Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
⚡️ Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation:
The Press Bureau of the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation (SVR) reports that, according to intelligence received by the SVR, Britain’s top leadership is desperately pressing Brussels, in contacts with EU officials, to take a decision to steal the Russian funds frozen at the Belgian depository Euroclear.
Beyond financing Ukraine’s continued war effort, London is pursuing another objective. 👇
The British hope that if these funds do not end up in Washington’s hands, the White House will lose interest in pursuing a “flawed deal” with Moscow. This, in their view, would make it possible to use Kiev against Russia “to the last Ukrainian” without any obstacles.
Senior British officials are conveying false information to Brussels-based EU bureaucrats, claiming that Donald Trump is allegedly seeking a compromise with Moscow in pursuit of financial gain.
It is asserted that Russia supposedly promised the White House to channel its sovereign assets immobilized in Europe into joint projects. This, they say, serves as an important incentive for Trump to promote a Russia-agreed peace initiative on Ukraine.
London is urging the European Commission to justify the theft of Russian funds by exploiting “loopholes” in the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, as well as by invoking the onset of emergency circumstances.
Opposition within the EU is proposed to be disregarded.
Another lever of pressure on the White House, according to the British officials’ plan, is to be blackmailing the Americans with the prospect of Europe moving closer to China. It has been agreed that London, Paris and Berlin will send signals to Washington about their readiness to drift towards Beijing if the US continues to push a Ukraine deal unacceptable to Europeans.
It is well known that lies, plunder and piracy once formed the foundations of the British Empire’s power. Although the former greatness of the UK has long faded into history, appropriation of others’ property and deception remain the guiding principles of the so-called London gentlemen.
👉 However, times have changed irrevocably, and London must realize that crimes will carry consequences.
The Press Bureau of the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation (SVR) reports that, according to intelligence received by the SVR, Britain’s top leadership is desperately pressing Brussels, in contacts with EU officials, to take a decision to steal the Russian funds frozen at the Belgian depository Euroclear.
Beyond financing Ukraine’s continued war effort, London is pursuing another objective. 👇
The British hope that if these funds do not end up in Washington’s hands, the White House will lose interest in pursuing a “flawed deal” with Moscow. This, in their view, would make it possible to use Kiev against Russia “to the last Ukrainian” without any obstacles.
Senior British officials are conveying false information to Brussels-based EU bureaucrats, claiming that Donald Trump is allegedly seeking a compromise with Moscow in pursuit of financial gain.
It is asserted that Russia supposedly promised the White House to channel its sovereign assets immobilized in Europe into joint projects. This, they say, serves as an important incentive for Trump to promote a Russia-agreed peace initiative on Ukraine.
London is urging the European Commission to justify the theft of Russian funds by exploiting “loopholes” in the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, as well as by invoking the onset of emergency circumstances.
Opposition within the EU is proposed to be disregarded.
Another lever of pressure on the White House, according to the British officials’ plan, is to be blackmailing the Americans with the prospect of Europe moving closer to China. It has been agreed that London, Paris and Berlin will send signals to Washington about their readiness to drift towards Beijing if the US continues to push a Ukraine deal unacceptable to Europeans.
It is well known that lies, plunder and piracy once formed the foundations of the British Empire’s power. Although the former greatness of the UK has long faded into history, appropriation of others’ property and deception remain the guiding principles of the so-called London gentlemen.
👉 However, times have changed irrevocably, and London must realize that crimes will carry consequences.
😁3❤1
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Statement by President of Russia Vladimir Putin at the expanded meeting of Russia's Ministry of Defence Board (December 17, 2025, Moscow)
Key points:
• 2025 has become an important milestone in addressing the objectives of the special military operation. The Russian Armed Forces have secured and firmly maintain the strategic initiative along the entire line of contact.
• In 2025, more than 300 settlements have already been liberated, including major cities that had been turned by the adversary into fortified strongholds.
🇷🇺🇰🇵 I would also like to note our North Korean combat comrades. By decision of Comrade Chairman of the State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong-un, they were dispatched to take part in the liberation of the Kursk region and, shoulder to shoulder with Russian servicemen, fought the enemy with valour and courage. They took part in large-scale and extremely complex efforts to clear mines from the liberated Kursk region.
