😍🏔️ All eyes on Russia’s #Kamchatka!
This week, Kamchatka is in the spotlight – an incredible peninsula at the edge of Eurasia. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it so unique.
Kamchatka is a land of raw beauty and powerful natural forces. Known for its frequent earthquakes (which locals take in stride!), it’s home to dramatic volcanoes, steaming geysers, black sand beaches, and wild bears. Each year, it draws adventurers and nature lovers seeking untouched wilderness and unforgettable views.
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the region’s capital, is framed by three towering volcanoes – Avachinsky, Koryaksky, and Kozelsky. Locals affectionately call them “home” and often hike or ski on their slopes – but only when the volcanoes are asleep!
Kamchatka’s geysers and thermal springs aren’t just for relaxation and wellness; they also provide sustainable energy.
And down south, Kuril Lake is Russia’s most bear-friendly location – especially during salmon spawning season, when the shores come alive with fishing giants.
Kamchatka boasts 30 active and nearly 300 extinct volcanoes. In 1996, its volcanoes were added to the #UNESCO World Natural Heritage List.
🌋 Breaking news: For the first time in over 600 years, Krasheninnikov Volcano has awakened. According to the Kronotsky Nature Reserve, where the volcano is located, the nearest settlements are far away and currently face no danger. Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations reports ash explosions reaching up to 6 kilometers into the sky — nearly three times the volcano’s own height. The last eruption is estimated to have occurred around 1463 (±40 years). Interestingly, this isn’t the first volcano to stir after a recent earthquake — Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the highest active volcano in Eurasia, also began erupting earlier.
Come see where fire meets ice, and nature runs wild!
#DiscoverRussia
This week, Kamchatka is in the spotlight – an incredible peninsula at the edge of Eurasia. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it so unique.
Kamchatka is a land of raw beauty and powerful natural forces. Known for its frequent earthquakes (which locals take in stride!), it’s home to dramatic volcanoes, steaming geysers, black sand beaches, and wild bears. Each year, it draws adventurers and nature lovers seeking untouched wilderness and unforgettable views.
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the region’s capital, is framed by three towering volcanoes – Avachinsky, Koryaksky, and Kozelsky. Locals affectionately call them “home” and often hike or ski on their slopes – but only when the volcanoes are asleep!
Kamchatka’s geysers and thermal springs aren’t just for relaxation and wellness; they also provide sustainable energy.
And down south, Kuril Lake is Russia’s most bear-friendly location – especially during salmon spawning season, when the shores come alive with fishing giants.
Kamchatka boasts 30 active and nearly 300 extinct volcanoes. In 1996, its volcanoes were added to the #UNESCO World Natural Heritage List.
🌋 Breaking news: For the first time in over 600 years, Krasheninnikov Volcano has awakened. According to the Kronotsky Nature Reserve, where the volcano is located, the nearest settlements are far away and currently face no danger. Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations reports ash explosions reaching up to 6 kilometers into the sky — nearly three times the volcano’s own height. The last eruption is estimated to have occurred around 1463 (±40 years). Interestingly, this isn’t the first volcano to stir after a recent earthquake — Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the highest active volcano in Eurasia, also began erupting earlier.
Come see where fire meets ice, and nature runs wild!
#DiscoverRussia
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🗓️ The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is the shortest shipping route for cargo transportation between Europe and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region.
The development of the NSR infrastructure and shipping is one of the key activities of the Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom.
🇷🇺 Russia possesses the world’s only nuclear icebreaking fleet.
First Soviet nuclear-powered icebreaker Lenin was launched in 1957 and was subsequently converted to a museum in the city of Murmansk. The service experience of the Lenin icebreaker has made it possible to improve developing technologies of all future nuclear-powered vessels and laid the foundation for a new branch – civil nuclear shipbuilding. The first nuclear-powered icebreaker initiated the construction of Arktika-class icebreakers capable of breaking two-meter ice. The industry then proceeded to develop shallow-draught nuclear-powered icebreakers Taymyr and Vaygach, which ensure efficient vessel navigation in the mouths of polar rivers.
