Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🤝 On October 29, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with the heads of diplomatic missions of the #BRICS countries accredited in Moscow.
They discussed ways to further strengthen strategic partnerships within BRICS in the light of the outcomes of the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan on October 22-24 and chaired by Russia.
The Parties had a thorough exchange of views on the situation in and around Ukraine. The Russian Side laid out the fundamental approaches to the Ukrainian crisis resolution based on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initiative of June 14, highlighting the cornerstones of Moscow’s stance on the issue.
Those include:
• withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from all Russian regions,
• recognition of those regions as Russian territory,
• termination of Kiev’s attempts to apply for NATO membership,
• the lifting of Western sanctions against Russia,
• all-out guarantees of the rights of the Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine.
The meeting took place in a friendly and constructive atmosphere.
They discussed ways to further strengthen strategic partnerships within BRICS in the light of the outcomes of the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan on October 22-24 and chaired by Russia.
The Parties had a thorough exchange of views on the situation in and around Ukraine. The Russian Side laid out the fundamental approaches to the Ukrainian crisis resolution based on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initiative of June 14, highlighting the cornerstones of Moscow’s stance on the issue.
Those include:
• withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from all Russian regions,
• recognition of those regions as Russian territory,
• termination of Kiev’s attempts to apply for NATO membership,
• the lifting of Western sanctions against Russia,
• all-out guarantees of the rights of the Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine.
The meeting took place in a friendly and constructive atmosphere.
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🌍 The final day of the Black History Month brings us to the present. Building on robust Soviet-era ties Russia continues to develop official relations and grassroots contacts with African nations and people of African origin.
Over recent years cooperation with African countries has advanced in leaps and bounds.
The format of the Russia-Africa Summits has been an unrivalled success, backed up by Economic and Humanitarian Forums in Sochi (2019) and St Petersburg (2023). In a week's time Russia will be hosting the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership.
🤝 The tenets of our relationship comprise respect for sovereignty, the right to self-determination and commitment to promoting the continent's independent development.
A pivotal element of Russia's policy – support for the continent's firm posture against neocolonialism, as shown by the recent voting on the UN General Assembly draft Resolution on eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. Russia unequivocally backed the initiative, while the UK, USA and some others chose to abstain.
Russia actively fosters the cultural and scientific dimension of its relationship with Africa. Nearly 30 thousand young women and men from the continent are studying in our country this year. Equally significant is Russia's contribution to the accelerating development of medical infrastructure in African countries.
🎶🎨⚽️ Meanwhile exchanges in arts, literature and sports combined with people-to-people contacts enable productive synergies and enhanced mutual understanding.
The Russian cultural scene continues to be enriched with Afro-Caribbean vibes and contributions of singers like the charismatic Serafim Makangila from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the fondly remembered Pierre Narcisse from Cameroon. A few years back Jean Gregoire Sagbo from Benin, a local councilor in Tver region, became the first elected politician of African origin in Russia's contemporary history. We won't show favour to any Russian football club in particular, but many are fielding talented players from Africa and of African origin. Their number was sufficient to form a team for a friendly game at the 2023 Russia-Africa Forum.
Over recent years cooperation with African countries has advanced in leaps and bounds.
The format of the Russia-Africa Summits has been an unrivalled success, backed up by Economic and Humanitarian Forums in Sochi (2019) and St Petersburg (2023). In a week's time Russia will be hosting the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership.
🤝 The tenets of our relationship comprise respect for sovereignty, the right to self-determination and commitment to promoting the continent's independent development.
A pivotal element of Russia's policy – support for the continent's firm posture against neocolonialism, as shown by the recent voting on the UN General Assembly draft Resolution on eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. Russia unequivocally backed the initiative, while the UK, USA and some others chose to abstain.
Russia actively fosters the cultural and scientific dimension of its relationship with Africa. Nearly 30 thousand young women and men from the continent are studying in our country this year. Equally significant is Russia's contribution to the accelerating development of medical infrastructure in African countries.
🎶🎨⚽️ Meanwhile exchanges in arts, literature and sports combined with people-to-people contacts enable productive synergies and enhanced mutual understanding.