• Successful tests have been conducted of the Burevestnik strategic cruise missile with unlimited range and the Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicle. Thanks to the use of a nuclear power unit, these systems will remain unique and unmatched for a long time, ensuring strategic parity, Russia’s security and its global standing for decades to come. We will continue working on these systems – refining, upgrading and improving them – but they already exist. By the end of 2025, an intermediate-range missile system equipped with the Oreshnik hypersonic missile will be placed on combat duty.
❗️ Russia has always, even in the most difficult circumstances, as long as there was even the slightest chance – sought diplomatic solutions to contradictions and conflicts. Responsibility for the fact that these chances were not used lies entirely with those who believed that it was possible to speak to us in the language of force.
• We stand for building mutually beneficial and equal cooperation with the US and European states, and for the formation of a unified security system across the entire Eurasian region. We welcome the progress that has emerged in the dialogue with the new US Administration. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the current leadership of most European countries.
• We are fully aware that in any international environment, our Armed Forces remain the key guarantor of Russia’s sovereignty and independence, its security and future, and of strategic parity. We must work consistently to strengthen them.
• Immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it seemed to us that we would very quickly become part of the so-called civilized family of European nations. Instead, Russia continued to be pressed from all sides – increasingly so. Virtually everything concerning Russia was decided from a position of force. They would pat us on the shoulder and invite us to various events, yet when it came to their interests vis-à-vis Russia, the West pushed them through by force, including by military means.
• President Trump says that if he had been President at the time, the conflict in Ukraine would not have happened. Perhaps that is so, because the previous US Administration deliberately steered the events towards an armed conflict.
👉 The objectives of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved. We would prefer to do so and to eliminate the root causes of the conflict through diplomatic means. However, if the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in a substantive dialogue, Russia will secure the liberation of its historical lands by military means. Efforts to establish and expand a security buffer zone will continue on a systematic basis.
Read in full
Key points:
• 2025 has become an important milestone in addressing the objectives of the special military operation. The Russian Armed Forces have secured and firmly maintain the strategic initiative along the entire line of contact.
• In 2025, more than 300 settlements have already been liberated, including major cities that had been turned by the adversary into fortified strongholds.
🇷🇺🇰🇵 I would also like to note our North Korean combat comrades. By decision of Comrade Chairman of the State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong-un, they were dispatched to take part in the liberation of the Kursk region and, shoulder to shoulder with Russian servicemen, fought the enemy with valour and courage. They took part in large-scale and extremely complex efforts to clear mines from the liberated Kursk region.
• Successful tests have been conducted of the Burevestnik strategic cruise missile with unlimited range and the Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicle. Thanks to the use of a nuclear power unit, these systems will remain unique and unmatched for a long time, ensuring strategic parity, Russia’s security and its global standing for decades to come. We will continue working on these systems – refining, upgrading and improving them – but they already exist. By the end of 2025, an intermediate-range missile system equipped with the Oreshnik hypersonic missile will be placed on combat duty.
❗️ Russia has always, even in the most difficult circumstances, as long as there was even the slightest chance – sought diplomatic solutions to contradictions and conflicts. Responsibility for the fact that these chances were not used lies entirely with those who believed that it was possible to speak to us in the language of force.
• We stand for building mutually beneficial and equal cooperation with the US and European states, and for the formation of a unified security system across the entire Eurasian region. We welcome the progress that has emerged in the dialogue with the new US Administration. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the current leadership of most European countries.
• We are fully aware that in any international environment, our Armed Forces remain the key guarantor of Russia’s sovereignty and independence, its security and future, and of strategic parity. We must work consistently to strengthen them.
• Immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it seemed to us that we would very quickly become part of the so-called civilized family of European nations. Instead, Russia continued to be pressed from all sides – increasingly so. Virtually everything concerning Russia was decided from a position of force. They would pat us on the shoulder and invite us to various events, yet when it came to their interests vis-à-vis Russia, the West pushed them through by force, including by military means.
