🌐 Deputy Foreign Minister and Russia’s Sherpa for BRICS Sergey Ryabkov took part in the end-of-year sherpa/sous-sherpa meeting of BRICS countries under the Brazilian chairmanship in Brasília on December 11-12.
The participants reviewed this year’s cooperation outcomes. More than 260 political, economic, and humanitarian events, including the #BRICS Summit and nearly 20 ministerial meetings, took place this year.
The contribution of the 🇧🇷 Brazilian chairmanship to ensuring continuity of the BRICS strategic partnership was noted, along with progress achieved across all key areas such as politics and security, the economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
The launch of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases, the adoption of leadership statements on climate finance and global governance in the field of artificial intelligence are among the year’s achievements.
Additional momentum was observed in cooperation in energy, healthcare, transport, science, and innovation.
Dialogue continued on the 🇷🇺 Russian chairmanship’s initiatives in 2024, including the creation of an independent settlement infrastructure, an investment platform, and a BRICS grain exchange.
Special emphasis was placed on the institutional development of the association and on enhancing the cooperation mechanisms’ effectiveness.
Our 🇮🇳 Indian partners outlined the key priorities of their chairmanship in 2026. In particular, they plan to focus on:
• promoting multilateralism, reforming global governance institutions,
•ensuring energy and food security,
• fostering innovation and technological cooperation,
• combatting terrorism, transnational crime, poverty, and climate change.
The meeting also featured a separate session with delegations from BRICS partner states, during which prospects for cooperation in expanded BRICS formats were discussed, as well as opportunities to strengthen solidarity on international platforms to enhance the role of the World Majority in decision-making on key international issues, including sustainable development and improvement of multilateral institutions.
The participants reviewed this year’s cooperation outcomes. More than 260 political, economic, and humanitarian events, including the #BRICS Summit and nearly 20 ministerial meetings, took place this year.
The contribution of the 🇧🇷 Brazilian chairmanship to ensuring continuity of the BRICS strategic partnership was noted, along with progress achieved across all key areas such as politics and security, the economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
The launch of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases, the adoption of leadership statements on climate finance and global governance in the field of artificial intelligence are among the year’s achievements.
Additional momentum was observed in cooperation in energy, healthcare, transport, science, and innovation.
Dialogue continued on the 🇷🇺 Russian chairmanship’s initiatives in 2024, including the creation of an independent settlement infrastructure, an investment platform, and a BRICS grain exchange.
Special emphasis was placed on the institutional development of the association and on enhancing the cooperation mechanisms’ effectiveness.
Our 🇮🇳 Indian partners outlined the key priorities of their chairmanship in 2026. In particular, they plan to focus on:
• promoting multilateralism, reforming global governance institutions,
•ensuring energy and food security,
• fostering innovation and technological cooperation,
• combatting terrorism, transnational crime, poverty, and climate change.
The meeting also featured a separate session with delegations from BRICS partner states, during which prospects for cooperation in expanded BRICS formats were discussed, as well as opportunities to strengthen solidarity on international platforms to enhance the role of the World Majority in decision-making on key international issues, including sustainable development and improvement of multilateral institutions.
Forwarded from Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai
On December 10th the Consul General of Russia in Mumbai Mr Ivan Fetisov attended the 2025 Beating Retreat & Tattoo ceremony at the Gateway of India.
The parade by Indian Navy was a stirring display of discipline, dedication and maritime heritage — from impeccable drills to fly-past by helicopters.
We note the participation of the Indian Navy Military Band, which has successfully and regularly represented India at the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival on Red Square in Moscow.
The Russian Side congratulates all the brave men and women of the Indian Navy as well as the Navy veterans for their unfailing commitment to safeguarding the nation 🫡🇷🇺🇮🇳
The parade by Indian Navy was a stirring display of discipline, dedication and maritime heritage — from impeccable drills to fly-past by helicopters.
