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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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
📸 #PhotoOfTheDay
The official #FamilyPhoto ceremony with the participation of FM Sergey Lavrov and African nations' Ministers & representatives was held ahead of the Plenary Session of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum
📍 Cairo, December 20
#RussiaAfrica
The official #FamilyPhoto ceremony with the participation of FM Sergey Lavrov and African nations' Ministers & representatives was held ahead of the Plenary Session of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum
📍 Cairo, December 20
#RussiaAfrica
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🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦On 17 December, the annual meeting of the Russia – South Africa Business Council was held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation in Moscow, with the participation of representatives of relevant government authorities and business communities of the two countries.
The meeting focused on the issues of bilateral trade and economic cooperation and resulted in the adoption of plans for the Business Council’s further joint work.
💬In his video address to the participants, Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Roman Ambarov noted that bilateral economic ties are characterised by substantial untapped potential, the realisation of which is capable of providing a solid foundation for the gradual strengthening of multifaceted cooperation in the spirit of our historically strategic partnership.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
The meeting focused on the issues of bilateral trade and economic cooperation and resulted in the adoption of plans for the Business Council’s further joint work.
💬In his video address to the participants, Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Roman Ambarov noted that bilateral economic ties are characterised by substantial untapped potential, the realisation of which is capable of providing a solid foundation for the gradual strengthening of multifaceted cooperation in the spirit of our historically strategic partnership.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
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🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦17 декабря в Торгово-промышленной палате Российской Федерации в Москве состоялось годовое заседание Делового совета «Россия – ЮАР», в котором приняли участие представители профильных ведомств и деловых кругов двух стран.
В ходе мероприятия были рассмотрены вопросы двустороннего торгово-экономического сотрудничества, а также сформированы планы дальнейшей совместной работы Делового совета.
Посол России в ЮАР Р.Е.Амбаров в своем видеообращении к участникам заседания отметил, что российско-южноафриканские экономические связи характеризуются значительным потенциалом, раскрытие которого способно заложить прочную основу для поступательного укрепления многопланового взаимодействия в духе исторически сложившегося стратегического партнерства.
#РоссияЮАР
В ходе мероприятия были рассмотрены вопросы двустороннего торгово-экономического сотрудничества, а также сформированы планы дальнейшей совместной работы Делового совета.
Посол России в ЮАР Р.Е.Амбаров в своем видеообращении к участникам заседания отметил, что российско-южноафриканские экономические связи характеризуются значительным потенциалом, раскрытие которого способно заложить прочную основу для поступательного укрепления многопланового взаимодействия в духе исторически сложившегося стратегического партнерства.
#РоссияЮАР
❤3
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the meeting of the United Russia General Council’s Commission on International Cooperation (Moscow, December 18, 2025)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: One of the most egregious forms of neo-colonialism is interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. The West has never relinquished these methods, though they have evolved and become more superficially acceptable. Their essence, however, remains unchanged: to prosper at others’ expense and to dictate how other nations should organise their governance and societies.
The tools employed include coercive pressure, direct military intervention, orchestrating so-called colour revolutions, and covert (and at times overt) interference in electoral processes – attempting to manipulate the free expression of citizens’ will and to dispute election results across a wide array of countries. Today, what we may rightly term “electoral neo-colonialism” poses a very real threat to the nations of the Global Majority. <...>
To discredit and falsify elections (when their outcomes do not suit the West and align with the aspirations of Western elites), a whole arsenal of unscrupulous methods is deployed. These include funding so-called “independent” (in reality, pro-Western) media, brazenly promoting false narratives, aggressively backing Western-favoured candidates regardless of their meagre domestic popularity, and manipulating international observation mechanisms. Biased assessments of election results are then laundered through structures like the OSCE/ODIHR [Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights] observation missions and presented as the “opinion of the international community.” <...>
All our efforts undertaken since the end of the 1990s and focused on the election factor to reach an agreement on drafting a provision regulating the operation of the ODIHR, primarily in election monitoring, which was to be adopted by consensus at the OSCE, have been rejected by the West. <...>
I was shocked by the “candour” of EU politicians when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly cautioned US President Trump against interfering in European democracy a week ago: “It is not on us, when it comes to elections, to decide who the leader of the country will be, but on the people of this country. That’s the sovereignty of the voters, and this must be protected. Nobody else is supposed to interfere, without any question.”
🤷♂️ Everyone remembers how it happened in Romania and Moldova, yet these people do not hesitate to make such “statements.”
