⚡️Statement by the Embassy of Russia in Ireland (September 4, 2025)

In contradiction to the efforts of Russia and the new US administration to achieve a comprehensive, just and sustainable resolution to the conflict in Ukraine the Irish government continues to issue statements regarding the possibility of deploying Irish peacekeepers contingent in Ukraine.

The Embassy of Russia in Ireland pays close attention to this rhetoric and considers it categorically unacceptable and unsustainable. Any attempts of the Irish officials to legitimize such an idea by speculating over a United Nations Security Council mandate would be deemed inadmissible.

‼️ It is important to emphasize that Ireland cannot be considered as a neutral state with regard to the conflict in Ukraine, given its openly Russophobic and pro-Ukrainian position, as well as its assistance to the Kiev regime, including military aid. Since Ireland is a member of the European Union and follows its foreign policy approaches, the Irish government should clearly understand that the EU is rapidly moving away from its originally strictly peaceful integrative agenda, while losing its independence in the decision making process and rapidly militarizing itself, turning in essence into a NATO appendage.

❌ Russia categorically rejects any scenarios which envisage the deployment of the Western military contingents in Ukraine and may result in an uncontrolled escalation with unpredictable consequences. Peacekeeping services of “neutral” Dublin, even if they are indeed genuine, should start first and foremost with the rejection of the rabid anti-Russian rhetoric, accompanied by real understanding of the root causes of the current situation and support initiatives aimed at their elimination.

☝️We call on the Irish leadership to stop any attempts to undermine the efforts to achieve comprehensive, just and sustainable settlement of the conflict over Ukraine and to refrain from cynical attempts to inflate its “peacekeeping” reputation on account of the crisis in the provocation of which Dublin, along with other countries of the collective West, played no small role.

⚡️ On the situation in the religious sphere in Ukraine

Statement by Foreign Minister’s Special Representative for International Cooperation in Ensuring the Right to Freedom of Religion Mikhail Melekh

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The leadership of the state of Ukraine continues deliberately destroying its spiritual and cultural foundations, depriving millions of people of historical memory and wrecking national identity. The believers’ rights are not even mentioned in the process.

In pursuance of the Law "On the Protection of the Constitutional Order in the Sphere of Activities of Religious Organisations" adopted in 2024 and aimed at eliminating the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), on August 27, 2025, the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience of Ukraine (Service) issued a decision recognising the Metropolis of Kiev (the administrative centre of the Church) as affiliated with a foreign religious organisation, that is the Russian Orthodox Church which is banned in Ukraine.

<...>

Under the guise of caring for the country’s national interests, the Ukrainian government has been openly waging a war on the Church for many years using physical and psychological violence against believers and clergy, as well as raiding UOC parishes based on forged documents.

Such practices have become routine in the country’s religious life, and there are hundreds of cases like that. The entire process of liquidation of the #UOC is built on exactly these legal manipulations. Redistribution of property is its key goal. Almost. Simply put, this is nothing short of robbery. <...> We are talking about over 3'000 real estate objects, many of which are of historical importance and are architectural landmarks.

Thus, for the sake of the self-interest of the corrupt elite of Ukraine, the country’s Constitution has once again been trampled, as was the regulatory system.

In this context, Kiev’s exceptional interest in the holy relics of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra and the process of “taking their stock,” carefully protected from prying eyes, becomes clear.

It's quite possible that the people of Ukraine are becoming unwilling witnesses to the pre-sales process for the relics with the aim of transferring them to European museums, or even private collections.

It is hard to be surprised by such blasphemy, given the well-known attitude of the West to its former colonies. 👉 For example, the bulk of the collection of the British Museum consists of artefacts taken from peoples around the world. It is pointless to touch upon the moral and ethical side of the issue.

<...>

❗️ The situation goes far beyond the violation of the right to freedom of religion. We are talking about the liquidation of one of the largest religious denominations not only in a single country, but globally. Along with it, the spiritual and cultural heritage of an entire people may be lost.

Russia's Foreign Ministry will continue to meticulously record illegal (criminally punishable in civilised countries) acts committed by all participants in the anti-Church campaign in Ukraine.