The Russian cultural scene continues to be enriched with Afro-Caribbean vibes and contributions of singers like the charismatic Serafim Makangila from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the fondly remembered Pierre Narcisse from Cameroon. A few years back Jean Gregoire Sagbo from Benin, a local councilor in Tver region, became the first elected politician of African origin in Russia's contemporary history. We won't show favour to any Russian football club in particular, but many are fielding talented players from Africa and of African origin. Their number was sufficient to form a team for a friendly game at the 2023 Russia-Africa Forum.
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🎙 Excerpt from Russian MFA Spox Maria Zakharova's weekly briefing on topical foreign policy issues (30 October 2024)
UK PM's accusations against Russia over attacks on Ukraine's ports
💬 We have taken note of the press release on the UK Prime Minister's official website, wherein accusations are made on behalf of Keir Starmer against Russia's Armed Forces for allegedly attacking Ukrainian infrastructure in the Black Sea. These actions are purportedly aimed at undermining global food security.
Such unfounded, yet vociferous, outrage from London once again highlights the opposite – Britain's direct involvement in supplying arms to the Kiev regime via the Black Sea maritime corridor.
Relevant video evidence depicting military cargo at the port of Yuzhny in the Odessa Region was recently released by Russia's Defence Ministry, rendering any denial of this fact utterly futile.
We regard this painful reaction by the British authorities as evidence of their true intentions towards Ukraine, which seem to prioritise the supply of lethal weapons to the Kiev regime over the safety of grain shipments.
❗️ It appears that Downing Street is not inclined to resolve the conflict but is instead taking measures that prolong it, thereby extending the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
Read in full
UK PM's accusations against Russia over attacks on Ukraine's ports
💬 We have taken note of the press release on the UK Prime Minister's official website, wherein accusations are made on behalf of Keir Starmer against Russia's Armed Forces for allegedly attacking Ukrainian infrastructure in the Black Sea. These actions are purportedly aimed at undermining global food security.
Such unfounded, yet vociferous, outrage from London once again highlights the opposite – Britain's direct involvement in supplying arms to the Kiev regime via the Black Sea maritime corridor.
Relevant video evidence depicting military cargo at the port of Yuzhny in the Odessa Region was recently released by Russia's Defence Ministry, rendering any denial of this fact utterly futile.
We regard this painful reaction by the British authorities as evidence of their true intentions towards Ukraine, which seem to prioritise the supply of lethal weapons to the Kiev regime over the safety of grain shipments.
❗️ It appears that Downing Street is not inclined to resolve the conflict but is instead taking measures that prolong it, thereby extending the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
Read in full
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💬 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: While opening additional opportunities, today’s technologies bear large risks.
These include the growing number of attempts of malicious interference into Russia’s digital space such as cyberattacks aimed at damaging critical infrastructure, as well as the spread of disinformation for information and psychological influence on the people.
The West, which has set the goal of maintaining its permissiveness in the international information space, is the main source of these challenges.
Russia traditionally advocates the creation of an international legal regime to regulate the digital environment by concluding legally binding agreements.
An important milestone on the path to solving this problem was the development of a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of information and communication technologies for criminal purposes. The draft document was adopted by the UN Special Intergovernmental Committee in August 2024, and is being submitted for approval to the United Nations General Assembly. Russia was the ideological inspirer and leader of the negotiation process to agree on the convention.
Most countries of the Global South and East support us in our work on international information security. We are building close cooperation with our partners from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
🤝 The likeminded people are united by their loyalty to the principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and interrelation, as well as awareness of the objective reality of a multipolar world, and rejection of the neocolonial orders imposed by the West, including in the digital space.
Read in full
These include the growing number of attempts of malicious interference into Russia’s digital space such as cyberattacks aimed at damaging critical infrastructure, as well as the spread of disinformation for information and psychological influence on the people.
The West, which has set the goal of maintaining its permissiveness in the international information space, is the main source of these challenges.
Russia traditionally advocates the creation of an international legal regime to regulate the digital environment by concluding legally binding agreements.
An important milestone on the path to solving this problem was the development of a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of information and communication technologies for criminal purposes. The draft document was adopted by the UN Special Intergovernmental Committee in August 2024, and is being submitted for approval to the United Nations General Assembly. Russia was the ideological inspirer and leader of the negotiation process to agree on the convention.