We note the participation of the Indian Navy Military Band, which has successfully and regularly represented India at the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival on Red Square in Moscow.
The Russian Side congratulates all the brave men and women of the Indian Navy as well as the Navy veterans for their unfailing commitment to safeguarding the nation 🫡🇷🇺🇮🇳
#Arctic4You
🗓 On December 9-10, St Petersburg hosted the 15th “Arctic: Present and Future” international Forum named after Arthur Chilingarov (polar explorer, a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences), an event held annually by the Association of Polar Explorers inter-regional public organisation.
The Forum was attended by delegations from regions of the Russian Federation’s Arctic zone, parliamentarians, representatives of related Russian agencies and organisations, businesses, and local indigenous peoples, as well as Russian and foreign scientists, experts and diplomats.
The Forum focused on discussing prospects for promoting international contacts in the high latitudes with an eye to an effective economic and infrastructural development of the polar regions, advancement of scientific research, as well as the study and protection of the Arctic environment and the traditional way of life of the small-numbered indigenous peoples of the North.
***
✉️ Excerpts from Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s greetings to organisers and participants of the event:
✍️ My warm greetings go to the organisers and participants of the 15th International Forum, Arctic: Today and the Future, named after Artur Chilingarov, who was a legendary polar explorer and Hero of the Soviet Union and Hero of the Russian Federation.
As the largest Arctic country, Russia is firmly committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Arctic and ensuring its comprehensive development. Our absolute priorities include preservation of natural and cultural heritage of the polar regions and of customs and traditions of indigenous peoples, as well as advancement of comprehensive scientific research.
As a highly reputable platform for exchanging views on a wide range of Arctic issues, your forum makes its own contribution to common efforts. The highly professional participants representing government bodies, expert and academic communities, and the business sector are the key to its success. Of particular note is the participation of your foreign partners who are deeply engaged in cooperation with Russia in high latitudes. <...>
SERGEY LAVROV
🗓 On December 9-10, St Petersburg hosted the 15th “Arctic: Present and Future” international Forum named after Arthur Chilingarov (polar explorer, a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences), an event held annually by the Association of Polar Explorers inter-regional public organisation.
The Forum was attended by delegations from regions of the Russian Federation’s Arctic zone, parliamentarians, representatives of related Russian agencies and organisations, businesses, and local indigenous peoples, as well as Russian and foreign scientists, experts and diplomats.
The Forum focused on discussing prospects for promoting international contacts in the high latitudes with an eye to an effective economic and infrastructural development of the polar regions, advancement of scientific research, as well as the study and protection of the Arctic environment and the traditional way of life of the small-numbered indigenous peoples of the North.
***
✉️ Excerpts from Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s greetings to organisers and participants of the event:
✍️ My warm greetings go to the organisers and participants of the 15th International Forum, Arctic: Today and the Future, named after Artur Chilingarov, who was a legendary polar explorer and Hero of the Soviet Union and Hero of the Russian Federation.
As the largest Arctic country, Russia is firmly committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Arctic and ensuring its comprehensive development. Our absolute priorities include preservation of natural and cultural heritage of the polar regions and of customs and traditions of indigenous peoples, as well as advancement of comprehensive scientific research.
As a highly reputable platform for exchanging views on a wide range of Arctic issues, your forum makes its own contribution to common efforts. The highly professional participants representing government bodies, expert and academic communities, and the business sector are the key to its success. Of particular note is the participation of your foreign partners who are deeply engaged in cooperation with Russia in high latitudes. <...>
SERGEY LAVROV
Forwarded from Russian Mission to EU
🗓 On 9 December 2025, the Permanent Mission of Russia to the EU and Euratom hosted an annual New Year reception for the diplomatic corps accredited to the European Union. The event brought together heads of missions and senior diplomats from more than 40 countries of the World Majority, representatives of international and regional organizations (Organization of Islamic Cooperation, League of Arab States, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), as well as Members of the European Parliament.