💬 Vladislav Ruksha, Rosatom Deputy CEO – Director of the Rosatom Arctic division:
#EmpoweringBetterFuture #InfiniteEnergy80 #ItAllStartsWithAnAtom #RussiainArctic
The development of the NSR infrastructure and shipping is one of the key activities of the Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom.
🇷🇺 Russia possesses the world’s only nuclear icebreaking fleet.
First Soviet nuclear-powered icebreaker Lenin was launched in 1957 and was subsequently converted to a museum in the city of Murmansk. The service experience of the Lenin icebreaker has made it possible to improve developing technologies of all future nuclear-powered vessels and laid the foundation for a new branch – civil nuclear shipbuilding. The first nuclear-powered icebreaker initiated the construction of Arktika-class icebreakers capable of breaking two-meter ice. The industry then proceeded to develop shallow-draught nuclear-powered icebreakers Taymyr and Vaygach, which ensure efficient vessel navigation in the mouths of polar rivers.
💬 Vladislav Ruksha, Rosatom Deputy CEO – Director of the Rosatom Arctic division:
“There was a time when icebreakers were idle and were not needed to guide ships. Nowadays, icebreaking capabilities are widely used. We are building new icebreakers, because the demand on icebreaking services in the waters of the Northern Sea Route is growing among both counteragents and partners, and we must always be ready to fully meet it. We now see that the Northern Sea Route is becoming an international route. We demonstrate to the whole world that it is a shipping route that works well, even in difficult ice conditions.”
#EmpoweringBetterFuture #InfiniteEnergy80 #ItAllStartsWithAnAtom #RussiainArctic
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🗓️ 29 июля - 1 августа 2025 года в Сан Сити, ЮАР, состоялось очередное заседание Рабочей группы «двадцатки» по вопросам энергетических переходов.
С российской стороны участие приняли представители МИД и Минэнерго России.
Повестка встречи была сформирована в рамках приоритетов председательства:
🔹 энергобезопасность;
🔹 справедливые и инклюзивные энергопереходы;
🔹 региональная связуемость.
🇷🇺 Российские делегаты выступили за сбалансированный, справедливый и инклюзивный характер энергетического перехода, необходимость учёта национальных особенностей социально-экономического развития, безальтернативность использования ископаемых видов топлива в средне- и долгосрочной перспективе.
По треку энергетических переходов в календаре председательства ЮАР 7-10 октября запланирована ещё одна - финальная - встреча рабочей группы, после чего работа продолжится на министерском уровне.
#Г20
С российской стороны участие приняли представители МИД и Минэнерго России.
Повестка встречи была сформирована в рамках приоритетов председательства:
🔹 энергобезопасность;
🔹 справедливые и инклюзивные энергопереходы;
🔹 региональная связуемость.
🇷🇺 Российские делегаты выступили за сбалансированный, справедливый и инклюзивный характер энергетического перехода, необходимость учёта национальных особенностей социально-экономического развития, безальтернативность использования ископаемых видов топлива в средне- и долгосрочной перспективе.
По треку энергетических переходов в календаре председательства ЮАР 7-10 октября запланирована ещё одна - финальная - встреча рабочей группы, после чего работа продолжится на министерском уровне.
#Г20
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📆 From July 29 to August 1, 2025, the meeting of the #G20 Energy Transitions Working Group took place in Sun City, South Africa.
The Russian delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation.
The agenda was shaped around the key priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency:
🔹 Energy security
🔹 Just and inclusive energy transitions
🔹 Regional connectivity
🇷🇺 Russian delegates emphasized the importance of a balanced, fair, and inclusive approach to the energy transition, highlighting the need to consider national socio-economic circumstances and reaffirming the continued relevance of fossil fuels in the medium- and long-term outlook.
According to the South African Presidency’s calendar, a final meeting of the Energy Transitions Working Group is scheduled for October 7–10, after which discussions will move to the ministerial level.
#G20SouthAfrica
The Russian delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation.