• President Trump says that if he had been President at the time, the conflict in Ukraine would not have happened. Perhaps that is so, because the previous US Administration deliberately steered the events towards an armed conflict.
👉 The objectives of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved. We would prefer to do so and to eliminate the root causes of the conflict through diplomatic means. However, if the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in a substantive dialogue, Russia will secure the liberation of its historical lands by military means. Efforts to establish and expand a security buffer zone will continue on a systematic basis.
Read in full
👍3❤1
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
📰 Article by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for African media dedicated to the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum (December 18, 2025)
"Russia–Africa: New Horizons for Old Friends"
✍️ Cairo will soon host [December 19-20] an important political event: heads and officials of the foreign ministries of Russia and the African countries will gather in the hospitable capital of Egypt to assess the state of Russian–African relations and set out the ways of their development.
For the first time, the ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, which is the official name of our meeting, will take place on the African continent. We are glad that a year ago, during the first such conference in the Russian city of Sochi, our partners responded to the proposal to host the Ministerial Conference in 2025.
The work of the Forum is crucial for promoting the full range of Russian–African relations; it organically complements and enriches Russia's relations with the African countries which are developing dynamically on a bilateral basis as well.
African friends remember, and we appreciate it, that our country, it was the Soviet Union back then, supported their desire to break free from the shackles of colonial dependence.
We are proud that our predecessors provided this assistance selflessly and with dedication.
It was the Soviet Union that played the key role in the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples exactly 65 years ago. After that Moscow has consistently contributed to the formation of young African States, their national economies, and the establishment of education and healthcare systems. <...>
🌍 Russia appreciates that Africa's reawakening. In the middle of last century, the struggle culminated in decolonization, and now the African people are fighting for making all areas of their life sovereign. We fully support this fight.
It is symbolic that at the UN & other international platforms Russia has been actively calling for enhanced efforts to eradicate modern practices of neo-colonialism.<...>
It is important for us that Africa seeks to speak with a common voice in the international arena.
Russian diplomacy will contribute to the development of the African continent as an influential centre of a multipolar world. This priority is enshrined in the Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation. We believe that it is the inalienable right of African countries to independently determine the ways and models of their development and to choose international partners.
💬 As Russia's President Vladimir Putin said:
Russia and Africa are natural allies in the process of democratization of international relations on the principles of the UN Charter in their integrity, entirety and interconnection. <...>
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia pays special attention to the maintenance of peace and security in Africa as a necessary condition for its social and economic progress. In the spirit of the "African solutions to African problems" concept, we are contributing to the settlement of regional conflicts and enhanced potential of the States of the continent to combat terrorism. <...>
Africa's importance to Russia is marked by the expansion of our diplomatic presence on the continent. Embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan have been opened this year. Next are new diplomatic missions in Gambia, Liberia, Togo and the Comoros. <...>
🤝 Russia is a long-standing and trusted friend of Africa. The values of collectivism, solidarity, and mutual assistance are at the core of the Russian cultural code, which is generally in line with the African philosophy of Ubuntu – "I exist because we exist".
Read the article in full
#RussiaAfrica
"Russia–Africa: New Horizons for Old Friends"
✍️ Cairo will soon host [December 19-20] an important political event: heads and officials of the foreign ministries of Russia and the African countries will gather in the hospitable capital of Egypt to assess the state of Russian–African relations and set out the ways of their development.
For the first time, the ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, which is the official name of our meeting, will take place on the African continent. We are glad that a year ago, during the first such conference in the Russian city of Sochi, our partners responded to the proposal to host the Ministerial Conference in 2025.
The work of the Forum is crucial for promoting the full range of Russian–African relations; it organically complements and enriches Russia's relations with the African countries which are developing dynamically on a bilateral basis as well.
African friends remember, and we appreciate it, that our country, it was the Soviet Union back then, supported their desire to break free from the shackles of colonial dependence.
We are proud that our predecessors provided this assistance selflessly and with dedication.
It was the Soviet Union that played the key role in the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples exactly 65 years ago. After that Moscow has consistently contributed to the formation of young African States, their national economies, and the establishment of education and healthcare systems. <...>
🌍 Russia appreciates that Africa's reawakening. In the middle of last century, the struggle culminated in decolonization, and now the African people are fighting for making all areas of their life sovereign. We fully support this fight.