☝️ We will persistently strive to have them properly denounced by our foreign partners and international organisations as they build their relations with the Kiev regime and its patrons.

#KievRegimeCrimes

#RussiaHelps

🇷🇺 Russia's EMERCOM:

Russian EMERCOM Special Flight Delivers Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan

An Il-76 aircraft arrived in Kabul carrying 20 tons of food supplies intended for the population affected by the earthquake.

By order of Russia's President Vladimir Putin, a second shipment of humanitarian aid is scheduled to be sent in the near future.

#RussiaAfghanistan

🎥©️ Russia's EMERCOM

🎙 Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Ukrainian crisis resolution during the Plenary Session of the X Eastern Economic Forum:

📍 September 5, 2025, Vladivostok

💬 Vladimir Putin: We maintain an open dialogue with President Trump, and have an understanding that, if necessary, we can call and speak directly. He knows I am open to such conversations, and I know that so is he. However, following the recent consultations in Europe, we have not yet spoken. There are no obstacles to communication between us.

❗️ As for the possible deployment of foreign military contingents in Ukraine, this was one of the fundamental reasons Ukraine was being drawn into NATO. Should foreign forces appear there, especially now, in the midst of ongoing hostilities, we would treat them as legitimate targets.

If, however, agreements are reached that bring about a lasting peace, then the presence of foreign troops on Ukrainian territory would be pointless. Because if such agreements are reached, no one should doubt that Russia will fully implement them. We will respect those security guarantees which, of course, must be developed both for Russia and for Ukraine. I reiterate: Russia will undoubtedly honor such agreements. But, in any case, so far no one has discussed this with us seriously.

Until quite recently, the Kiev authorities dismissed the very possibility of any direct contacts with us. Now they are asking for such contacts, or at least proposing them. I have repeatedly said that I am ready. At the Beijing press conference, I noted, however, that I see little reason in such talks. Why? Because reaching agreements with the Ukrainian side on key issues is virtually impossible.

👉 Even if there were political will, which I question, there are legal and technical obstacles:

• Under the Ukrainian Constitution, any agreements concerning territory must be confirmed by a referendum;
• Such a referendum cannot be held under martial law – it must be lifted;
• If martial law is lifted, presidential elections must follow immediately;
• Even if a referendum takes place, regardless of its outcome, it would require approval by the Constitutional Court – which is not functioning;
• After questions were raised about the legitimacy of the current authorities, the Court refused to rule, and the head of the Kiev regime simply ordered that the Court’s chairman be barred from his office;
• The Chairman of the Supreme Court, meanwhile, sits in prison on corruption charges. Although corruption is widespread in Ukraine, as we all know, the reasons for targeting him in particular are unclear.

This is the reality of Ukrainian “democracy”. Nevertheless, we have confirmed that we are ready for a meeting at the highest level. If the Ukrainian side wants such a meeting, let them come – we will provide all the necessary working conditions and security guarantees. But when they say, “We want to meet with you, but you must travel to such-and-such a place for this meeting”, such demands are excessive.

❗️ If there is real intent, the best venue is clear: the capital of the Russian Federation, the Hero City of Moscow.

We have never opposed Ukraine’s integration in certain European political and economic structures. Security issues are another matter.

Take e.g. President Yanukovich and members of the Ukrainian government at the time: they were against drawing Ukraine into NATO. And this was an issue that directly concerned us and still concerns us in terms of ensuring Russia’s long-term security interests.

What was the result of the coup? Yanukovich was removed from power. They removed the man who opposed Ukraine’s accession to NATO. And with the help of the violent coup in Kiev, they installed forces who supported NATO accession and who continue to insist on it.

This is unacceptable to us.

But without consideration of Russia’s security, such issues cannot be resolved. This is a basic principle enshrined in European documents: the security of one state must not come at the expense of another.

Read in full (transcript is being added)

⚛️ Under Russia’s protection, the Zaporozhskaya nuclear power plant and the city of Energodar are seeing renewed growth despite ongoing threats from the Kiev regime.

The fifth episode of a documentary series about the ZNPP, produced with the participation of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Rosatom State Corporation and other government bodies, highlights the efforts to restore and develop Energodar’s infrastructure, as well as support social, educational, and cultural programmes amid continuous attacks from Ukraine.

