🇷🇺🇧🇾📞 On January 13, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Belarus Maksim Ryzhenkov held a telephone conversation.
The Ministers discussed ongoing issues of bilateral cooperation and foreign policy coordination, as well as exchanged views on a number of topical international agenda items.
#RussiaBelarus
The Ministers discussed ongoing issues of bilateral cooperation and foreign policy coordination, as well as exchanged views on a number of topical international agenda items.
#RussiaBelarus
📰 On January 13, members of the press and the media mark their professional holiday, #RussianPressDay.
On that day in 1703, the first issue of the newspaper founded by Peter the Great, Vedomosti (Bulletin) on Military and Other Affairs Worthy of Being Known and Remembered, Occurring in the Moscow State and Neighbouring Countries, saw the light of day, launching the development of a highly professional Russian media community.
Vedomosti was an official publication to which Peter the Great personally contributed by selecting materials for publications, checking the quality of translations, and editing texts.
The newspaper published military reports and everyday news based on official documents, diplomatic reports and departmental information.
In 1719, Boris Volkov, a translator at the Collegium of Foreign Affairs who was appointed editor-in-chief of the newspaper, enlisted the assistance of Yakov Sinyavich, one of the best linguists of that period and the first Russian reporter.
In 1728, the newspaper fell under the purview of the Academy of Sciences. Mikhail Lomonosov became one of its contributors. The newspaper was published twice a week in 706 copies.
A new stage in the development of periodical press began on January 1, 1870, when the emperor signed an executive order approving “an experiment for accepting subscription to periodicals, both Russian and foreign ones, at post offices.” It was the first executive order on subscription to periodicals issued in the country. By 1914, over 3,000 periodicals were published in Russia.
The professional holiday of members of the press and journalists, Soviet Press Day, was established in 1922 and marked on May 5, the day when the first issue of Pravda, the main Soviet newspaper, was published in 1912.
On December 28, 1991, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) issued Resolution No. 3043-1 On Russian Press Day, moving Russian Press Day to its historical date, January 13.
***
Today, over 156,600 media outlets have been registered in Russia. Russian periodicals are published in over 100 languages.
The journalistic profession has always held a special place and was rightfully respected in Russia. Today, members of the Russian media can professionally, quickly and objectively provide information and carry out a thorough and unbiased analysis of events.
Russian journalists come under persecution by the national authorities in the collective West, and risk their health and even lives for telling the truth. Responsibility for killing journalists and military correspondents lies with the Kiev regime, whose state of impunity has gone berserk, and its Western patrons.
💬 From a comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Russian Press Day (January 13, 2026):
On that day in 1703, the first issue of the newspaper founded by Peter the Great, Vedomosti (Bulletin) on Military and Other Affairs Worthy of Being Known and Remembered, Occurring in the Moscow State and Neighbouring Countries, saw the light of day, launching the development of a highly professional Russian media community.
Vedomosti was an official publication to which Peter the Great personally contributed by selecting materials for publications, checking the quality of translations, and editing texts.
The newspaper published military reports and everyday news based on official documents, diplomatic reports and departmental information.
In 1719, Boris Volkov, a translator at the Collegium of Foreign Affairs who was appointed editor-in-chief of the newspaper, enlisted the assistance of Yakov Sinyavich, one of the best linguists of that period and the first Russian reporter.
In 1728, the newspaper fell under the purview of the Academy of Sciences. Mikhail Lomonosov became one of its contributors. The newspaper was published twice a week in 706 copies.
A new stage in the development of periodical press began on January 1, 1870, when the emperor signed an executive order approving “an experiment for accepting subscription to periodicals, both Russian and foreign ones, at post offices.” It was the first executive order on subscription to periodicals issued in the country. By 1914, over 3,000 periodicals were published in Russia.
The professional holiday of members of the press and journalists, Soviet Press Day, was established in 1922 and marked on May 5, the day when the first issue of Pravda, the main Soviet newspaper, was published in 1912.
On December 28, 1991, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) issued Resolution No. 3043-1 On Russian Press Day, moving Russian Press Day to its historical date, January 13.
***
Today, over 156,600 media outlets have been registered in Russia. Russian periodicals are published in over 100 languages.
The journalistic profession has always held a special place and was rightfully respected in Russia. Today, members of the Russian media can professionally, quickly and objectively provide information and carry out a thorough and unbiased analysis of events.
