🎙 Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vassily Nebenzia’s answers to media questions on the occasion of assuming UNSC Presidency by Russia (October 1, 2025)

Major talking points:

#KeyEvents

• The Council will travel to Addis Ababa in October. Russia is honored to be leading the UNSC together with our co-leads in Somalia. A new department – on Partnerships with Africa – has been recently established in the Russian Foreign Ministry. Therefore, the visit to Addis will be the highlight of our Presidency.

• October 23 – open debate on the Middle East: The unfolding catastrophe in Gaza will be in the focus of the Council’s attention. We expect Deputy Special Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov to brief the Council.

• October 24 – the UN Day (80th Anniversary of the UN Charter): an open debate titled UN: Looking into the Future. Aim: strict implementation of the principles of the UN Charter, restoring confidence in the Organization and long-term vision for its future. We expect the Secretary-General to brief the Council.

• October 6 – Women, Peace and Security: it is the 25th anniversary of the UNSC seminal Resolution 1325. This event hold special importance to us, as the Soviet Union pioneered the women’s agenda more than a hundred years ago promoting equal rights.

#JCPOA

• Our Western colleagues who initiated the so-called “snapback”, the legitimacy of which we do not recognize, forfeited a diplomatic solution by initiating an illegal procedure while being serial violators of Resolution 2231. Russia and China offered to extend Resolution 2231 to give diplomacy a chance, which they basically killed. We do not recognize this “snapback” as coming into force. We are not, frankly, happy that the Secretary-General rushed to implement the resolution, which has obvious legal flaws.

• We are looking forward to direct or indirect negotiations with the US that can bring results. Such dialogue is not happening now, and this situation is fraught with major escalation around Iran, opening the door to attempts to end its nuclear program – yet another destabilizing factor in an already fragile Middle East.

#RussiaUN

• We emphasize that the UN is indispensable, that its Charter must be applied in its entirety, and that attempts to bypass or weaken the Organization with "exclusive clubs" undermine global peace and security. Russia advocates a more representative, multipolar UN that reflects the voices of the Global South.

• The UN is a reflection of the geopolitical situation that is in the world. Should we blame the Organization for it? For me, the UN is a sum of its Member States. If they cannot agree on anything, it is unfair to blame the UN for it. Margaret Thatcher said once that if you want to blame the UN, go and look in the mirror.

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🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin's answer to a question regarding Michael Gloss during the Plenary Session of the 22st annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club (October 2, 2025)

❓ A couple of months ago, there was this really unique piece of news that at the front lines of the special military operation in Donbass, an American citizen perished who fought on our side, Michael Gloss, who was the son of the deputy head of the CIA. An American already attracts attention, especially from such a family. Were you aware of him prior to when it has become known publicly?

💬 Vladimir Putin: No, I was not aware of it.
 
I found out when there was a draft decree on him acquiring a medal for bravery. And I will be very frank, I was quite surprised. He had complicated parents. His mother is the acting deputy of the investigative branch of the US. His father is the retired Navy officer in charge of one of the largest companies supplying Pentagon. So it's not a usual family.

When he tried to enter the university, his parents were not aware. He came to Turkey, then he came to Moscow. He came to the inscription office, and he said that he shared the same values as Russia, human rights, a person's right to his own language, to his own religion.
 
He advocated for human rights. And Russia fights for the very same values. And he's ready, and he wants to fight for those values with an arm in his hands.
 
He received special preparation. He wasn't just inscripted in the armed forces, but in the elite branch of armed forces, in the air defense forces. Of course, they're all fighters. He was fighting at the forefront. And he fought courageously. He was heavily wounded.
 
He received a strike wound together with his friend in battle. Another friend pulled him out of a burning vehicle, receiving 25 percent of burns across his body. He pulled them out, carried them to the woods.
 
And just imagine, this young man of 22 years old, bleeding out himself, tried to provide first aid to his friend who was wounded. Unfortunately, Ukrainian UAV noticed them, launched a mine, and both were killed. I believe that these people, they are the core of the MAGA organization, who support the current Trump administration, because they fight for the same values as himself.
 
They are like that, and he's like that as well. What's that they sing in the anthem? The US is the land of the brave. So he truly proved with his bravery, with his behavior, he laid down his life.
 