Most countries of the Global South and East support us in our work on international information security. We are building close cooperation with our partners from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
🤝 The likeminded people are united by their loyalty to the principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and interrelation, as well as awareness of the objective reality of a multipolar world, and rejection of the neocolonial orders imposed by the West, including in the digital space.
Read in full
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Forwarded from Генеральное консульство России в Эдинбурге
🗓️125 years ago the legendary cruiser «Varyag» was floated out. The feat of its crew has forever gone down in the history of our country as a symbol of the heroism and unbending will of Russian sailors, demonstrated during an unequal battle with the enemy squadron on the first day of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905.
📍The «Varyag» monument - a three-meter sculpture in the form of a bronze cross with an image of the ship - was unveiled in 2007 in the Scottish village of Lendalfoot, near which in 1920 the cruiser ran aground while being transported after repairs.
👉 Diplomats of the Russian Consulate General in Edinburgh regularly visit the «Varyag» monument to honour the memory of its famous crew.
📍The «Varyag» monument - a three-meter sculpture in the form of a bronze cross with an image of the ship - was unveiled in 2007 in the Scottish village of Lendalfoot, near which in 1920 the cruiser ran aground while being transported after repairs.
👉 Diplomats of the Russian Consulate General in Edinburgh regularly visit the «Varyag» monument to honour the memory of its famous crew.
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💬 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: The Istanbul negotiations [between Russia and Ukraine] were ultimately undermined by the West, who prevented Vladimir Zelensky from reaching agreements that could have stopped hostilities and ensured the balance of interests of all parties involved.
Russia is open to achieving a political settlement, but this should not merely lead to a temporary ceasefire; it must lead to a resolution of the Ukraine conflict by eliminating its root causes.
These include NATO’s eastward expansion, the creation of threats to Russia’s essential security interests, and the Kiev regime’s infringement on the rights of Russians and Russian-speaking residents of Ukraine.
At the moment, our opponents do not appear to want peace. Ukraine’s reaction to President Vladimir Putin’s peace initiative proposed in June was an invasion of the Kursk Region by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, along with airstrikes on targets in other border areas.
Washington and its allies continue to provide extensive support to Kiev, discuss the possibility of using Western long-range missiles for strikes deep into Russian territory. Vladimir Zelensky has not revoked his order prohibiting negotiations with Moscow.
☝️ Given these circumstances, it seems unlikely that any country will succeed in mediation efforts.
📰 Read the Foreign Minister's full interview with the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet here
Russia is open to achieving a political settlement, but this should not merely lead to a temporary ceasefire; it must lead to a resolution of the Ukraine conflict by eliminating its root causes.
These include NATO’s eastward expansion, the creation of threats to Russia’s essential security interests, and the Kiev regime’s infringement on the rights of Russians and Russian-speaking residents of Ukraine.
At the moment, our opponents do not appear to want peace. Ukraine’s reaction to President Vladimir Putin’s peace initiative proposed in June was an invasion of the Kursk Region by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, along with airstrikes on targets in other border areas.
Washington and its allies continue to provide extensive support to Kiev, discuss the possibility of using Western long-range missiles for strikes deep into Russian territory. Vladimir Zelensky has not revoked his order prohibiting negotiations with Moscow.
☝️ Given these circumstances, it seems unlikely that any country will succeed in mediation efforts.
📰 Read the Foreign Minister's full interview with the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet here
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#Announcement
📺 Coming soon: Ambassador Andrei Kelin's interview on BBC's flagship programme HARDtalk, hosted by Stephen Sackur.
Key Topics:
• Ukraine crisis
• Attack on the Kursk Region
• Russia-DPRK military cooperation
• Prospects for Ukraine peace talks
• US elections
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for this conversation.
🗓 Monday, 4 November
🕧 00:30 GMT
Find out more
📺 Coming soon: Ambassador Andrei Kelin's interview on BBC's flagship programme HARDtalk, hosted by Stephen Sackur.
Key Topics:
• Ukraine crisis
• Attack on the Kursk Region
• Russia-DPRK military cooperation
• Prospects for Ukraine peace talks
• US elections
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for this conversation.