Russian journalists come under persecution by the national authorities in the collective West, and risk their health and even lives for telling the truth. Responsibility for killing journalists and military correspondents lies with the Kiev regime, whose state of impunity has gone berserk, and its Western patrons.
💬 From a comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Russian Press Day (January 13, 2026):
“Working in conditions of the collective West’s hybrid aggression against Russia and its people, Russian journalists are among the first to explode and lay bare the lies and fake stories about Russia spread on a large scale, and to raise an effective shield against anti-Russia propaganda.
Despite the obstacles of censorship created by our enemies, Russian journalists have overcome information blockades and have even increased the audience of their loyal readers, viewers and listeners, including in the countries with the most intolerant attitude to any manifestation of dissent.”
🎙 Statement by Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Vassily Nebenzia at a UNSC Briefing on Ukraine (New York, January 12, 2026)
💬 Vassily Nebenzia: The Russian army carried out one massive and four group air strikes through January 3-9, which resulted in damage to transport, airfield, port, and energy infrastructure facilities that sustained the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, as well as temporary deployment sites of the Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries.
This was done in response to the attack waged by the Kiev regime on the Russian President's residence and civilian infrastructure in our country. The strike was carried out using the Oreshnik missile system, against which there is no air defense protection so far.
Our Western colleagues keep telling us about civilian casualties, but most of the casualties were caused by the operation of Ukraine’s air defense, which is something that everybody, including Ukrainians, is well aware of.
👉 All these loud but completely groundless allegations about Russia's targeted attacks on Ukrainian families, who were peacefully sleeping in their homes, are uncorroborated by any facts or evidence whatsoever. <...>
Our Western colleagues tend to completely ignore the crimes that are being committed by the Kiev regime, which is deliberately targeting Russian regions, striking at civilian facilities and civilians. Thus, in December 2025 alone, at least 367 civilians were harmed by the Ukrainian strikes, 56 people died.
Against this backdrop, we are astounded by the silent response on the part the international community, especially the UN Secretary-General, and this has become the norm.
⚠️ Refusing to clearly qualify such actions as terrorist acts and dismissing them as “unconfirmed facts” is tantamount to renouncing the basic principles of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and the prohibition of premeditated attacks on civilian targets. <...>
Until the Kiev ringleader comes to his senses and agrees to realistic terms for negotiations, we will continue solving the problems by military means. He was warned long ago, and the conditions for negotiations will only get worse for him with each day he squanders.
☝️ And every horrific attack on peaceful Russian citizens will elicit a harsh response.
Read in full
💬 Vassily Nebenzia: The Russian army carried out one massive and four group air strikes through January 3-9, which resulted in damage to transport, airfield, port, and energy infrastructure facilities that sustained the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, as well as temporary deployment sites of the Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries.
This was done in response to the attack waged by the Kiev regime on the Russian President's residence and civilian infrastructure in our country. The strike was carried out using the Oreshnik missile system, against which there is no air defense protection so far.
Our Western colleagues keep telling us about civilian casualties, but most of the casualties were caused by the operation of Ukraine’s air defense, which is something that everybody, including Ukrainians, is well aware of.
👉 All these loud but completely groundless allegations about Russia's targeted attacks on Ukrainian families, who were peacefully sleeping in their homes, are uncorroborated by any facts or evidence whatsoever. <...>
Our Western colleagues tend to completely ignore the crimes that are being committed by the Kiev regime, which is deliberately targeting Russian regions, striking at civilian facilities and civilians. Thus, in December 2025 alone, at least 367 civilians were harmed by the Ukrainian strikes, 56 people died.
Against this backdrop, we are astounded by the silent response on the part the international community, especially the UN Secretary-General, and this has become the norm.
⚠️ Refusing to clearly qualify such actions as terrorist acts and dismissing them as “unconfirmed facts” is tantamount to renouncing the basic principles of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and the prohibition of premeditated attacks on civilian targets. <...>
Until the Kiev ringleader comes to his senses and agrees to realistic terms for negotiations, we will continue solving the problems by military means. He was warned long ago, and the conditions for negotiations will only get worse for him with each day he squanders.
☝️ And every horrific attack on peaceful Russian citizens will elicit a harsh response.