It is symbolic that at the UN & other international platforms Russia has been actively calling for enhanced efforts to eradicate modern practices of neo-colonialism.<...>
It is important for us that Africa seeks to speak with a common voice in the international arena.
Russian diplomacy will contribute to the development of the African continent as an influential centre of a multipolar world. This priority is enshrined in the Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation. We believe that it is the inalienable right of African countries to independently determine the ways and models of their development and to choose international partners.
💬 As Russia's President Vladimir Putin said:
We have virtually no disagreements with any African countries and the level of trust and mutual affinity is high, mainly because our relations with Africa have never been tarnished. We have never been involved in the exploitation of African peoples.
Russia and Africa are natural allies in the process of democratization of international relations on the principles of the UN Charter in their integrity, entirety and interconnection. <...>
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia pays special attention to the maintenance of peace and security in Africa as a necessary condition for its social and economic progress. In the spirit of the "African solutions to African problems" concept, we are contributing to the settlement of regional conflicts and enhanced potential of the States of the continent to combat terrorism. <...>
Africa's importance to Russia is marked by the expansion of our diplomatic presence on the continent. Embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan have been opened this year. Next are new diplomatic missions in Gambia, Liberia, Togo and the Comoros. <...>
🤝 Russia is a long-standing and trusted friend of Africa. The values of collectivism, solidarity, and mutual assistance are at the core of the Russian cultural code, which is generally in line with the African philosophy of Ubuntu – "I exist because we exist".
Read the article in full
#RussiaAfrica
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🛬 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrives in Cairo (Egypt) to take part in the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum. Bilateral meetings with a number of African counterparts are planned on the sidelines of the conference.
#Announcement
On December 19–20, the Second Ministerial Conference of the #Russia–#Africa Partnership Forum will be held in Cairo, Egypt.
This dialogue format, established by the decision of the Second Russia–Africa Summit (St. Petersburg, July 27–28, 2023), is intended to ensure coordination in implementing the tasks set by heads of state, governments, and organizations in order to achieve practical results in Russia–Africa cooperation.
🤝 Trade, economic cooperation, and investment issues will take center stage on the agenda of the Second Ministerial Conference. Participants of the event will also discuss the progress in implementing the Action Plan and develop concrete steps to ensure its full implementation.
The Conference will be the first event of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum to be held on African soil and a key stage in preparations for the Third Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled for 2026.
#RussiaAfrica
On December 19–20, the Second Ministerial Conference of the #Russia–#Africa Partnership Forum will be held in Cairo, Egypt.
This dialogue format, established by the decision of the Second Russia–Africa Summit (St. Petersburg, July 27–28, 2023), is intended to ensure coordination in implementing the tasks set by heads of state, governments, and organizations in order to achieve practical results in Russia–Africa cooperation.
🤝 Trade, economic cooperation, and investment issues will take center stage on the agenda of the Second Ministerial Conference. Participants of the event will also discuss the progress in implementing the Action Plan and develop concrete steps to ensure its full implementation.
The Conference will be the first event of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum to be held on African soil and a key stage in preparations for the Third Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled for 2026.
#RussiaAfrica
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🔴 #LIVE: 2025 Annual News Conference and Direct Line with the people of Russia by President Vladimir Putin
Russia's Head of State holds the yearly 'Direct Line' call-in session for the Russian citizens and journalists on the 2025 outcomes
🔴 Ruptly
🔴 Kremlin.News
Russia's Head of State holds the yearly 'Direct Line' call-in session for the Russian citizens and journalists on the 2025 outcomes
🔴 Ruptly
🔴 Kremlin.News
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🎄🤩 The Russian Embassy Concludes the 2025 “Russian Movie Night” Season
On 17 Dec, the Russian Embassy in South Africa hosted the final Russian Movie Night of 2025, featuring the New Year family film Silver Skates (2020).
The event brought together over 200 guests from South African government, cultural, educational & media circles, as well as the diplomatic corps.