And a significant part of US citizens can be proud of him. How this US citizen that we just spoke about, I handed over this medal to Mr. Witkoff. And when we did that, I've asked to come, and they did come, his brothers in battle, and the head of the air defense forces, as well as the brigade commander, the commander of the group, the very same officer who took him out of the burning vehicle, and who, just as I've mentioned, were basically wounded, 25 percent of his skin was burned.
 
And then he recovered, and he went back to the battlefield, by the way. So yes, just recently, at the initiative of the Donetsk People's Republic initiative, one of the schools in Donbass was awarded the name of the American and Russian soldier. That is the school with specialization in English language.
 
And we will do everything so it stays in great condition, as well as other schools in Donbass. We will give all our special attention to it. So that's the kind of person we are talking about.
 
His family and the country who supports his point of view can be proud of him. I've said about people of different nationalities who consider themselves Russian soldiers.

Despite being American, he was a Russian soldier.

From 29 September to 3 October 2025, the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) was held in Sydney. The Russian delegation, which included leading figures from the Roscosmos State Corporation, rocket and space industry enterprises, and higher education institutions, was not allowed to attend due to the non-issuance or revocation of Australian visas.

The Russian side strongly protests this act of sabotage and discrimination, which contravenes Australia’s international obligations.

The IAC is an annual event jointly organised by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the space agency of the country that has won the bid to host it. Visas were denied by the Australian side to permanent IAF Russian members paying annual membership fees.

What was the point of holding the IAC in Sydney and officially inviting the Russian delegation if the visa ban was predetermined? To what extent was the effectiveness of the Congress undermined by the exclusion of a leading spacefaring nation? Incidentally, Sergei Krikalev, Russian cosmonaut with great first-hand experience in spaceflight, was scheduled to speak at the IAC.

How reliable does Australia look in this light as a host country for any major international event? Next time, the same ban could be applied by the Australian side to representatives of any other nation.

O shame, where is thy blush?

🎙 President Vladimir Putin's remarks at the Plenary Session of the 22nd annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club (Sochi, October 2, 2025):

💬 President Putin: This year’s Valdai Club report is devoted to a multipolar, polycentric world. The topic has long been on the agenda, but now it requires special attention. <...>

Let me try to explain what makes the present situation unique.

First, today’s world offers a much more open – indeed, one might say creative – space for foreign policy.

Second, multipolar space is highly dynamic. As I have said, change occurs rapidly, sometimes suddenly, almost overnight.

Third, and of particular importance, is the fact that this new space is more democratic. It opens opportunities and pathways for a wide range of political and economic players.

Next. The cultural, historical, and civilisational specificities of different countries now play a greater role than ever before. It is necessary to seek points of contact and convergence of interests.

The fifth point: any decisions are only possible through agreements that satisfy all interested parties or the overwhelming majority.

Finally, the opportunities and dangers of a multipolar world are inseparable from one another. Naturally, the weakening of the dictate that characterised the previous period and the expansion of freedom for all is undeniably a positive development. At the same time, under such conditions, it is much more difficult to find and establish this very solid balance, which in itself is an obvious and extreme risk.

International relations are undergoing a radical transformation. Paradoxically, multipolarity has become a direct consequence of attempts to establish and preserve global hegemony, a response by the international system and history itself to the obsessive desire to arrange everyone into a single hierarchy, with Western countries at the top. <...>

❗️ Western countries succumbed to the temptation of absolute power.

<...>

Some, in their arrogance, saw themselves entitled to lecture the rest of the world.

Others were content to play along with the powerful as obedient bargaining chips, eager to avoid unnecessary trouble in exchange for a modest but guaranteed bonus. There are still many such politicians in the old part of the world, in Europe.

Those who dared object and tried to defend their own interests, rights, and views, were at best dismissed as eccentrics and told, in effect: “You will not succeed, so give up and accept that compared to our power, you are nonentity.”

As for the truly stubborn, they were “educated” by the self-proclaimed global leaders, who no longer even bothered to hide their intent. The message was clear: resistance was pointless.

☝️ But this did not bring anything good.

Not a single global problem was resolved.

<...>

The subordination of the majority to the minority inherent in international relations during the period of Western domination, is giving way to a multilateral and more cooperative approach. <...> the fundamentally new global atmosphere, increasingly shaped by the countries of the global majority, gives reason to hope that all actors will, in one way or another, have to take each other’s interests into account when addressing regional and global challenges.. <...>

The global balance cannot be built without Russia. Those who tried to destroy all of this have begun to realise it.