Read in full
#Victory81
🌟 On January 13, 1945, the #EastPrussian Offensive by the Red Army — one of the largest and most important #WWII operations against Nazi Germany — commenced.
As a result of the operation in the #EastPrussia, the Soviet forces ultimately destroyed the Nazis' most capable, experienced, trained and equipped divisions on the entire Eastern front. The 'invincible reich' lost a critical strategic bridgehead in the Baltic region.
The fortress city of #Königsberg — the cradle of German militarism and the starting point of eastward expansion — fell once and for all.
The triumph of the Red Army in East Prussia held profound symbolic significance: the Nazis were decisively and completely crushed right there, where from, back in June 1941, they treacherously attacked our Motherland.
▪️“There it is, cursed Germany,” — that was what the Soviet soldiers-liberators said while stepping on the enemy's soil to pursue the condign retribution upon the Germans on their own territory.
Those were exactly the accurate words to call the country where the most terrible evil the Mankind ever saw in its history — the Nazi scourge — was nurtured.
The Germans sought Moscow’s fall, but instead they witnessed with disgrace the collapse of their own “great Reich.”
***
The East-Prussian operation. The details
January-April, 1945
The battles on the East Prussian theatre of operations lasted for 103 days, which made it the area that saw the longest continuous military engagement in the final year of #WW2.
In the region, the Nazis constructed an exceptionally formidable defensive system, tailored to the specific features of terrain. The capital of East Prussia — the fortress city of Königsberg — was equipped with both external and internal urban fortification systems. In East Prussia, the Red Army faced the Nazi army with the personnel strength of some 780'000 Wehrmacht soldiers and officers.
⚔️ On January 13, 1945, the units of the 2nd Byelorussian and forces of the 3rd Byelorussian Fronts of the Red Army launched the offensive in East Prussia.
Through the swift and overwhelming assault, the Soviet armor and the infantry, with the support of the aviaton, reached the Baltic Sea near Elbing (now the city of Elbląg in northern Poland) already on the third day of the operation, thus, having cut off any possible retreat routes for the enemy from East Prussia westwards.
In less than two weeks, the Soviet forces broke through to Königsberg — the infamous Nazi citadel, which had allowed the Germans to dominate the eastern Baltics throughout the entire war, was encircled.
By February 10, 1945, the Nazi army group 'North' had been split into three isolated and tied down formations that were further driven to the coastline with no hope of escape.
In April, the Königsberg garrison — numbering around 200'000 Wehrmacht soldiers and officers — was defeated and surrendered. On April 9, the Red Army seized the fortress completely — the impregnable stronghold of the Third Reich, fortified with the latest military technology of WWII-era, finally fell.
The loss of significant forces and militarily and economically vital region of East Prussia hastened Germany’s defeat.
The Soviet forces inflicted huge losses on the Wehrmacht and completely severed Third Reich’s maritime supply lines, crippling logistics for the blockaded 'Courland Pocket'.
To commemorate the Heroic Victory in East Prussia, the medal 'For the Capture of Königsberg' was instituted in the USSR. The Medal was awarded to approximately 760'000 Red Army soldiers and officers.
Aftermath WWII, under the terms approved by the Allied Leaders at the #PotsdamConference, much of East Prussia was incorporated into Poland, while a third of East Prussia territory, including the city of Königsberg (the Kaliningrad Region), became part of the Soviet Union.
🎖 By the Executive Order of President of Russia Vladimir Putin (signed on November 17, 2025), a new memorial date was established in our country — April 9, the Day of the Heroic Assault and Capture of Königsberg (1945).
As a result of the operation in the #EastPrussia, the Soviet forces ultimately destroyed the Nazis' most capable, experienced, trained and equipped divisions on the entire Eastern front. The 'invincible reich' lost a critical strategic bridgehead in the Baltic region.
The fortress city of #Königsberg — the cradle of German militarism and the starting point of eastward expansion — fell once and for all.
The triumph of the Red Army in East Prussia held profound symbolic significance: the Nazis were decisively and completely crushed right there, where from, back in June 1941, they treacherously attacked our Motherland.
▪️“There it is, cursed Germany,” — that was what the Soviet soldiers-liberators said while stepping on the enemy's soil to pursue the condign retribution upon the Germans on their own territory.
Those were exactly the accurate words to call the country where the most terrible evil the Mankind ever saw in its history — the Nazi scourge — was nurtured.