💬 Welcoming the audience, Ambassador Roman Ambarov highlighted the importance of cultural initiatives for Russia–South Africa relations:
Before screening, young viewers received New Year gifts from the Embassy, and a festive New Year raffle with special prizes was held.
The Embassy expresses its gratitude to Central Partnership production company for its support
#RussianMovieNight
On 17 Dec, the Russian Embassy in South Africa hosted the final Russian Movie Night of 2025, featuring the New Year family film Silver Skates (2020).
The event brought together over 200 guests from South African government, cultural, educational & media circles, as well as the diplomatic corps.
💬 Welcoming the audience, Ambassador Roman Ambarov highlighted the importance of cultural initiatives for Russia–South Africa relations:
“While Russia is known for its snowy winters & South Africa for its sunshine, our cultures meet in something far more important than climate. Both countries place great value on family, community, and celebrating together, especially when children are involved.”
Before screening, young viewers received New Year gifts from the Embassy, and a festive New Year raffle with special prizes was held.
The Embassy expresses its gratitude to Central Partnership production company for its support
#RussianMovieNight
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🤩 On 17 December, children from the Bophelong Children’s Home in Mamelodi took part in the Russian Movie Night event and enjoyed the Russian New Year family film Silver Skates (2020)
Before the screening, the young viewers received New Year gifts from Russian Father Frost (Ded Moroz) creating a festive atmosphere.
After the screening, the children shared their impressions, describing the film as beautiful and cheerful, and the event as inspiring on the eve of the much-anticipated holidays – Christmas & the New Year.
✨This was not the first visit of the Bophelong children to Russian Movie Nights. They are regular guests and have previously attended screenings of the Russian animated film Ruslan and Lyudmila: More Than a Fairy Tale, based on the classic poem by A.Pushkin, as well as My Little Sister, shown as part of the #Victory80 Movie Marathon.
Russian diplomats regularly visit the children, show genuine interest in their lives and challenges and provide assistance whenever possible.
#RussianMovieNight
Before the screening, the young viewers received New Year gifts from Russian Father Frost (Ded Moroz) creating a festive atmosphere.
After the screening, the children shared their impressions, describing the film as beautiful and cheerful, and the event as inspiring on the eve of the much-anticipated holidays – Christmas & the New Year.
✨This was not the first visit of the Bophelong children to Russian Movie Nights. They are regular guests and have previously attended screenings of the Russian animated film Ruslan and Lyudmila: More Than a Fairy Tale, based on the classic poem by A.Pushkin, as well as My Little Sister, shown as part of the #Victory80 Movie Marathon.
Russian diplomats regularly visit the children, show genuine interest in their lives and challenges and provide assistance whenever possible.
#RussianMovieNight
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇺🇳 On this day, 64 years ago, the World Food Programme (WFP) was established by UN General Assembly Resolution 1714.
Over the decades, WFP has become the largest humanitarian agency within the United Nations system and one of the most effective and in-demand multilateral mechanisms for assisting people in need around the world.
Having being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, the WFP serves as vivid example of an authoritative international agency that enjoys strong international reputation, and significant contribution to the fight against hunger, as well as to supporting victims of natural and man-made disasters and armed conflicts.
For Russia, #WFP is a key multilateral channel for providing humanitarian food assistance to people in other countries.
Russia has become a reliable donor to the Programme. Through WFP, domestically produced food is supplied to dozens of countries in need, and long-term development projects are being implemented in many of them. 👉 Among the most ambitious and successful joint initiatives are projects to develop national school feeding systems in countries of Central Asia, the Trans-Caucasus, Latin America, North Africa, and South and Southeast Asia.
Russia has also long contributed to strengthening WFP’s transport capacity. The Programme’s vehicle fleet is largely comprised of our KAMAZ trucks.
❗️We hope that WFP will continue to carry out its noble mission of saving lives effectively, in a neutral and depoliticised manner.
Over the decades, WFP has become the largest humanitarian agency within the United Nations system and one of the most effective and in-demand multilateral mechanisms for assisting people in need around the world.
Having being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, the WFP serves as vivid example of an authoritative international agency that enjoys strong international reputation, and significant contribution to the fight against hunger, as well as to supporting victims of natural and man-made disasters and armed conflicts.