<...>

If anyone still feels tempted to challenge us militarily – let them try. Russia has proven time and again: when threats arise to our security, to the peace and tranquillity of our citizens, to our sovereignty and the very foundations of our statehood, we respond swiftly.

🇷🇺 Through all its trials, Russia has proved one thing: it was, is, and always will be. <...>

In today’s multipolar world, that very harmony and balance can only be achieved through a joint, common effort. And I want to assure you today that Russia is ready for this work.

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⚡️ On October 15, Moscow will host the First Russia-Arab Summit – a milestone event that opens a new chapter in the development of dialogue between Russia and the Arab world.

🌍 The Summit will bring together representatives of Arab countries from the Middle East and North Africa, as well as states of East Africa that are members of the League of Arab States (LAS).

👉 The Summit's official website has been launched

✅ The goal of the Summit is to determine new directions for constructive cooperation in political, trade and economic, humanitarian, and other spheres.

The Summit will also address pressing issues of maintaining international and regional security, as well as outline solutions to existing challenges based on the principles of respect for sovereignty, independence, equality, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of states.

Dialogue between Russia and LAS Member States is gradually gaining momentum. This is facilitated by systemic work at high and top levels, as well as active diplomacy aimed at bolstering mutual understanding and trust.

🤝 Russian President Vladimir Putin maintains regular contacts with his Arab counterparts. This is confirmed by the frequency of personal meetings and telephone conversations with them. In 2025 alone, Russia hosted bilateral visits of the leaders of the several nations from the region:

🇶🇦 Qatar (April 17)
🇴🇲 Oman (April 22)
🇪🇬 Egypt (May 9)
🇵🇸 Palestine (May 10)
🇾🇪 Yemen (May 28)
🇦🇪 UAE (August 7)

In addition, a number of Arab leaders attended commemorative events in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

☝️ The first Russia-Arab Summit will be an important milestone in strengthening mutual understanding and building long-term partnerships between Russia and the Arab world.

🌐 More information about the Summit is available on the official website – www.rasummit.ru. The platform is available in Russian, English, and Arabic.

🍂 One cannot conceive Russia without his poems – 130 years since the great Russian poet Sergei Yesenin was born

Today marks the anniversary of perhaps the most beloved Russian poet of the 20th century, Sergei Alexandrovich Yesenin. Born on October 3, 1895, in the village of Konstantinovo, Ryazan Province, he absorbed from childhood the breath of rural Russia — its language, melody, and spirit.

Love for Russia is one of the central themes of Yesenin’s poetry. He viewed Motherland not just as a birth place but as an ideal — the image of an eternal and universal Rus’. Filled with longing for his native land, with love for its people, villages, and vast spaces, Yesenin’s lyric poetry paints a piercing portrait of our country, with which he spoke in a unique, metaphysical language.

A language that still reverberates in the hearts of the millions:

The golden grove is no longer laughing
And all birch trees stay silent, gray, and sad,
And flying by, the cranes care of nothing;
They go far and they do not regret.

Regret? For whom? We all are pilgrims here:
Come, stay some time, and then forever leave.
Our names, on the reflection of Moon's sphere
In a pond, are written by the whirling leaf.

I stay alone with a naked plain around
Watching the cranes who're carried by the blast.
Of older days I hear the cheerful sound.
Yet, nothing I would pity in the past.

Not any girl that I so much admired
Nor all these years that I spent in vain.
Let in the forest burn the rowan fire,
But nobody any heat can gain.

In flame the berries do not disappear,
They stay for the non-passing hungry birds.
Like trees shed leaves that one can hardly hear,
The same way I am shedding sorrow words.

And if the vortex of the time, lamenting,
Will rake them all in one unworthy pile,
You say, the golden grove is just ending
Its banal story in the flowerly style.

Translated by Vladimir Gurvich

It is hard to imagine Russia without these tender, bitter, and luminous words… lines that pierce the heart of every Russian… verses that have become an inseparable part of our cultural code and collective memory.

Yesenin loved Russia passionately ❤️ and Russia will be forever in love with Yesenin.