The Germans sought Moscow’s fall, but instead they witnessed with disgrace the collapse of their own “great Reich.”
***
The East-Prussian operation. The details
January-April, 1945
The battles on the East Prussian theatre of operations lasted for 103 days, which made it the area that saw the longest continuous military engagement in the final year of #WW2.
In the region, the Nazis constructed an exceptionally formidable defensive system, tailored to the specific features of terrain. The capital of East Prussia — the fortress city of Königsberg — was equipped with both external and internal urban fortification systems. In East Prussia, the Red Army faced the Nazi army with the personnel strength of some 780'000 Wehrmacht soldiers and officers.
⚔️ On January 13, 1945, the units of the 2nd Byelorussian and forces of the 3rd Byelorussian Fronts of the Red Army launched the offensive in East Prussia.
Through the swift and overwhelming assault, the Soviet armor and the infantry, with the support of the aviaton, reached the Baltic Sea near Elbing (now the city of Elbląg in northern Poland) already on the third day of the operation, thus, having cut off any possible retreat routes for the enemy from East Prussia westwards.
In less than two weeks, the Soviet forces broke through to Königsberg — the infamous Nazi citadel, which had allowed the Germans to dominate the eastern Baltics throughout the entire war, was encircled.
By February 10, 1945, the Nazi army group 'North' had been split into three isolated and tied down formations that were further driven to the coastline with no hope of escape.
In April, the Königsberg garrison — numbering around 200'000 Wehrmacht soldiers and officers — was defeated and surrendered. On April 9, the Red Army seized the fortress completely — the impregnable stronghold of the Third Reich, fortified with the latest military technology of WWII-era, finally fell.
The loss of significant forces and militarily and economically vital region of East Prussia hastened Germany’s defeat.
The Soviet forces inflicted huge losses on the Wehrmacht and completely severed Third Reich’s maritime supply lines, crippling logistics for the blockaded 'Courland Pocket'.
To commemorate the Heroic Victory in East Prussia, the medal 'For the Capture of Königsberg' was instituted in the USSR. The Medal was awarded to approximately 760'000 Red Army soldiers and officers.
Aftermath WWII, under the terms approved by the Allied Leaders at the #PotsdamConference, much of East Prussia was incorporated into Poland, while a third of East Prussia territory, including the city of Königsberg (the Kaliningrad Region), became part of the Soviet Union.
🎖 By the Executive Order of President of Russia Vladimir Putin (signed on November 17, 2025), a new memorial date was established in our country — April 9, the Day of the Heroic Assault and Capture of Königsberg (1945).
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🇷🇺🇺🇸 Embassy of Russia in the US:
Representatives of Russia and the United States honoured the memory of participants in the Soviet-American “Zebra” project
On January 11, 2026, a traditional memorial ceremony was held in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, on the banks of the Pasquotank River, to honour the memory of Soviet and Canadian pilots who perished in early 1945 as a result of the crash of a PBN-1 NOMAD seaplane. The aircraft was being ferried for the Red Army Air Force under the Lend-Lease programme as part of deliveries of this class of aircraft (Catalina).
The event, organized by the Russian Embassy in the US with the participation of senior diplomats and staff of the military attaché’s office was attended for the first time since 2020 by representatives of the Pentagon. They were represented by the Chairman of the Joint POW/MIA Commission General Robert Foglesong and his colleagues.
At the site of the tragedy, delegations from both countries laid a wreath and red carnations in the Pasquotank River. Military honours were rendered to the fallen crew members – Soviet pilots Captains Nikolai Chikov and Vladimir Levin, Lieutenants Dmitry Medvedev and Afanasy Borodin, as well as radio operator Lieutenant Peter Nataros of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Under the secret project codenamed “Zebra”, Soviet and Allied crews underwent training between April 1944 and October 1945. In total, 184 American-made seaplanes were delivered to the Soviet–German front.
This stands as one of the clear examples of the combat alliance between the Red Army and the US Armed Forces in the fight against a common enemy – the absolute evil of Nazism. The memory of the heroes who fought shoulder to shoulder as part of the anti-Hitler coalition, and of the immense sacrifices of the Soviet people, is sacred and must never be forgotten.
No one is forgotten – nothing is forgotten.