For Russia, #WFP is a key multilateral channel for providing humanitarian food assistance to people in other countries.
Russia has become a reliable donor to the Programme. Through WFP, domestically produced food is supplied to dozens of countries in need, and long-term development projects are being implemented in many of them. 👉 Among the most ambitious and successful joint initiatives are projects to develop national school feeding systems in countries of Central Asia, the Trans-Caucasus, Latin America, North Africa, and South and Southeast Asia.
Russia has also long contributed to strengthening WFP’s transport capacity. The Programme’s vehicle fleet is largely comprised of our KAMAZ trucks.
❗️We hope that WFP will continue to carry out its noble mission of saving lives effectively, in a neutral and depoliticised manner.
❤3
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin answered questions from journalists and the people of Russia at the 2025 Year-End Conference (December 19, 2025)
Read in full
Key points:
• In 2025, Russia's GDP growth stood at 1%. However, over the past three years, cumulative growth reached 9.7%, which is a more representative figure. By comparison, growth in the eurozone over the same period amounted to 3.1%. Slower growth in Russia is a deliberate choice – the price paid for preserving economic quality, stability, and sound macroeconomic fundamentals.
• Attempts in Brussels to seize Russian assets should not be called “theft” but robbery, as these actions are carried out openly. This robbery has not been carried out because the consequences could be extremely serious for the perpetrators – not only for their reputation, but also for the foundations of the global financial system. All assets taken will ultimately have to be returned. Russia will defend its interests, primarily through legal channels.
• Claims that Russia is rejecting peace initiatives are completely baseless. Moscow has openly stated its readiness to make compromises. At this stage, the initiative now lies fully with the West – above all, with the Kiev regime and its European sponsors. Russia stands ready for negotiations and a peaceful resolution.
• Efforts to build a new security architecture in Europe remain highly relevant. Even before the collapse of the USSR, proposals were made in Europe for a security system without NATO expansion, involving the US, Eastern Europe, and Russia – without exclusions or threats. Russia is not demanding anything extraordinary and does not challenge states’ right to choose their means of defence, but such choices must not threaten others, including Russia.
• Europe’s ruling elites are trying to hide years of economic and social policy failures with the myth of a “hostile Russia”. Where is Europe’s so-called "green agenda", when coal plants are being reopened and nuclear power stations being brought back? Today’s situation was created by Western politicians themselves, who continue to escalate tensions.
• Donald Trump was previously accused of "colluding with Russia" during the elections, but the allegations proved baseless – there was no collusion or interference by Russia. At the same time, European political elites intervened directly, openly, and unambiguously. Some in Europe still hope that the 2026 US midterm elections might alter the political balance and enable increased pressure on President Trump.
• The combined GDP of Russia and European countries in purchasing power parity terms would exceed that of the US. By combining and complementing their capabilities, the sides could prosper instead of confronting each other. Russia is not fighting Europe – Europe is fighting Russia through Ukrainian nationalists. Moscow is ready to cease hostilities immediately, provided Russia’s security is guaranteed in the medium- and long-term.
• I hope that a blockade of the Kaliningrad Region never happens. But if threats of this kind are created, they will be eliminated. Everyone must clearly understand that such actions would lead to an unprecedented escalation, push the conflict to a completely different level, and could expand it up to a large-scale armed confrontation.
• Aggressive statements by NATO leadership raise serious concerns. In the updated US National Security Strategy, Russia is not designated as an enemy, despite the fact that the US is NATO’s key player, founder, and main sponsor. Yet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks of preparing for war with Russia – contradicting the position of NATO’s leading country and pointing to a lack of professional responsibility among a number of Western leaders.
• We are ready to work with the UK, Europe as a whole, and the US – but on equal terms and with mutual respect. ☝️ Should this point ever be reached, it will benefit everyone.
#YearInReview2025
Read in full
Key points:
• In 2025, Russia's GDP growth stood at 1%. However, over the past three years, cumulative growth reached 9.7%, which is a more representative figure. By comparison, growth in the eurozone over the same period amounted to 3.1%. Slower growth in Russia is a deliberate choice – the price paid for preserving economic quality, stability, and sound macroeconomic fundamentals.