🇷🇺🇺🇳 On October 1, Russia assumed the UN Security Council Presidency – the body entrusted under the Charter of the United Nations with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

For October, the Russian delegation has scheduled two central events:

🗓 October 23 – an open ministerial-level debate on the situation in the Middle East;

🗓 October 24 (the day the UN Charter entered into force) – an open ministerial-level debate dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Organization.

Another key event in the Council’s work in October will be the mission of its member states to Addis Ababa to take part in a joint consultative meeting with the African Union Peace and Security Council (October 17).

👉 Overall, the programme of work of the Council during Russia’s presidency promises to be particularly intensive. As part of the mandate and reporting cycle, the Council will hold anniversary open debates on “Women, Peace and Security”, meetings on the situations in Colombia, Somalia, Yemen, Western Sahara, the Great Lakes Region, Haiti, Libya, Kosovo, the Central African Republic, Syria and Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the activities of the UN Disengagement Observer Force, UN-African Union cooperation, as well as a briefing by the President of the International Court of Justice.

The Council is also expected to extend the mandates expiring in October of the UN Support Mission in Libya, Operation “Althea” in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, and the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara. It will also have to decide on the future of the Haiti sanctions regime.

🌐 The Russian Federation, as a permanent member of the Council, will, as always, make every effort to ensure the uninterrupted, well-coordinated and effective functioning of this body, as well as to search for common ground on the issues on its agenda. In the coming month, we will continue to highlight the growing role of multilateral diplomacy in today’s world, which is becoming increasingly multipolar with each passing day.

#UNGA80 #UNCharterIsOurRules

🛰 On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union paved humanity’s way to the stars!

#OTD in 1957, the first artificial satellite of our planet – Sputnik-1 – was launched into Earth’s orbit. Its simple yet proud “beep-beep” sound stood as mankind’s first signal reaching beyond Earth.

Sputnik-1 was a spherical aluminum spacecraft, 58 cm in diameter and weighing 83.6 kg. Its hermetically sealed body protected the equipment inside from external conditions. Onboard were two radio transmitters operating at 20.005 and 40.002 MHz frequencies, broadcasting the legendary signals, which were picked up by radio enthusiasts around the world.

Four external antennas, 2.4 to 2.9 meters long, ensured stable transmission. The satellite had no propulsion system and moved in orbit solely by the impulse received at launch.

🚀 To deliver Sputnik-1 into orbit, a two-stage R-7 launch vehicle was used, developed under the guidance of the great Soviet engineer Sergey Korolev. The satellite reached the orbit in 314.5 seconds (just over 5 minutes) after liftoff. Its apogee was 947 km, perigee 228 km, and it orbited Earth every 96 minutes.

In total, Sputnik-1 spent 92 days in space, completing 1,440 orbits and covering more than 60 million kilometers. The last signal was received on January 4, 1958, after which the satellite re-entered the atmosphere and burned up.

🌐 The launch of Sputnik-1 was not only a groundbreaking technological achievement, but also a symbol of a new era – the beginning of humanity’s space age.

Since then, dozens of countries have launched thousands of satellites, transforming science, communications, navigation, and our daily lives.

Yet no matter how many follow, Sputnik-1 will forever be the First! 💫

🇱🇸 Today #Lesotho celebrates its Independence Day.

An ancient homeland of the Sotho people, these lands were colonized by the European powers, and starting 1871 became a part of the Cape Colony.

The British attempted to disarm Basotho (literally translated as the people of Sotho). Big mistake! This provoked an uprising: during the armed conflict of 1880–1881 aka the Basotho Gun War, the Africans won the right to carry arms. In 1884, Basutoland was restored as a separate colony directly subordinated to the British Crown and administered by a High Commissioner.

After World War II the national liberation movement grew stronger and the first political parties of Africans emerged. In 1965, the Basotho National Party, which advocated granting independence to the protectorate, won the majority of seats in the parliamentary elections. Eventually, the independent Kingdom of Lesotho was established in 1966.

🤝 The diplomatic relations between our country and Lesotho were established on February 1,1980. The Embassy of the USSR and later of Russia worked in Maseru from 1983 to 1992. At present, our country is represented in Lesotho by the Embassy of Russia in South Africa. On August 27, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to South Africa Roman Ambarov presented his credentials to His Majesty King of Lesotho Letsie III. In turn, King Letsie III of Lesotho conveyed warm greetings to President of Russia Vladimir Putin and wished prosperity to the Russian people.