Representatives of Russia and the United States honoured the memory of participants in the Soviet-American “Zebra” project
On January 11, 2026, a traditional memorial ceremony was held in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, on the banks of the Pasquotank River, to honour the memory of Soviet and Canadian pilots who perished in early 1945 as a result of the crash of a PBN-1 NOMAD seaplane. The aircraft was being ferried for the Red Army Air Force under the Lend-Lease programme as part of deliveries of this class of aircraft (Catalina).
The event, organized by the Russian Embassy in the US with the participation of senior diplomats and staff of the military attaché’s office was attended for the first time since 2020 by representatives of the Pentagon. They were represented by the Chairman of the Joint POW/MIA Commission General Robert Foglesong and his colleagues.
At the site of the tragedy, delegations from both countries laid a wreath and red carnations in the Pasquotank River. Military honours were rendered to the fallen crew members – Soviet pilots Captains Nikolai Chikov and Vladimir Levin, Lieutenants Dmitry Medvedev and Afanasy Borodin, as well as radio operator Lieutenant Peter Nataros of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Under the secret project codenamed “Zebra”, Soviet and Allied crews underwent training between April 1944 and October 1945. In total, 184 American-made seaplanes were delivered to the Soviet–German front.
This stands as one of the clear examples of the combat alliance between the Red Army and the US Armed Forces in the fight against a common enemy – the absolute evil of Nazism. The memory of the heroes who fought shoulder to shoulder as part of the anti-Hitler coalition, and of the immense sacrifices of the Soviet people, is sacred and must never be forgotten.
No one is forgotten – nothing is forgotten.
🇷🇺 Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the OSCE:
🗓 On January 13, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Dmitry Polyanskiy presented his letter of credence to the OSCE Secretary General His Excellency Feridun Sinirlioğlu.
📸 © OSCE
🗓 On January 13, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Dmitry Polyanskiy presented his letter of credence to the OSCE Secretary General His Excellency Feridun Sinirlioğlu.
📸 © OSCE
🎙Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question on the situation in Iran (January 13, 2026)
❓ Question: For over a fortnight, anti-government demonstrations in Iran have persisted, escalating into unrest. Could you comment on the current situation in the country?
💬 Maria Zakharova: The unlawful sanctions pressure exerted by the West, to which the Islamic Republic of Iran has been subjected for many years, has hampered the country’s development and generated economic and social challenges, primarily affecting ordinary Iranians.
Hostile external forces are seeking to exploit rising public tensions in order to destabilise and undermine the Iranian state.
The notorious methods of so-called colour revolutions are being employed, whereby peaceful protests are transformed – through the actions of provocateurs trained and armed abroad – into brutal and senseless violence, including riots, the killing of law-enforcement officers and civilians, and even children.
❗️ We unequivocally condemn subversive external interference in Iran’s internal political processes.
It is particularly noteworthy that the Iranian authorities have demonstrated readiness for constructive dialogue with society to identify effective ways of mitigating the adverse socioeconomic consequences of the West’s hostile policies.
Threats emanating from Washington regarding further military strikes against the Islamic Republic are categorically unacceptable. Those who contemplate exploiting externally instigated unrest as a pretext to repeat aggression against Iran, as witnessed in June 2025, must fully realize the grave consequences such actions would entail for the Middle East and for global international security.
❗️ We also firmly reject the brazen attempts to pressure Iran’s foreign partners through the imposition of increased trade tariffs.
The evolving dynamics of Iran’s domestic political situation, together with the recent decline in artificially fuelled protests, provide grounds for cautious optimism regarding a gradual stabilization. The thousands-strong marches by Iranians in support of the country’s sovereignty testify to the failure of the sinister designs of those who resent the existence of states capable of pursuing an independent foreign policy and freely choosing their own allies on the international stage.
We remain in close contact with our diplomatic missions in Iran. They are operating as usual and maintain constant communication with Russian nationals residing in the country. 👉 We advise them to exercise reasonable caution: refrain from visiting crowded areas, avoid photography and videography, and strictly follow the instructions of law-enforcement bodies and special services.
❓ Question: For over a fortnight, anti-government demonstrations in Iran have persisted, escalating into unrest. Could you comment on the current situation in the country?
💬 Maria Zakharova: The unlawful sanctions pressure exerted by the West, to which the Islamic Republic of Iran has been subjected for many years, has hampered the country’s development and generated economic and social challenges, primarily affecting ordinary Iranians.