The agenda was shaped around the key priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency:
🔹 Energy security
🔹 Just and inclusive energy transitions
🔹 Regional connectivity
🇷🇺 Russian delegates emphasized the importance of a balanced, fair, and inclusive approach to the energy transition, highlighting the need to consider national socio-economic circumstances and reaffirming the continued relevance of fossil fuels in the medium- and long-term outlook.
According to the South African Presidency’s calendar, a final meeting of the Energy Transitions Working Group is scheduled for October 7–10, after which discussions will move to the ministerial level.
#G20SouthAfrica
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🗓 The Valdai Discussion Club has published an analytical report summarizing the outcomes of the 3rd Russia–Africa Conference, held under the theme: "Realpolitik Responses in a Fractured World: Rethinking Russia-South Africa Ties in global and African Context." The event was organized in partnership with the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).
The conference brought together over 6️⃣0️⃣ experts from Egypt, Zimbabwe, Côte d'Ivoire, Russia, Tanzania, and South Africa. It attracted significant media interest in South Africa, with local and Russian journalists attending its public sessions.
Strengthening cooperation between Russia and African countries remains a key priority for the Valdai Club’s expert agenda. This event further reinforced the tradition of hosting #RussiaAfrica forums. Previous conferences were held in Tanzania (2024) and St. Petersburg (2023) — the latter timed to coincide with the Russia-Africa Summit.
A special Valdai report titled South Africa and Russia: A Long-Lasting Legacy of Strategic Cooperation was prepared for the 2025 conference, focusing on the current state and prospects of Russia–South Africa bilateral relations. The report was authored by Daria Zelenova (Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences) and Sanusha Naidu (Institute for Global Dialogue, South Africa).
🔹 The first session examined South Africa’s priorities as chair of the #G20 and their alignment with #BRICS goals, including the development of independent investment and technological mechanisms by the #GlobalSouth.
🔹 The second session focused on historical memory and humanitarian cooperation, stressing the need to highlight contemporary Russian projects in Africa — particularly those visible and relevant to younger generations.
🔹 The third session addressed the state of bilateral relations between Russia and South Africa. While political dialogue remains steady, economic cooperation lags behind, prompting calls for the advancement of infrastructure, energy, and food security initiatives.
🔹 The fourth session analyzed the global implications of Donald Trump's policies, including his criticism of South Africa and his ambiguous messaging toward Russia. The discussion highlighted the importance of sustained expert dialogue in the context of the ideological and geopolitical impact of Trumpism.
👉 Read more about the discussion
Overall, the 3rd Russia–Africa Conference, jointly held by the Valdai Club and SAIIA, was marked by a constructive and trusted atmosphere. Participants engaged in substantive discussion and outlined practical recommendations. The Valdai Discussion Club reaffirms its commitment to expanding its Africa-focused expert engagement.
The conference brought together over 6️⃣0️⃣ experts from Egypt, Zimbabwe, Côte d'Ivoire, Russia, Tanzania, and South Africa. It attracted significant media interest in South Africa, with local and Russian journalists attending its public sessions.
Strengthening cooperation between Russia and African countries remains a key priority for the Valdai Club’s expert agenda. This event further reinforced the tradition of hosting #RussiaAfrica forums. Previous conferences were held in Tanzania (2024) and St. Petersburg (2023) — the latter timed to coincide with the Russia-Africa Summit.
A special Valdai report titled South Africa and Russia: A Long-Lasting Legacy of Strategic Cooperation was prepared for the 2025 conference, focusing on the current state and prospects of Russia–South Africa bilateral relations. The report was authored by Daria Zelenova (Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences) and Sanusha Naidu (Institute for Global Dialogue, South Africa).
🔹 The first session examined South Africa’s priorities as chair of the #G20 and their alignment with #BRICS goals, including the development of independent investment and technological mechanisms by the #GlobalSouth.
🔹 The second session focused on historical memory and humanitarian cooperation, stressing the need to highlight contemporary Russian projects in Africa — particularly those visible and relevant to younger generations.
🔹 The third session addressed the state of bilateral relations between Russia and South Africa. While political dialogue remains steady, economic cooperation lags behind, prompting calls for the advancement of infrastructure, energy, and food security initiatives.