On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Lesotho (February 1, 2025), Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho Lejone Mpotjoane exchanged congratulatory massages.

🎉 We congratulate our colleagues from Lesotho and its people on the national holiday. We wish you wellbeing and prosperity!

#RussiaAfrica

✉️ Russia's President Vladimir Putin congratulated the Space Forces command, personnel, and veterans on the holiday (October 4, 2025)

✍️ Vladimir Putin: The creation of the Space Forces almost a quarter of a century ago was a landmark event in the history of the Armed Forces and our entire country. It made it possible to continue centralised work to develop Russia’s space means and capabilities, which reliably ensure national security both on Earth and in near-Earth space.

Largely thanks to the dedicated and creative efforts of talented scientists, designers, servicemen, and civilian specialists, innovative and truly groundbreaking projects have been implemented over the past years, modern cosmodromes and research centres have been built, and powerful, competitive space systems have been created.

It is gratifying to know that the Space Forces personnel carefully preserve and develop the glorious traditions of their predecessors. Your key tasks include management of military and dual-purpose satellite constellations, the identification of threats to Russia in and from space, and, if necessary, their effective countering.

I am confident that you will continue to steadfastly safeguard the strategic interests of our state and make a significant contribution to the implementation of the national space programme, and strengthen the defence capability of our Motherland.

🗞 Russia’s Ambassador to Thailand Evgeny Tomikhin’s article “Cinema as a Bridge: Russia’s New “The Diamond Butterfly” Award and Film Diplomacy in Thailand” published in Bangkok Post (October 4, 2025)

✍️ Cinema has always been more than just entertainment. It is a mirror of national culture, a powerful channel of dialogue, and a bridge that connects people across continents. In the 21st century, when international relations are often seen through the prism of politics and economics, cultural diplomacy — and especially cinema — offers a unique opportunity to speak directly to hearts and minds.

It is in this context that I am delighted to introduce a new Russian film award — “The Diamond Butterfly”. Launched this year, the prize aims to celebrate outstanding achievements in the art of cinema that combine creative excellence with a strong humanistic message. The name itself — delicate yet precious — reflects the essence of cinema: fragile emotions turned into lasting works of art, carrying beauty and meaning across borders.

What makes “The Diamond Butterfly” special is its ambition to go beyond national recognition. While firmly rooted in Russia’s rich cinematic tradition, the award is conceived as an international platform. It will highlight films that not only showcase artistic mastery but also encourage dialogue between cultures, promote mutual understanding, and inspire a sense of shared humanity.

For Thailand, where cinema enjoys immense popularity and where audiences are increasingly open to diverse cultural influences, “The Diamond Butterfly” offers a new avenue of connection. Russian cinema has long combined deep storytelling with a universal human appeal. From classic directors to contemporary voices exploring modern realities, our films resonate far beyond Russia’s borders. Through this award, we hope to create new opportunities for Thai filmmakers and audiences to engage with Russian and global cinema in fresh and meaningful ways.

🎬 Film diplomacy is not a new concept for Russia in Thailand. Over the years, the Embassy has organized Russian Film Festivals in Bangkok and other cities, showcasing both timeless classics and contemporary productions. These events have always attracted large and enthusiastic audiences, proving that cinema speaks a universal language. The Thai audience had an opportunity to enjoy such Russian films as “The Challenge”, “110”, “Tzaddik”, “The Four Seasons”, as well as fantasy cartoon “Flying ship” and many others. Discussions after screenings often reveal how much viewers in Thailand find in common with Russian stories — from family bonds and personal dreams to social challenges and national pride.

Looking ahead, we see “The Diamond Butterfly” award as a natural extension of this tradition of cinematic dialogue. By recognizing films that embody creativity and humanity, it invites new partnerships and exchanges. It is our belief that culture, and especially cinema, remains one of the most effective ways to build bridges between nations.

As Russia and Thailand continue to strengthen their cultural ties, cinema will remain at the forefront of this effort — a shared space where beauty, thought, and emotion transcend political and geographical boundaries.

🦋 And perhaps, like a butterfly’s wings, a single film can stir the air and bring people closer together.

👉 I would like to invite Thai filmmakers to nominee their works for this promising award: https://eurasianfilmacademy.com

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