Hostile external forces are seeking to exploit rising public tensions in order to destabilise and undermine the Iranian state.
The notorious methods of so-called colour revolutions are being employed, whereby peaceful protests are transformed – through the actions of provocateurs trained and armed abroad – into brutal and senseless violence, including riots, the killing of law-enforcement officers and civilians, and even children.
❗️ We unequivocally condemn subversive external interference in Iran’s internal political processes.
It is particularly noteworthy that the Iranian authorities have demonstrated readiness for constructive dialogue with society to identify effective ways of mitigating the adverse socioeconomic consequences of the West’s hostile policies.
Threats emanating from Washington regarding further military strikes against the Islamic Republic are categorically unacceptable. Those who contemplate exploiting externally instigated unrest as a pretext to repeat aggression against Iran, as witnessed in June 2025, must fully realize the grave consequences such actions would entail for the Middle East and for global international security.
❗️ We also firmly reject the brazen attempts to pressure Iran’s foreign partners through the imposition of increased trade tariffs.
The evolving dynamics of Iran’s domestic political situation, together with the recent decline in artificially fuelled protests, provide grounds for cautious optimism regarding a gradual stabilization. The thousands-strong marches by Iranians in support of the country’s sovereignty testify to the failure of the sinister designs of those who resent the existence of states capable of pursuing an independent foreign policy and freely choosing their own allies on the international stage.
We remain in close contact with our diplomatic missions in Iran. They are operating as usual and maintain constant communication with Russian nationals residing in the country. 👉 We advise them to exercise reasonable caution: refrain from visiting crowded areas, avoid photography and videography, and strictly follow the instructions of law-enforcement bodies and special services.
🔴 #LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musavyi commence talks in Moscow
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🔴 Facebook
🔴 Ruptly
🔴 Russia’s MFA website
#RussiaNamibia
#RussiaNamibia
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🔴 #LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musavyi hold a joint news conference in Moscow
🔴 X (ex-Twitter)
🔴 Facebook
🔴 Ruptly
🔴 Russia’s MFA website
#RussiaNamibia
#RussiaNamibia
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🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musavyi (Moscow, January 14, 2026)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: Ms Minister, Dear Selma,
Colleagues, Friends,
We are glad to welcome you in Moscow.
We arranged this visit, when we were meeting in Cairo on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum in December 2025. Now we are acting on this agreement.
We appreciate the rich history and traditions of friendship in relations with your country, starting with the period, when the Soviet Union was helping you to gain independence and lay down the foundations of your statehood.
March 2025 marked 35 years since the Namibian people won independence. President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to President of Namibia Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on the occasion of this anniversary.
We see solidarity with regard to Russia and a shared sympathy, as well as the intention on the part of our peoples and governments to promote political dialogue, economic cooperation, and humanitarian contacts.
As you and I discussed in Cairo, we will be happy to receive President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in the Russian Federation. We noted that all previous presidents of your country had visited Moscow.
Today, there is a good pretext for discussing in detail the state of our bilateral relations and mapping out ways for their expansion, particularly in the economy, trade, and investment, as well as for comparing notes on regional African problems. There are quite a few of these, and Namibia is pro-active in settling them.
We will also discuss issues related to the activities of the United Nations and other global organisations.
You are welcome once again. We are glad to see you.
#RussiaNamibia
💬 Sergey Lavrov: Ms Minister, Dear Selma,
Colleagues, Friends,
We are glad to welcome you in Moscow.
We arranged this visit, when we were meeting in Cairo on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum in December 2025. Now we are acting on this agreement.
We appreciate the rich history and traditions of friendship in relations with your country, starting with the period, when the Soviet Union was helping you to gain independence and lay down the foundations of your statehood.
March 2025 marked 35 years since the Namibian people won independence. President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to President of Namibia Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on the occasion of this anniversary.
We see solidarity with regard to Russia and a shared sympathy, as well as the intention on the part of our peoples and governments to promote political dialogue, economic cooperation, and humanitarian contacts.
As you and I discussed in Cairo, we will be happy to receive President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in the Russian Federation. We noted that all previous presidents of your country had visited Moscow.