🔹 The fourth session analyzed the global implications of Donald Trump's policies, including his criticism of South Africa and his ambiguous messaging toward Russia. The discussion highlighted the importance of sustained expert dialogue in the context of the ideological and geopolitical impact of Trumpism.
👉 Read more about the discussion
Overall, the 3rd Russia–Africa Conference, jointly held by the Valdai Club and SAIIA, was marked by a constructive and trusted atmosphere. Participants engaged in substantive discussion and outlined practical recommendations. The Valdai Discussion Club reaffirms its commitment to expanding its Africa-focused expert engagement.
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#Opinion
Gillian Schutte comments on the piece by Ukrainian Ambassador to South Africa in the article titled "The Empire’s New Script: Daily Maverick’s Ukraine Article and the Commodification of Black Suffering"
“The article recycles NATO-aligned discourse under the cover of international law and moral concern, while omitting the layered political conditions surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
Editorially, the piece settles into a pattern – endorsing diplomatic talking points as journalism, with no critical engagement or alternative framing.”
🔗 Read in full
Gillian Schutte comments on the piece by Ukrainian Ambassador to South Africa in the article titled "The Empire’s New Script: Daily Maverick’s Ukraine Article and the Commodification of Black Suffering"
“The article recycles NATO-aligned discourse under the cover of international law and moral concern, while omitting the layered political conditions surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
Editorially, the piece settles into a pattern – endorsing diplomatic talking points as journalism, with no critical engagement or alternative framing.”
🔗 Read in full
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🎓👋 On August 4, 2025, diplomats from the Russian Embassy in South Africa participated in the send-off dinner event, as part of the 2025 International Scholarships Pre-departure Orientation Programme for the scholarship awardees, organized by South Africa's Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Nkosinathi Sishi, Director-General of the Department, expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation – as well as other countries offering scholarships to South African students – for providing these valuable educational opportunities.
Yuri Gerasimov, Head of the Russian House in South Africa, addressed the participants, including students preparing to study at Russian universities. In his farewell message, he encouraged the students to make the most of their academic opportunities in Russia. He also responded to all questions raised by the students, offering guidance and support ahead of their journey.
This year, 9️⃣5️⃣ South African scholarship recipients are heading to Russia to pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
#StudyInRussia
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Nkosinathi Sishi, Director-General of the Department, expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation – as well as other countries offering scholarships to South African students – for providing these valuable educational opportunities.
Yuri Gerasimov, Head of the Russian House in South Africa, addressed the participants, including students preparing to study at Russian universities. In his farewell message, he encouraged the students to make the most of their academic opportunities in Russia. He also responded to all questions raised by the students, offering guidance and support ahead of their journey.
This year, 9️⃣5️⃣ South African scholarship recipients are heading to Russia to pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
#StudyInRussia
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Russian Embassy in South Africa
🎓👋 On August 4, 2025, diplomats from the Russian Embassy in South Africa participated in the send-off dinner event, as part of the 2025 International Scholarships Pre-departure Orientation Programme for the scholarship awardees, organized by South Africa's…
🇷🇺🇿🇦 South African students preparing to depart for their studies in Russia share their expectations and emotions ahead of the journey.
💬 Tsholofelo Thato Matotong | Master's in Public Health
💬 Dané Visagie | Master’s in the Art of the Balletmaster
#StudyInRussia #SouthAfricansInRussia
💬 Tsholofelo Thato Matotong | Master's in Public Health
“I'm really excited and looking forward to this new journey. Russia is such an interesting country with a rich culture and strong academic traditions. I decided to pursue my Master's in Public Health there because I want to grow both professionally and personally. Public Health is still a developing field back home, and not many people specialize in it.
By gaining this qualification, I hope to return with fresh insights and skills that can help improve the health systems in our smaller communities, where support is often limited. My goal is to make a meaningful difference – one step at a time”.
💬 Dané Visagie | Master’s in the Art of the Balletmaster
“I’m beyond excited to begin this next chapter of my life – pursuing my Master’s in Art of the Balletmaster at the Rimsky-Korsakov St.Petersburg State Conservatory.