💬 In his address, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Russian Mission to the EU and Euratom Karen Malayan underlined that the year 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations, saw a number of positive trends in the international arena. Above all, it relates to the growing role of the states and organizations of the Global South and East in building a just multipolar world order designed to provide reliable security and equal opportunities for development of all states. In this regard, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the UN General Assembly’s decision of 5 December 2025 upon the initiative of the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter to recognize 14 December as the International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations.
❗At the same time, it was noted that together with the legal and economic aggression pursued by the EU against Russia in recent years, which has already caused significant damage to the European economy, this year, the process of accelerated militarization of the European Union was launched by Brussels. This process is leading to the fundamental transformation of the EU and is duly taken into account in Russia’s defense and strategic planning. It was also underlined that any attempt by the EU to steal the sovereign assets of the Russian Federation in Europe will be met by an appropriate and fitting response from the Russian side.
During the reception, guests had an opportunity to view a photo exhibition displayed at the Permanent Mission featuring various regions of Russia and showcasing the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Foreign diplomats also had an opportunity to watch a video demonstrating key moments of Russia’s foreign policy actions in 2025.
💬 In his address, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Russian Mission to the EU and Euratom Karen Malayan underlined that the year 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations, saw a number of positive trends in the international arena. Above all, it relates to the growing role of the states and organizations of the Global South and East in building a just multipolar world order designed to provide reliable security and equal opportunities for development of all states. In this regard, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the UN General Assembly’s decision of 5 December 2025 upon the initiative of the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter to recognize 14 December as the International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations.
❗At the same time, it was noted that together with the legal and economic aggression pursued by the EU against Russia in recent years, which has already caused significant damage to the European economy, this year, the process of accelerated militarization of the European Union was launched by Brussels. This process is leading to the fundamental transformation of the EU and is duly taken into account in Russia’s defense and strategic planning. It was also underlined that any attempt by the EU to steal the sovereign assets of the Russian Federation in Europe will be met by an appropriate and fitting response from the Russian side.
During the reception, guests had an opportunity to view a photo exhibition displayed at the Permanent Mission featuring various regions of Russia and showcasing the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Foreign diplomats also had an opportunity to watch a video demonstrating key moments of Russia’s foreign policy actions in 2025.
⚡️ Bank of Russia:
On 3 December 2025, the European Commission published on its website the press release ‘Commission unveils two solutions to support Ukraine’s financing needs in 2026–2027’ and the draft regulation ‘Proposal establishing the Reparations Loan to Ukraine’, providing for unauthorised use of Bank of Russia assets held by European financial institutions, including the Euroclear depository. In view of the above, the Bank of Russia makes the following statement 👇
The proposed solutions where Bank of Russia assets may be used directly or indirectly or any other forms of unauthorised use of Bank of Russia assets are unlawful and contradict international law, including in respect of immunity of sovereign assets.
The release and implementation of the proposals announced on the European Commission’s website will certainly make the Bank of Russia challenge any direct or indirect activities that may result in the unauthorised use of Bank of Russia assets, file lawsuits with all available competent bodies, including national courts, judicial authorities of foreign states and international organisations, commercial courts, and other international judicial authorities, and seek enforcement of court decisions in UN member states.
The Bank of Russia reserves the right, without further notice, to apply all available remedies and protections if the proposed initiatives of the European Union are upheld or implemented.
On 3 December 2025, the European Commission published on its website the press release ‘Commission unveils two solutions to support Ukraine’s financing needs in 2026–2027’ and the draft regulation ‘Proposal establishing the Reparations Loan to Ukraine’, providing for unauthorised use of Bank of Russia assets held by European financial institutions, including the Euroclear depository. In view of the above, the Bank of Russia makes the following statement 👇
The proposed solutions where Bank of Russia assets may be used directly or indirectly or any other forms of unauthorised use of Bank of Russia assets are unlawful and contradict international law, including in respect of immunity of sovereign assets.