Today, there is a good pretext for discussing in detail the state of our bilateral relations and mapping out ways for their expansion, particularly in the economy, trade, and investment, as well as for comparing notes on regional African problems. There are quite a few of these, and Namibia is pro-active in settling them.
We will also discuss issues related to the activities of the United Nations and other global organisations.
You are welcome once again. We are glad to see you.
#RussiaNamibia
✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin has extended his condolences to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of Thailand:
✍️ Your Majesty,
Please accept my deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of the railway disaster in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
I ask to convey my sincere sympathy and support to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, as well as my wishes for a swift recovery to all those injured.
Respectfully,
VLADIMIR PUTIN
✍️ Your Majesty,
Please accept my deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of the railway disaster in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
I ask to convey my sincere sympathy and support to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, as well as my wishes for a swift recovery to all those injured.
Respectfully,
VLADIMIR PUTIN
🇷🇺🇧🇷📞 President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had a telephone conversation (January 14, 2026)
The Leaders exchanged views on pressing international issues, with a focus on the situation surrounding Venezuela.
They underscored the convergence of the principled stances of Russia and Brazil regarding the safeguarding of the state sovereignty and national interests of the Bolivarian Republic.
The Presidents agreed to continue coordinating efforts, including within the framework of the #UN and #BRICS, in the interests of de-escalating tensions in Latin America and other regions of the world.
In the context of the forthcoming meeting of the Russian-Brazilian High-Level Commission scheduled for February 2026, the Leaders held an in-depth discussion on further advancing bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas.
#RussiaBrazil
The Leaders exchanged views on pressing international issues, with a focus on the situation surrounding Venezuela.
They underscored the convergence of the principled stances of Russia and Brazil regarding the safeguarding of the state sovereignty and national interests of the Bolivarian Republic.
The Presidents agreed to continue coordinating efforts, including within the framework of the #UN and #BRICS, in the interests of de-escalating tensions in Latin America and other regions of the world.
In the context of the forthcoming meeting of the Russian-Brazilian High-Level Commission scheduled for February 2026, the Leaders held an in-depth discussion on further advancing bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas.
#RussiaBrazil
🏛 Russia's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO:
💬 Russia is actively developing cooperation with African states, including in areas within the remit of #UNESCO.
At the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum (December 19-20, 2025), a Joint Statement was adopted confirming the strategic level of Russia-Africa cooperation. The document includes provisions on cooperation in education, culture, sport, youth policy and the media, in particular:
Implementation of projects in the field of education, including the gradual increase in Russia’s state scholarship quotas for citizens of African countries to study at Russian universities, as well as professional development programmes in priority specialisations for African partners – technical and scientific fields;
The importance of creating additional opportunities to study the Russian language in African countries, as well as developing African studies in Russia, in order to strengthen mutual understanding between states and peoples;
Dynamic development of cultural exchanges and cooperation between Russia and African countries;
Cooperation in the field of sport and related activities, including anti-doping efforts, exchange of expertise, and the organisation of joint competitions.
👉 Read the full statement
💬 Russia is actively developing cooperation with African states, including in areas within the remit of #UNESCO.
At the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum (December 19-20, 2025), a Joint Statement was adopted confirming the strategic level of Russia-Africa cooperation. The document includes provisions on cooperation in education, culture, sport, youth policy and the media, in particular:
Implementation of projects in the field of education, including the gradual increase in Russia’s state scholarship quotas for citizens of African countries to study at Russian universities, as well as professional development programmes in priority specialisations for African partners – technical and scientific fields;
The importance of creating additional opportunities to study the Russian language in African countries, as well as developing African studies in Russia, in order to strengthen mutual understanding between states and peoples;
Dynamic development of cultural exchanges and cooperation between Russia and African countries;
Cooperation in the field of sport and related activities, including anti-doping efforts, exchange of expertise, and the organisation of joint competitions.
👉 Read the full statement
🎙 Statement by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a joint press conference with Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musavyi (January 14, 2026, Moscow)
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💬 Sergey Lavrov: We reaffirmed that the friendly ties between Moscow and Windhoek are developing steadily and rest on the principles traditional for our relations – equality, solidarity, mutual respect and support.
We highly value the fact that our Namibian friends remember well the assistance provided by the Soviet Union during the struggle against colonialism and in laying the foundations of statehood.