🇷🇺 Russia prioritizes the well-being of the Zaporozhskaya NPP's staff and the residents of Energodar. The city is undergoing large-scale infrastructure upgrades, with schools, kindergartens, and hospitals being renovated. ZNPP personnel receive social benefits, including additional medical insurance and access to subsidised health and wellness programs.

Despite repeated attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including artillery shelling and drone strikes, Energodar continues to grow. New parks and public spaces are being created, the healthcare system is being modernised, and cultural life is flourishing with exhibitions, concerts, and youth programs.

❗️ Russia continues to protect the Zaporozhskaya NPP and Energodar from the Kiev regime provocations, targeting the city and the plant since July 2022 and posing a serious risk of a nuclear disaster.

Learn more about the history of ZNPP

👉 Episode 1
👉 Episode 2
👉 Episode 3
👉 Episode 4

❌ The UK's Defence Secretary, John Healey, acknowledged that the British government had assumed the right to use more than £1 billion of interest from frozen Russian state assets, channelling these funds into military support for Ukraine. The appropriation of another country's money in any jurisdiction, including British, constitutes a crime with all ensuing consequences for those who commit it.

We are not surprised by the continuation of blatant stealing of assets at the international level. Such practices have been typical of Britain's policy since colonial times. However such "traditions" cannot be justified.

Mr Healey's attempts to portray the seizure of Russia's assets as a contribution to achieving a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine should not mislead anyone. Western arms supplies only multiply civilian casualties, bring further destruction and ultimately prolong the conflict, extending the agony of the Kiev regime.

We have no doubt that the UK government is eager to avoid spending taxpayers' money on sustaining the conflict in Ukraine – given the need to address urgent social and economic challenges the country is increasingly facing. But to finance these aims with stolen funds is a bad idea. The illegal expropriation of another nation's property and its use in geopolitical ventures further undermine London's international reputation, including in the eyes of foreign investors.

❗️ The British government needs to understand: any unfriendly actions against Russia and its legitimate interests will not go unanswered.

⚛️ In 2022, Energodar became the 28th nuclear city in Russia, joining the ranks of the country’s other key atomic cities like Kurchatov, Sosnovy Bor, Novovoronezh and Seversk.

The final sixth episode of a documentary series, produced with the participation of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Rosatom State Corporation and other government bodies, focuses on life in these nuclear cities — symbols of the country’s scientific and technological leadership. It is here that advanced energy solutions are developed, science thrives, and a comfortable living environment is created.

With its return to Russia’s nuclear industry, the Zaporozhskaya nuclear power plant has gained access to new technologies, investments, and large-scale modernisation programmes. Today, the plant operates as part of Russia’s unified nuclear power system and meets the highest reliability standards.

Given its proximity to the frontline, the safety of the Zaporozhskaya NPP is a top priority. Security is provided by units of the Russian National Guard and the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops of the Russian Armed Forces. Alongside the station’s staff, they work daily to prevent any risks, which primarily come from the Kiev terrorist regime.

💬 Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov:

On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I would like to thank the employees of the Zaporozhskaya nuclear power plant for their courage and professionalism in continuing to ensure the safe operation of the facility, despite ongoing threats to their lives and safety. Russia will do everything necessary to protect the plant and its staff from any external threats.

You are now with us. Welcome home, Zaporozhskaya NPP!

Learn more about the history of ZNPP

👉 Episode 1
👉 Episode 2
👉 Episode 3
👉 Episode 4
👉 Episode 5

Condolences on the passing of Ken Dryden (September 6, 2025)

🇷🇺The Embassy of Russia in Canada extends heartfelt condolences following the passing of Ken Dryden, legendary Canadian goaltender of the “Montreal Canadiens” and participant of the historic 1️⃣9️⃣7️⃣2️⃣ USSR–Canada Summit Series.

🏆Ken Dryden was a six-time Stanley Cup champion (1971, 1973, 1976–1979), a five-time recipient of the Vezina Trophy, and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame since 1983. Beyond the ice, he also served Canadian society as a public figure and politician.