The release and implementation of the proposals announced on the European Commission’s website will certainly make the Bank of Russia challenge any direct or indirect activities that may result in the unauthorised use of Bank of Russia assets, file lawsuits with all available competent bodies, including national courts, judicial authorities of foreign states and international organisations, commercial courts, and other international judicial authorities, and seek enforcement of court decisions in UN member states.
The Bank of Russia reserves the right, without further notice, to apply all available remedies and protections if the proposed initiatives of the European Union are upheld or implemented.
❗️ Moscow is seriously concerned about the reports of another escalation of the situation in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (#DRC).
Hundreds of thousands of residents of these lands remain hostages to the unending hostilities. The number of refugees and displaced persons is growing.
Russia urges the Parties involved in the crisis to return to a political settlement following the previously assumed commitments within the existing negotiation platforms.
Moscow supports the efforts of the African community to find ways to resolve the crisis in the east of the DRC based on the principle of “African solutions to African problems”.
Hundreds of thousands of residents of these lands remain hostages to the unending hostilities. The number of refugees and displaced persons is growing.
Russia urges the Parties involved in the crisis to return to a political settlement following the previously assumed commitments within the existing negotiation platforms.
Moscow supports the efforts of the African community to find ways to resolve the crisis in the east of the DRC based on the principle of “African solutions to African problems”.
⚡️ Briefing by Major General Aleksei Rtishchev, Chief of Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops of Armed Forces of the Russian Federation on issues of violation by Ukraine and Western States of international agreements in the field of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (December 12, 2025)
💬 Major General Aleksei Rtishchev: The Western aggressive biosecurity policy and the expansion of NATO military and biological programmes pose more threats to the biological weapons non-proliferation regime.
We presented the facts that U.S. Department of War employs the basis of Ukrainian biolaboratories, which were repeatedly confirmed by U.S. officials. <…>
To ensure the secrecy of such research, the sponsors are not military agencies, but rather civilian agencies and non-governmental organisations.
One of them is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which was terminated by US President Donald Trump's decision. <…>
No less serious concerns are raised by Ukraine's activities in the field of radiation safety, including Kiev's attempts at nuclear blackmail. <…>
Military and financial aid from of the West provokes numerous violations by the Kiev regime of international standards for handling nuclear materials. At the same time, Western patrons do not take into account that the deterioration of the state administration system is capable of bringing not only Ukraine but also a whole number of European states to the brink of an environmental disaster.
In addition, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation continues to record violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention by the Kiev regime.
In the course of the special military operation, it is reported that Ukraine more than 600 times employed riot-control chemical agents (Chloroacetophenone, CS), and listed chemicals as chloropicrin, BZ, and prussic acid. <…>
The Russian Federation regularly brings to the attention of the OPCW Technical Secretariat and the state parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention the use of non-lethal agents and chemical agents by Ukrainian armed groups. All the necessary evidence has been submitted to the OPCW Technical Secretariat, but we have not received a meaningful response.
This demonstrates the double standards of Western countries under the control of the OPCW. They not only cover and cooperate with the Kiev regime, but also note as disinformation any allegations by the Russian Federation about the use of toxic chemicals by Ukrainian nationalists.
☝️ The leadership of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to inform the world community about violations, committed by the countries of the West and Ukraine, of the provisions of the Chemical and Biological Weapons Convention, as well as international treaties relating to radiation safety.
💬 Major General Aleksei Rtishchev: The Western aggressive biosecurity policy and the expansion of NATO military and biological programmes pose more threats to the biological weapons non-proliferation regime.
We presented the facts that U.S. Department of War employs the basis of Ukrainian biolaboratories, which were repeatedly confirmed by U.S. officials. <…>
To ensure the secrecy of such research, the sponsors are not military agencies, but rather civilian agencies and non-governmental organisations.