🗓 Monday, 4 November
🕧 00:30 GMT
Find out more
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🎙 Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a high-level plenary meeting of the International Conference on Eurasian Security (Minsk, 31 October 2024)
💬 President Vladimir Putin suggested establishing the Greater Eurasian Partnership in 2015 as the broadest integration framework in the interests of expanding and liberalising trade and investment ties, implementing trans-border infrastructure projects, developing the logistic network and harmonising integration processes.
In turn, the Greater Eurasian Partnership will lay a solid economic and material foundation for building a system of equal and indivisible Eurasian security shielding the continent’s countries from common threats and challenges. <...>
Our perception of the Greater Eurasian Partnership and the system of Eurasian security presupposes their openness for all countries and associations of our continent without exception.
☝️ This means that no one intends to shut the door to countries of western Eurasia. We will welcome their involvement in processes of common Eurasian cooperation but, certainly, on the basis of equality and provided that they renounce the hostile bloc policy and neo-colonial practices.
This is an absolutely indispensable condition because things had worked out differently for a long time. For example, all schemes without exception that relied on the Euro-Atlantic security concept aimed to preserve the dominant position of the United States and to contain its rivals, including Russia. NATO played the main role in this context.
Everyone realises that NATO has completely subjugated the European Union that had apparently been established by Europeans for the sake of Europeans.
Read in full
💬 President Vladimir Putin suggested establishing the Greater Eurasian Partnership in 2015 as the broadest integration framework in the interests of expanding and liberalising trade and investment ties, implementing trans-border infrastructure projects, developing the logistic network and harmonising integration processes.
In turn, the Greater Eurasian Partnership will lay a solid economic and material foundation for building a system of equal and indivisible Eurasian security shielding the continent’s countries from common threats and challenges. <...>
Our perception of the Greater Eurasian Partnership and the system of Eurasian security presupposes their openness for all countries and associations of our continent without exception.
☝️ This means that no one intends to shut the door to countries of western Eurasia. We will welcome their involvement in processes of common Eurasian cooperation but, certainly, on the basis of equality and provided that they renounce the hostile bloc policy and neo-colonial practices.
This is an absolutely indispensable condition because things had worked out differently for a long time. For example, all schemes without exception that relied on the Euro-Atlantic security concept aimed to preserve the dominant position of the United States and to contain its rivals, including Russia. NATO played the main role in this context.
Everyone realises that NATO has completely subjugated the European Union that had apparently been established by Europeans for the sake of Europeans.
Read in full
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🇷🇺 Russia celebrates National Unity Day on 4 November.
Marking one of the most defining moments in Russia's history, the date commemorates the resolve and spirit of the Russian people who, more than four centuries ago, stood together to bring an end to a period of profound turmoil known as the Time of Troubles.
During those tumultuous years, Russia was on the brink of losing its sovereignty, threatened by foreign occupation and deep internal discord. Yet the people of Russia did not yield.
Rallying behind Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, they formed a volunteer army to expel the invaders, end civil strife and restore order and stability. Their efforts laid the foundation for Russia's revival, setting the stage for a unified, stronger state.
National Unity Day is thus not only a commemoration of past heroism but a celebration of enduring values: unwavering devotion to the Motherland, reverence for the legacy of ancestors that transcends generations, and a steadfast commitment to work for the nation's progress.
☝️ The readiness to stand in defence of their homeland remains a defining trait of Russia's diverse, multi-ethnic people.
Marking one of the most defining moments in Russia's history, the date commemorates the resolve and spirit of the Russian people who, more than four centuries ago, stood together to bring an end to a period of profound turmoil known as the Time of Troubles.
During those tumultuous years, Russia was on the brink of losing its sovereignty, threatened by foreign occupation and deep internal discord. Yet the people of Russia did not yield.
Rallying behind Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, they formed a volunteer army to expel the invaders, end civil strife and restore order and stability. Their efforts laid the foundation for Russia's revival, setting the stage for a unified, stronger state.
National Unity Day is thus not only a commemoration of past heroism but a celebration of enduring values: unwavering devotion to the Motherland, reverence for the legacy of ancestors that transcends generations, and a steadfast commitment to work for the nation's progress.