🎙 Vladislav Tretiak, President of the Russian Hockey Federation, noted in his tribute:

I first met Ken in 1969 when I came to Canada and played against the national amateur team. I was fortunate to face him in the 1972 Summit Series, and from then on, we became friends.

🕯We share in grief with his family, teammates, and countless fans around the world.

🇨🇦🇷🇺 His contribution to hockey and to the friendship between Russian and Canadian players will never be forgotten.

🇷🇺 Interview by Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov to «Press TV»

❓You met on Wednesday with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. What was the outcome of your talks and did you raise concern over double standards in the Agency's approach toward the Islamic Republic of Iran?

💬 I am a diplomat and Rafael Grossi is a good colleague of mine. It is not my intention to insult him talking about double standards. But on substance, I always touch upon issues where the Secretariat of the Agency behave not in a perfect manner. We discussed a lot of aspects related to the Iranian nuclear dossier. Rafael Grossi informed me of the current talks between the Secretariat and Tehran on modalities of the Agency's activities in Iran in future after the aggression organized by Israel and the United States. It was one of the meetings I meet with Rafael on a regular basis, we discuss current issues. As a rule, such exchanges are useful

❓The September session of the IAEA Board of Governors is coming up, do you view it as a genuine platform for technical dialogue or has it become a political tool for Washington and its European allies?

💬 For about 50 years since its establishment, the Agency remained a technical body. Over the last 15 years, we observed the trend towards politicization, which started, I believe, with the issue of Syria when Israel ruined a Syrian facility, claiming that it was a nuclear reactor. Since then, discussions in the Board of Governors have become politicized. And normally, the discussions on Iran are always not about technicalities

💬 Even technicalities are seen through the prism of political affairs. E3 and the United States, maybe especially E3, politicize the issue, and they on a regular basis undertake steps which lead to further deterioration of the situation. Just one example. The Secretariat of the Agency and Iran discussed modalities of hypothetical future activities of the Agency in Iran, and when the progress has become seen for the negotiating parties, E3 launched a «snapback» mechanism in New York. Of course, it was not helpful for discussions, but this is a pattern. Europeans time and again create problems in the sphere which relates to the nuclear dossier of Iran. It’s very irrational, it's very strange, it has no plausible explanation, but this is a matter of fact

❓Soon after Mr. Grossi's latest report on Iran, Israel carried out new acts of aggression, many argue that the IAEA provides cover for such attacks. Do you believe the Agency is complicit in this?

💬 To my mind, it's an exaggeration. Definitely, the Agency, or the Secretariat to be precise, we need to differentiate between the Agency, which consists of almost 200 states plus Secretariat, the Secretariat is a bureaucratic body which provides assistance to member states. So, the Secretariat is definitely not perfect. We criticize some steps done by the Secretariat and the Director General publicly, at the sessions of the Board of Governors. We criticized him in private communications, but to my mind, it would be too much to say that the Agency or the Secretariat is conducting intentional anti-Iranian policy. They make mistakes, but at the same time, they are trying to maintain certain impartiality to the extent possible
 
❓The IAEA issues reports on Iran, yet it never condemns Israel and the United States for unjustified acts of war against Iran. Israel, a nuclear power, also has never signed the NPT. What prevents the Agency from taking a fair and balanced position?

💬 Well, it's not safe to criticize Israel and especially the United States

🔗 Read in full

💬 Russia's MFA Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova:

The 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (#UNGA80 🇺🇳) will open on September 9, 2025, in New York. The Russian delegation at the High-Level Week (September 23-29, 2025) will be led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The UNGA session will convene amid growing global turbulence, conflicts and crises on the global political and economic stage. The main cause of these negative developments is the striving of the collective West to hold onto elusive global dominance through dirty methods, such as illegal unilateral sanctions, restricted access to new technologies, exploitation of other countries’ resources, and sometimes even open military interventions.

🌐 The rise of a more just and democratic multipolar world is an objective process. It cannot be turned back because the centre of gravity in international affairs is shifting towards the Global South and East. New pillars of political, economic, social and cultural influence are taking shape in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and they are demonstrating a desire to increase their contribution to dealing with global challenges <...>

During the UNGA80, the Russian delegation, taking into account the above factors, will focus on:

• Strengthening the foundations of a just multipolarity,

• Restoring the central coordinating role of the UN as the core mechanism for regulating global politics and settling global problems,

• Promoting Russia’s approaches to settling the Ukrainian crisis,

• Combating the neo-colonialist practices of the West.