One of them is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which was terminated by US President Donald Trump's decision. <…>
No less serious concerns are raised by Ukraine's activities in the field of radiation safety, including Kiev's attempts at nuclear blackmail. <…>
Military and financial aid from of the West provokes numerous violations by the Kiev regime of international standards for handling nuclear materials. At the same time, Western patrons do not take into account that the deterioration of the state administration system is capable of bringing not only Ukraine but also a whole number of European states to the brink of an environmental disaster.
In addition, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation continues to record violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention by the Kiev regime.
In the course of the special military operation, it is reported that Ukraine more than 600 times employed riot-control chemical agents (Chloroacetophenone, CS), and listed chemicals as chloropicrin, BZ, and prussic acid. <…>
The Russian Federation regularly brings to the attention of the OPCW Technical Secretariat and the state parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention the use of non-lethal agents and chemical agents by Ukrainian armed groups. All the necessary evidence has been submitted to the OPCW Technical Secretariat, but we have not received a meaningful response.
This demonstrates the double standards of Western countries under the control of the OPCW. They not only cover and cooperate with the Kiev regime, but also note as disinformation any allegations by the Russian Federation about the use of toxic chemicals by Ukrainian nationalists.
☝️ The leadership of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to inform the world community about violations, committed by the countries of the West and Ukraine, of the provisions of the Chemical and Biological Weapons Convention, as well as international treaties relating to radiation safety.
Forwarded from Russian Embassy to the UK
🇷🇺 On 11 December, a traditional Pre-New Year reception was held at the residence of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in London.
Around 200 guests attended the event. Among them were ambassadors and diplomatic missions' staff of a number of countries from the Commonwealth of Independent States, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. Participants also included representatives of London-based international organisations, members of the British business and academic circles, as well as Russian compatriots residing in the United Kingdom.
During the reception, which took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, guests enjoyed an interesting and professional recital, as well as traditional Russian cuisine.
Around 200 guests attended the event. Among them were ambassadors and diplomatic missions' staff of a number of countries from the Commonwealth of Independent States, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. Participants also included representatives of London-based international organisations, members of the British business and academic circles, as well as Russian compatriots residing in the United Kingdom.
During the reception, which took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, guests enjoyed an interesting and professional recital, as well as traditional Russian cuisine.
Forwarded from Russian Mission to ASEAN
📰 Russia's Ambassador to ASEAN Evgeny Zagaynov’s article “ASEAN–Russia Highway to a Shared Future”
(The Antara News, 13 December 2025)
👉 Read in full:
(The Antara News)
(Telegraph)
Key points:
🔹 This month marks 20 years since the first ASEAN–Russia Summit in Kuala Lumpur (13 December 2005), a milestone that set the foundations of today’s partnership. The ASEAN-Russia Joint Declaration on Progressive and Comprehensive Partnership that was adopted on that day defined the main goals and areas of our joint work for the years ahead and shaped the strategic trajectory of cooperation.
🔹 Russia’s engagement with ASEAN-led mechanisms took root in Kuala Lumpur, where President Vladimir Putin participated in the very first East Asia Summit. This paved the way for Russia’s full integration into ASEAN-centred regional architecture.
🔹 Over two decades, ASEAN–Russia relations have proven genuinely multidimensional, driven by mutual respect, shared principles, and practical cooperation across political–security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars.
🔹 The partnership continues to expand, with new mechanisms such as the ASEAN–Russia Consultations of High Representatives for Security Issues and the Dialogue on ICT Security. Russia has also become an ASEAN Digital Partner, and the first Senior Officials Meeting on digital technologies convened in Bangkok.
🔹 ASEAN–Russia trade reached record levels in 2024, growing by 13% despite an unfavourable global environment.