☝️ The readiness to stand in defence of their homeland remains a defining trait of Russia's diverse, multi-ethnic people.
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📺 Watch Ambassador Andrei Kelin's interview with BBC's HARDtalk, hosted by Stephen Sackur (4 November 2024)
Key talking points:
🔸 It is a coalition of Western countries that is waging a proxy war against Russia using Ukraine. It is a hybrid war, a very serious one, and we have every right to defend ourselves with all the means at our disposal.
🔸 I don't think that there will be a compromise, it will be the endgame. It is quite clear that Ukraine will be a non-aligned, non-nuclear country with normal relations with its neighbours. It will not be a NATO member, it will be demilitarised and it will finally abolish all the racist laws that it has adopted during all these years.
🔸 Even if it happens [the deployment of the DPRK's forces in the zone of the special military operation], we have thousands of mercenaries from different [Western] countries fighting on the side of Ukraine. We have thousands of instructors teaching the Ukrainians how to deal with foreign weapons, tanks and so on, intelligence being provided to the Ukrainians.
🔸 The international community does not consist only of Western countries, it is only a tiny number of Western nations that support this kind of accusation [that Russia is considered an outlaw].
🔸 The UK government has decided to spend another 3 billion pounds on defence. That is quite a lot for a country with a huge hole in its budget. Is it a good thing? I'm not sure.
🔸 The Georgian people have elected a party that is disliked in the EU, and Brussels has started to intervene in [the internal affairs of] Georgia. <...> Georgians now understand that the "rosy" American project that was developed with Mikhail Saakashvili in the early 2000s has failed and caused serious damage to Georgia.
Watch the interview on our YouTube channel or listen on BBC podcasts
Key talking points:
🔸 It is a coalition of Western countries that is waging a proxy war against Russia using Ukraine. It is a hybrid war, a very serious one, and we have every right to defend ourselves with all the means at our disposal.
🔸 I don't think that there will be a compromise, it will be the endgame. It is quite clear that Ukraine will be a non-aligned, non-nuclear country with normal relations with its neighbours. It will not be a NATO member, it will be demilitarised and it will finally abolish all the racist laws that it has adopted during all these years.
🔸 Even if it happens [the deployment of the DPRK's forces in the zone of the special military operation], we have thousands of mercenaries from different [Western] countries fighting on the side of Ukraine. We have thousands of instructors teaching the Ukrainians how to deal with foreign weapons, tanks and so on, intelligence being provided to the Ukrainians.
🔸 The international community does not consist only of Western countries, it is only a tiny number of Western nations that support this kind of accusation [that Russia is considered an outlaw].
🔸 The UK government has decided to spend another 3 billion pounds on defence. That is quite a lot for a country with a huge hole in its budget. Is it a good thing? I'm not sure.
🔸 The Georgian people have elected a party that is disliked in the EU, and Brussels has started to intervene in [the internal affairs of] Georgia. <...> Georgians now understand that the "rosy" American project that was developed with Mikhail Saakashvili in the early 2000s has failed and caused serious damage to Georgia.
Watch the interview on our YouTube channel or listen on BBC podcasts
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🗓 On 5 November, President Vladimir Putin received the letters of credence from 28 newly appointed ambassadors of foreign nations at the Grand Kremlin Palace.
💬 President Putin: As for our country, it is open to mutually beneficial cooperation with all states without exception, based on the principles of equality, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and strict adherence to international law.
We support the establishment of a fair system of global economic relations, free from unfair competition, unilateral sanctions, and politically motivated restrictions.
Russia is actively engaged in international affairs and follows a constructive foreign policy that considers both our national interests and the objective trends of global development.
This was underscored by the recent large-scale BRICS Summit held in Kazan, which marked the peak of Russia's chairmanship of the group and was a significant event in the global political calendar.
Russia has approached its responsibilities as BRICS chair with a strong sense of duty. Throughout the year, more than 200 events were organised at the highest levels, including ministerial and expert discussions, as well as engagements across business, parliamentary, and public sectors. <...>
Regarding Ukraine, we truly value the genuine commitment of our BRICS partners to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the current situation.