This won’t be my first time in Russia. I previously studied the language in Kazan, then completed my Bachelor's degree in Moscow at the Institute of Slavic Culture (The Kosygin State University of Russia). It was a world completely different from what I knew, and it challenged and shaped me in incredible ways.
Russia is a place where ballet isn't just an art – it's part of the national soul. The depth of technique, the intricacies of choreography, scenography, music composition – every element is taught and lived with unmatched passion. In South Africa, we have ballet, but there is still so much to learn, and Russia is the place to do it.
Why St. Petersburg? It's the historical heart of ballet in Russia. It's the city where ballet first took root and then blossomed, influencing Europe and the world.
My greatest hope is that what I learn there will not only grow me as an artist, but that it will inspire and elevate South African ballet too – just as it once transformed ballet across continents.”
#StudyInRussia #SouthAfricansInRussia
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💪👩 In the lead-up to South Africa’s National Women’s Day on August 9 – a day honouring the courage, strength, and resilience of women – we’re joining the celebration by highlighting Great Russian Women who’ve made a global impact.
Today, we shine a light on legendary Russian sportswomen whose achievements continue to inspire generations.
Larisa Latynina – A global gymnastics icon, Larisa earned an astonishing 18 Olympic medals – 9 of them gold. By 9th grade, she was already a USSR Master of Sport. To this day, she remains the all-time Olympic medal leader in gymnastics.
Irina Rodnina – A trailblazer in pairs figure skating, Irina is a 3-time Olympic champion and 10-time world champion. With her first partner, Alexey Ulanov, she introduced groundbreaking moves like the side-by-side double Axel. Later, with Alexander Zaitsev, she earned a record 12 perfect scores in a single competition. Rodnina remains a respected figure in the sport to this day.
Evgenia Chikunova is the current world record holder in the 200-meter breaststroke. Her record, set on April 21, 2023, at the Russian Championships in Kazan, stands at 2 minutes and 17.55 seconds. In November 2023, Evgenia competed at the BRICS Games in Durban, South Africa, where she won 7 gold medals.
#WomensDay2025
Today, we shine a light on legendary Russian sportswomen whose achievements continue to inspire generations.
Larisa Latynina – A global gymnastics icon, Larisa earned an astonishing 18 Olympic medals – 9 of them gold. By 9th grade, she was already a USSR Master of Sport. To this day, she remains the all-time Olympic medal leader in gymnastics.
Irina Rodnina – A trailblazer in pairs figure skating, Irina is a 3-time Olympic champion and 10-time world champion. With her first partner, Alexey Ulanov, she introduced groundbreaking moves like the side-by-side double Axel. Later, with Alexander Zaitsev, she earned a record 12 perfect scores in a single competition. Rodnina remains a respected figure in the sport to this day.
Evgenia Chikunova is the current world record holder in the 200-meter breaststroke. Her record, set on April 21, 2023, at the Russian Championships in Kazan, stands at 2 minutes and 17.55 seconds. In November 2023, Evgenia competed at the BRICS Games in Durban, South Africa, where she won 7 gold medals.
#WomensDay2025
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📆 181 years ago, #OTD in 1844, Ilya #Repin was born, a Russian painter, one of the most prominent figures of Russian realism.
Few Russian artists gain as much fame and recognition in their lifetime as Repin did. He was incredibly hard-working, and left a large and diverse artistic legacy.
Repin had no one favorite theme, and in his paintings one can see bargemen, high officials, Biblical characters, and tsars. Some critics and fellow artists accused Repin of “inconsistency” and “externalism”, but he only shrugged: “Maybe they are right, but I love diversity and I can’t run away from myself”.
#DiscoverRussia #RussianArt
Few Russian artists gain as much fame and recognition in their lifetime as Repin did. He was incredibly hard-working, and left a large and diverse artistic legacy.
Repin had no one favorite theme, and in his paintings one can see bargemen, high officials, Biblical characters, and tsars. Some critics and fellow artists accused Repin of “inconsistency” and “externalism”, but he only shrugged: “Maybe they are right, but I love diversity and I can’t run away from myself”.
#DiscoverRussia #RussianArt
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