🔹 Cooperation in energy, biosafety, smart cities, and cutting-edge technologies is accelerating. A new MoU between the ASEAN Centre for Energy and Rosatom strengthens collaboration on peaceful nuclear energy, while the ASEAN–Russia Project on Capacity Building on Energy Statistics is underway.
🔹 People-to-people ties and expertise development remain priorities. Russia continues to expand training programmes for ASEAN specialists, with particular focus on youth cooperation. The Russian MGIMO University Master's program "Politics and Economics of the Russia-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership" saw its first graduating class in 2024.
🔹 The ASEAN Centre in MGIMO has become the leading hub for expert dialogue, marking its 15th anniversary with a major international conference bringing together diplomats, scholars, analysts, and young researchers to explore new areas of cooperation.
🔹 ASEAN and Russia increasingly coordinate within wider regional and global frameworks, including #SCO, #EAEU, and #BRICS. Shared values and complementary agendas make these platforms natural spaces for deepening synergy.
🔹 Russia consistently supports ASEAN’s strategic autonomy, especially amid growing geopolitical pressures and unilateral tendencies. ASEAN’s independent voice strengthens the broader Global South and contributes to more balanced global governance.
🔹 Looking ahead, Russia and ASEAN reaffirm their commitment to a shared, prosperous future, building on two decades of cooperation and paving the way for deeper partnership in an emerging multipolar world.
(The Antara News, 13 December 2025)
👉 Read in full:
(The Antara News)
(Telegraph)
Key points:
🔹 This month marks 20 years since the first ASEAN–Russia Summit in Kuala Lumpur (13 December 2005), a milestone that set the foundations of today’s partnership. The ASEAN-Russia Joint Declaration on Progressive and Comprehensive Partnership that was adopted on that day defined the main goals and areas of our joint work for the years ahead and shaped the strategic trajectory of cooperation.
🔹 Russia’s engagement with ASEAN-led mechanisms took root in Kuala Lumpur, where President Vladimir Putin participated in the very first East Asia Summit. This paved the way for Russia’s full integration into ASEAN-centred regional architecture.
🔹 Over two decades, ASEAN–Russia relations have proven genuinely multidimensional, driven by mutual respect, shared principles, and practical cooperation across political–security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars.
🔹 The partnership continues to expand, with new mechanisms such as the ASEAN–Russia Consultations of High Representatives for Security Issues and the Dialogue on ICT Security. Russia has also become an ASEAN Digital Partner, and the first Senior Officials Meeting on digital technologies convened in Bangkok.
🔹 ASEAN–Russia trade reached record levels in 2024, growing by 13% despite an unfavourable global environment.
🔹 Cooperation in energy, biosafety, smart cities, and cutting-edge technologies is accelerating. A new MoU between the ASEAN Centre for Energy and Rosatom strengthens collaboration on peaceful nuclear energy, while the ASEAN–Russia Project on Capacity Building on Energy Statistics is underway.
🔹 People-to-people ties and expertise development remain priorities. Russia continues to expand training programmes for ASEAN specialists, with particular focus on youth cooperation. The Russian MGIMO University Master's program "Politics and Economics of the Russia-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership" saw its first graduating class in 2024.
🔹 The ASEAN Centre in MGIMO has become the leading hub for expert dialogue, marking its 15th anniversary with a major international conference bringing together diplomats, scholars, analysts, and young researchers to explore new areas of cooperation.
🔹 ASEAN and Russia increasingly coordinate within wider regional and global frameworks, including #SCO, #EAEU, and #BRICS. Shared values and complementary agendas make these platforms natural spaces for deepening synergy.
🔹 Russia consistently supports ASEAN’s strategic autonomy, especially amid growing geopolitical pressures and unilateral tendencies. ASEAN’s independent voice strengthens the broader Global South and contributes to more balanced global governance.
🔹 Looking ahead, Russia and ASEAN reaffirm their commitment to a shared, prosperous future, building on two decades of cooperation and paving the way for deeper partnership in an emerging multipolar world.