Working together with our Global Majority partners, we will continue to firmly uphold the supremacy of the goals and principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and as a whole.

In light of the 80th anniversary of the UN, substantial attention at the UNGA session will be focused on a critical analysis of the UN’s achievements and development outlook. As for achievements, there have been both positive and negative ones <...>

Russia firmly upholds the UN’s central coordinating role in global affairs. Due to its universal legitimacy and broad competence, the UN is the only intergovernmental structure capable of ensuring a maximally painless transition to multipolarity.

At the same time, we have to state that the UN has seen better times. The world is becoming increasingly vocal about the UN being engulfed in problems and no longer able to fulfil the tasks set out in its mandate. There are grounds for this criticism. However, it should be stated that the UN’s current problems and ills are not rooted in its structural drawbacks but in the insatiable desire of the West to make it serve Western interests according to the “rules” which the West alone defines. I always point out that they actually have only one “rule,” which says that they are the primary actor whose actions may not be judged, and that everything the other countries do must be made subordinate to the interests of the collective West.

It is extremely important in this context that all states unambiguously and unconditionally reaffirm their commitment to the goals and principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and as a whole. The West has been known to use certain provisions of the UN Charter in their interests. But there are very many provisions in that document, and all of them must be cited, applied and acted upon in their entirety.

This would be a major prerequisite for the full-scale restoration of the UN’s authority and effectiveness. The Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter is at the forefront of these efforts. The group has become a key instrument for making the voice of the Global Majority heard, for fighting against Western directives and building a just polycentric world.

Read in full

#JournalistsSolidarityDay

📆 September 8 marks the International Day of Solidarity of Journalists, established in 1958 in memory of Czech correspondent and anti-fascist writer Julius Fučík, executed by the Nazis in 1943 during #WWII.

The day was designed to serve as a symbol of solidarity and mutual support within the global journalist community, and also as a reminder about the dangers and risks, including threats to health and life, which media representatives have to confront in the line of their duty. It was sincerely believed that such tragedies would never happen again.

Unfortunately, the further course of history failed these hopes.

In many countries, including those that consider themselves to be democracies, honest performance of one’s professional duty and loyalty to one’s beliefs may still be seen as a reason to persecute journalists, to introduce punitive censorship, and even to use outright violence.

The far from complete list of repressions against Russia's media outlets and journalists can be found here — 👉 Foreign reprisals against Russian journalists and media.

The targeted murders of Russian journalists and military correspondents by militants of the Kiev regime twisted and mocked the ideals of this International Day. German Nazis have been replaced by Banderites, and Julius Fučík’s fate has been repeated by tens of Russian journalists killed or wounded by the Kiev regime criminals.

Amid the fierce campaign that a number of countries have launched to purge their media space from all points of view that differ from the officially approved ones, the deliberate inaction of the competent international bodies such as of UNESCO, the UN OHCHR, and the OSCE (they are, in fact, condoning injustice and lawlessness with their politically biased silence) is outrageous.

Equally upsetting is the lack of unity within the journalistic community. Many Western media workers and their professional associations and unions, as well as NGOs allegedly protecting human rights, have chosen, for reasons of loyalty to their countries’ authorities, to turn a blind eye to, or even support publicly, the reprisals against their colleagues

👉 All of this betrays the spirit of unity and solidarity that was the foundation of the International Day.

Despite everything, we congratulate all correspondents, editors, photo and video operators and other media industry workers who remain faithful to the ideals of journalistic solidarity, who are always ready to help their colleagues in times of need, even if their opinions differ.

For our part, we will continue to defend journalists’ right to perform their duty honestly anywhere in the world.

#RussiaHelps

⚡️ Russia’s EMERCOM Il-76 transport aircraft has delivered over 20 tonnes of humanitarian cargo to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Russian rescuers provided tents and blankets for people affected by the devastating earthquake.

📹 © Russia's EMERCOM

#RussiaAfghanistan