We welcomed the intention of Namibia’s new leadership, personally President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, to deepen ties with Russia. We spoke in favour of expanding dialogue, including at the highest and high levels. We are certainly interested in resuming the practice of regular foreign-policy consultations.
🤝 We highly assessed inter-party cooperation. In February 2024, the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) supported the initiative of the political party United Russia to establish the Forum of Supporters of the Fight against Modern Practices of Neocolonialism. By decision of the UN General Assembly, December 14 each year will be marked as the International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations.
We consider this a fundamentally important decision, as after African friends gained political independence, economic dependence on the West persisted. In recent years, we have even observed this dependence deepening. Therefore, what we call the “second awakening of Africa” is a highly relevant issue on the international agenda.
📈 We agreed to make additional efforts to intensify trade and economic cooperation.
Another area with clear prospects and solid groundwork already in place is healthcare. Training of personnel has traditionally been an integral part of our cooperation. Many thousands of Namibians have received education in Russia or the USSR. This practice continues today. Tourism is another sphere with evident potential.
We reaffirmed our readiness to continue assisting our Namibian friends on international platforms, including through the provision of humanitarian assistance via the UN World Food Programme.
We share a common view on the success of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, established at the initiative of the heads of state of Russia and African countries, and note identical or very close positions on most, if not all, items of the international and regional agenda.
We underscored the need to improve the UN’s working methods, including the Security Council refor. We consistently support Africa’s fair demands to increase its representation in the Security Council.
We expressed gratitude to our Namibian friends for supporting all initiatives promoted by Russia at the UN, including those of particular importance in today’s international environment – the inadmissibility of the glorification of Nazism, countering neocolonial practices, cooperation in information security, ensuring the peaceful use of outer space, as well as disarmament initiatives.
Special attention was paid to African issues, including the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and developments in the Saharo-Sahel region.
🌍 We consistently advance the concept that solutions to African problems should be sought by African countries themselves. External actors must respect the approaches developed by Africans and provide possible assistance in their practical implementation.
#RussiaNamibia
Read in full
💬 Sergey Lavrov: We reaffirmed that the friendly ties between Moscow and Windhoek are developing steadily and rest on the principles traditional for our relations – equality, solidarity, mutual respect and support.
We highly value the fact that our Namibian friends remember well the assistance provided by the Soviet Union during the struggle against colonialism and in laying the foundations of statehood.
We welcomed the intention of Namibia’s new leadership, personally President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, to deepen ties with Russia. We spoke in favour of expanding dialogue, including at the highest and high levels. We are certainly interested in resuming the practice of regular foreign-policy consultations.
🤝 We highly assessed inter-party cooperation. In February 2024, the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) supported the initiative of the political party United Russia to establish the Forum of Supporters of the Fight against Modern Practices of Neocolonialism. By decision of the UN General Assembly, December 14 each year will be marked as the International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations.
We consider this a fundamentally important decision, as after African friends gained political independence, economic dependence on the West persisted. In recent years, we have even observed this dependence deepening. Therefore, what we call the “second awakening of Africa” is a highly relevant issue on the international agenda.
📈 We agreed to make additional efforts to intensify trade and economic cooperation.
Another area with clear prospects and solid groundwork already in place is healthcare. Training of personnel has traditionally been an integral part of our cooperation. Many thousands of Namibians have received education in Russia or the USSR. This practice continues today. Tourism is another sphere with evident potential.
We reaffirmed our readiness to continue assisting our Namibian friends on international platforms, including through the provision of humanitarian assistance via the UN World Food Programme.
We share a common view on the success of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, established at the initiative of the heads of state of Russia and African countries, and note identical or very close positions on most, if not all, items of the international and regional agenda.
We underscored the need to improve the UN’s working methods, including the Security Council refor. We consistently support Africa’s fair demands to increase its representation in the Security Council.
We expressed gratitude to our Namibian friends for supporting all initiatives promoted by Russia at the UN, including those of particular importance in today’s international environment – the inadmissibility of the glorification of Nazism, countering neocolonial practices, cooperation in information security, ensuring the peaceful use of outer space, as well as disarmament initiatives.
Special attention was paid to African issues, including the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and developments in the Saharo-Sahel region.
🌍 We consistently advance the concept that solutions to African problems should be sought by African countries themselves. External actors must respect the approaches developed by Africans and provide possible assistance in their practical implementation.
#RussiaNamibia