• Attempts in Brussels to seize Russian assets should not be called “theft” but robbery, as these actions are carried out openly. This robbery has not been carried out because the consequences could be extremely serious for the perpetrators – not only for their reputation, but also for the foundations of the global financial system. All assets taken will ultimately have to be returned. Russia will defend its interests, primarily through legal channels.
• Claims that Russia is rejecting peace initiatives are completely baseless. Moscow has openly stated its readiness to make compromises. At this stage, the initiative now lies fully with the West – above all, with the Kiev regime and its European sponsors. Russia stands ready for negotiations and a peaceful resolution.
• Efforts to build a new security architecture in Europe remain highly relevant. Even before the collapse of the USSR, proposals were made in Europe for a security system without NATO expansion, involving the US, Eastern Europe, and Russia – without exclusions or threats. Russia is not demanding anything extraordinary and does not challenge states’ right to choose their means of defence, but such choices must not threaten others, including Russia.
• Europe’s ruling elites are trying to hide years of economic and social policy failures with the myth of a “hostile Russia”. Where is Europe’s so-called "green agenda", when coal plants are being reopened and nuclear power stations being brought back? Today’s situation was created by Western politicians themselves, who continue to escalate tensions.
• Donald Trump was previously accused of "colluding with Russia" during the elections, but the allegations proved baseless – there was no collusion or interference by Russia. At the same time, European political elites intervened directly, openly, and unambiguously. Some in Europe still hope that the 2026 US midterm elections might alter the political balance and enable increased pressure on President Trump.
• The combined GDP of Russia and European countries in purchasing power parity terms would exceed that of the US. By combining and complementing their capabilities, the sides could prosper instead of confronting each other. Russia is not fighting Europe – Europe is fighting Russia through Ukrainian nationalists. Moscow is ready to cease hostilities immediately, provided Russia’s security is guaranteed in the medium- and long-term.
• I hope that a blockade of the Kaliningrad Region never happens. But if threats of this kind are created, they will be eliminated. Everyone must clearly understand that such actions would lead to an unprecedented escalation, push the conflict to a completely different level, and could expand it up to a large-scale armed confrontation.
• Aggressive statements by NATO leadership raise serious concerns. In the updated US National Security Strategy, Russia is not designated as an enemy, despite the fact that the US is NATO’s key player, founder, and main sponsor. Yet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks of preparing for war with Russia – contradicting the position of NATO’s leading country and pointing to a lack of professional responsibility among a number of Western leaders.
• We are ready to work with the UK, Europe as a whole, and the US – but on equal terms and with mutual respect. ☝️ Should this point ever be reached, it will benefit everyone.
#YearInReview2025
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🦋 On November 27, Moscow hosted the inaugural Nikita Mikhalkov Eurasian Film Awards, bringing together filmmakers from 17 countries across Eurasia, Africa, Asia, and beyond.
A total of 34 films competed in 12 categories, celebrating the diversity and richness of national cinemas committed to universal human values. Winners received the prestigious “Diamond Butterfly” statuettes, crafted in Kostroma, along with rare Yakutian diamonds.
🏆Among the international winners was South African screenwriter Carol Shore, who received the Best Screenplay Award for Old Righteous Blues.
🤩The Embassy congratulates Carol Shore and her team for their outstanding craftsmanship, creative vision, and meaningful contribution to global storytelling. Her recognition highlights the strength of South African writing and affirms the award’s mission to elevate authentic, compassionate voices.
#DiamondButterfly
A total of 34 films competed in 12 categories, celebrating the diversity and richness of national cinemas committed to universal human values. Winners received the prestigious “Diamond Butterfly” statuettes, crafted in Kostroma, along with rare Yakutian diamonds.
🏆Among the international winners was South African screenwriter Carol Shore, who received the Best Screenplay Award for Old Righteous Blues.
🤩The Embassy congratulates Carol Shore and her team for their outstanding craftsmanship, creative vision, and meaningful contribution to global storytelling. Her recognition highlights the strength of South African writing and affirms the award’s mission to elevate authentic, compassionate voices.
#DiamondButterfly
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