I have repeatedly stated that Russia is not only open to negotiations but, at the beginning of this conflict, actively engaged in talks that resulted in a mutually acceptable agreement, which was even initialled by the Ukrainian side.
However, the Ukrainian government, influenced by external advice, as they have acknowledged, ultimately rejected this agreement.
☝️ The fundamentally hostile approach taken by certain Western countries to escalate and prolong the Ukrainian conflict, aiming to achieve a "strategic defeat" for our country, is profoundly misguided.
Such unrealistic expectations can only come from those who are unfamiliar with, or unwilling to acknowledge, Russia's history, as well as the unity, resilience, and solidarity of the Russian people.
Read in full
💬 President Putin: As for our country, it is open to mutually beneficial cooperation with all states without exception, based on the principles of equality, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and strict adherence to international law.
We support the establishment of a fair system of global economic relations, free from unfair competition, unilateral sanctions, and politically motivated restrictions.
Russia is actively engaged in international affairs and follows a constructive foreign policy that considers both our national interests and the objective trends of global development.
This was underscored by the recent large-scale BRICS Summit held in Kazan, which marked the peak of Russia's chairmanship of the group and was a significant event in the global political calendar.
Russia has approached its responsibilities as BRICS chair with a strong sense of duty. Throughout the year, more than 200 events were organised at the highest levels, including ministerial and expert discussions, as well as engagements across business, parliamentary, and public sectors. <...>
Regarding Ukraine, we truly value the genuine commitment of our BRICS partners to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the current situation.
I have repeatedly stated that Russia is not only open to negotiations but, at the beginning of this conflict, actively engaged in talks that resulted in a mutually acceptable agreement, which was even initialled by the Ukrainian side.
However, the Ukrainian government, influenced by external advice, as they have acknowledged, ultimately rejected this agreement.
☝️ The fundamentally hostile approach taken by certain Western countries to escalate and prolong the Ukrainian conflict, aiming to achieve a "strategic defeat" for our country, is profoundly misguided.
Such unrealistic expectations can only come from those who are unfamiliar with, or unwilling to acknowledge, Russia's history, as well as the unity, resilience, and solidarity of the Russian people.
Read in full
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Russian Embassy to the UK
📺 Watch Ambassador Andrei Kelin's interview with BBC's HARDtalk, hosted by Stephen Sackur (4 November 2024) Key talking points: 🔸 It is a coalition of Western countries that is waging a proxy war against Russia using Ukraine. It is a hybrid war, a very serious…
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🎙 Excerpt from Ambassador Andrei Kelin's interview with BBC's HARDtalk (4 November 2024)
❓ Question: Here are the recent words of David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, quote: "[Russia's President Vladimir] Putin and his mafia state are trying to poison the world with disinformation, division and disorder, not least in the United Kingdom". You are the Russian Ambassador in the UK. Has he said that to you directly? What would you say to him?
💬 Andrei Kelin: I have never seen Mr Lammy, but I can say that if I were in his position I would control my language more because it is very impolite. And I do not know any politician in the world, especially a foreign minister, who uses that kind of words. Especially in Russia, if you listen to what President Vladimir Putin or Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov say. This kind of accusation, this kind of labelling is absolutely not a characteristic of us.
It is Mr Lammy who allows himself [to do that], but he should know that he is no longer a member of the opposition. He is now Foreign Secretary and it is much better for him to stick to the diplomatic rules.
❓ Question: Here are the recent words of David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, quote: "[Russia's President Vladimir] Putin and his mafia state are trying to poison the world with disinformation, division and disorder, not least in the United Kingdom". You are the Russian Ambassador in the UK. Has he said that to you directly? What would you say to him?
💬 Andrei Kelin: I have never seen Mr Lammy, but I can say that if I were in his position I would control my language more because it is very impolite. And I do not know any politician in the world, especially a foreign minister, who uses that kind of words. Especially in Russia, if you listen to what President Vladimir Putin or Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov say. This kind of accusation, this kind of labelling is absolutely not a characteristic of us.
It is Mr Lammy who allows himself [to do that], but he should know that he is no longer a member of the opposition. He is now Foreign Secretary and it is much better for him to stick to the diplomatic rules.
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