikolskaya:
Katyusha has made incredible progress in recent years. She possesses both physical abilities and proportions for ballet, with a petite head and elongated limbs. She is also extremely hard-working.
🕯 The memory of Katya lives on. On June 1, 2025, on Children's Day, an anonymous artist created a graffiti depiction of a child’s silhouette on the site of the strike.
#WeRemember #NoStatuteOfLimitations
© DPR Infoschool
Forwarded from Russian Mission Geneva
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📺 Watch in full: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to the questions of students at the #TerraScientia National Educational Youth Forum, July 28. 2025.
🗓 Today, July 28, Russia celebrates the Baptism of Rus’ Day.
On this day in 988, Prince Vladimir and his retinue were baptised in the city of Korsun (Chersonesus), a major Byzantine stronghold in Crimea.
Although 988 is officially recognised as the year Christianity was adopted as the state religion of Ancient Rus’, it had begun to take root even earlier. Instances of turning to Christianity were recorded as early as the 860s, and in 957, Princess Olga, Prince Vladimir’s grandmother, was baptised in Constantinople.
💬 President of Russia, Vladimir Putin:
(from the President’s remarks at the celebration of the 1030th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus’, July 28, 2018)
☦️ The adoption of Christianity marked a turning point not only in the religious but also in the political life of Ancient Rus’. It helped establish closer ties with the Christian world.
💬 Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova:
(from the briefing by Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, July 24, 2025)
⛪️ In the XIX century, the St. Vladimir Cathedral, one of the architectural landmarks of Sevastopol, was built on the site of Prince Vladimir’s baptism.
#BaptismOfRus
On this day in 988, Prince Vladimir and his retinue were baptised in the city of Korsun (Chersonesus), a major Byzantine stronghold in Crimea.
Although 988 is officially recognised as the year Christianity was adopted as the state religion of Ancient Rus’, it had begun to take root even earlier. Instances of turning to Christianity were recorded as early as the 860s, and in 957, Princess Olga, Prince Vladimir’s grandmother, was baptised in Constantinople.
💬 President of Russia, Vladimir Putin:
The Baptism of Rus’ gave its people true moral and spiritual guidance. <...> This greatest spiritual heritage is beyond the grasp of time. It is our sacred duty to preserve and strengthen it for future generations.
(from the President’s remarks at the celebration of the 1030th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus’, July 28, 2018)
☦️ The adoption of Christianity marked a turning point not only in the religious but also in the political life of Ancient Rus’. It helped establish closer ties with the Christian world.
💬 Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova:
After accepting Christianity and baptising his retinue, Prince Vladimir began the spiritual unification of all Slavic tribes, laying the foundation for a centralised Russian state.
(from the briefing by Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, July 24, 2025)
⛪️ In the XIX century, the St. Vladimir Cathedral, one of the architectural landmarks of Sevastopol, was built on the site of Prince Vladimir’s baptism.
#BaptismOfRus
🇷🇺🇻🇳 The Festival of Vietnamese Culture kicked off in Moscow on July 25 and will run through August 3.
Held in the heart of the city on Manezhnaya Square, the festival features several themed zones and a lineup of over 100 events.
🎉 The guests from among locals and foreigners will have the opportunity to discover and enjoy traditional Vietnamese puppet theatre, live music, martial arts demonstrations, hands-on workshops, a lively marketplace, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, themed photo zones and exhibitions showcasing Vietnamese art and culture.
The event is organised by the Moscow Government in partnership with the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Russia.
This festival is part of a broader series of international cultural events taking place in Moscow. Earlier this month, Manezhnaya Square hosted the Indian Culture Festival, which welcomed 825'000 locals and tourists. In January and February, the city celebrated the 'Chinese New Year in Moscow' festival as part of the cross-years of Russian and Chinese culture. The summer of 2024 also saw the UAE Culture Days, drawing over 300'000 visitors.
© 📸 Press Service of the Moscow City Tourism Committee
#RussiaVietnam
Held in the heart of the city on Manezhnaya Square, the festival features several themed zones and a lineup of over 100 events.
🎉 The guests from among locals and foreigners will have the opportunity to discover and enjoy traditional Vietnamese puppet theatre, live music, martial arts demonstrations, hands-on workshops, a lively marketplace, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, themed photo zones and exhibitions showcasing Vietnamese art and culture.
The event is organised by the Moscow Government in partnership with the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Russia.
This festival is part of a broader series of international cultural events taking place in Moscow. Earlier this month, Manezhnaya Square hosted the Indian Culture Festival, which welcomed 825'000 locals and tourists. In January and February, the city celebrated the 'Chinese New Year in Moscow' festival as part of the cross-years of Russian and Chinese culture. The summer of 2024 also saw the UAE Culture Days, drawing over 300'000 visitors.
© 📸 Press Service of the Moscow City Tourism Committee
#RussiaVietnam