As for election technologies, our country has been in the spotlight and under the gaze of Western geopolitical spin-doctors. We saw an unprecedented number of attempts at meddling during the Russian Federation’s presidential election in March 2024, unprecedented in the variety of forms and sophistication of methods. A wide variety of methods were actively used. The ill-wishers, who stood behind them, were attempting to discredit the free expression of people’s will and call into question its legitimacy and conformity to law. More than that, this was the case at all stages of the election campaign, from its announcement, or maybe even earlier, to the official designation of timeframes, to the nomination period, to the registration of nominees, to the polling days, and to the election count. <...>
We need to counterpose the multiplicity of democratic forms of statehood and organisation of society with what Europeans are attempting to impose on the rest of the world through their neoliberal agenda.
The fact that the United States no longer desires such democracy as it is understood in Europe is a serious indicator. Not long ago, US President Donald Trump, commenting on the Ukraine situation, advised Zelensky not to trample on democracy and to hold elections.
Read in full
💬 Sergey Lavrov: One of the most egregious forms of neo-colonialism is interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. The West has never relinquished these methods, though they have evolved and become more superficially acceptable. Their essence, however, remains unchanged: to prosper at others’ expense and to dictate how other nations should organise their governance and societies.
The tools employed include coercive pressure, direct military intervention, orchestrating so-called colour revolutions, and covert (and at times overt) interference in electoral processes – attempting to manipulate the free expression of citizens’ will and to dispute election results across a wide array of countries. Today, what we may rightly term “electoral neo-colonialism” poses a very real threat to the nations of the Global Majority. <...>
To discredit and falsify elections (when their outcomes do not suit the West and align with the aspirations of Western elites), a whole arsenal of unscrupulous methods is deployed. These include funding so-called “independent” (in reality, pro-Western) media, brazenly promoting false narratives, aggressively backing Western-favoured candidates regardless of their meagre domestic popularity, and manipulating international observation mechanisms. Biased assessments of election results are then laundered through structures like the OSCE/ODIHR [Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights] observation missions and presented as the “opinion of the international community.” <...>
All our efforts undertaken since the end of the 1990s and focused on the election factor to reach an agreement on drafting a provision regulating the operation of the ODIHR, primarily in election monitoring, which was to be adopted by consensus at the OSCE, have been rejected by the West. <...>
I was shocked by the “candour” of EU politicians when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly cautioned US President Trump against interfering in European democracy a week ago: “It is not on us, when it comes to elections, to decide who the leader of the country will be, but on the people of this country. That’s the sovereignty of the voters, and this must be protected. Nobody else is supposed to interfere, without any question.”
🤷♂️ Everyone remembers how it happened in Romania and Moldova, yet these people do not hesitate to make such “statements.”
As for election technologies, our country has been in the spotlight and under the gaze of Western geopolitical spin-doctors. We saw an unprecedented number of attempts at meddling during the Russian Federation’s presidential election in March 2024, unprecedented in the variety of forms and sophistication of methods. A wide variety of methods were actively used. The ill-wishers, who stood behind them, were attempting to discredit the free expression of people’s will and call into question its legitimacy and conformity to law. More than that, this was the case at all stages of the election campaign, from its announcement, or maybe even earlier, to the official designation of timeframes, to the nomination period, to the registration of nominees, to the polling days, and to the election count. <...>
We need to counterpose the multiplicity of democratic forms of statehood and organisation of society with what Europeans are attempting to impose on the rest of the world through their neoliberal agenda.
The fact that the United States no longer desires such democracy as it is understood in Europe is a serious indicator. Not long ago, US President Donald Trump, commenting on the Ukraine situation, advised Zelensky not to trample on democracy and to hold elections.
Read in full
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🤩 No Russian New Year table is complete without iconic dishes: Olivier salad, Herring Under a Fur Coat, and kholodets (meat aspic).
🥗 Herring Under a Fur Coat is a layered salad of herring, potatoes, carrots, beets, eggs, and lots of mayo — loved in Russia, surprising to foreigners.
🥗 Olivier Salad. This Russian masterpiece has become more than just a dish, it symbolizes friendship, and people love to share it with their loved ones. The salad was invented in the 1860s by French chef Lucien Olivier, who worked at a fancy Hermitage restaurant in Moscow. He made his salad, using luxurious ingredients such as grouse, crayfish and a special dressing. Today, Olivier salad is enjoyed around the world, especially during festive feasts, and different countries have their own recipes.
🥗 Kholodets. The name of the dish comes from the word ‘kholod’ (‘cold’). In fact, it's just meat soaked in a broth of bones and cartilage. It should be so thick that it turns into natural gelatin when it cools down.
#NewYear2026
🥗 Herring Under a Fur Coat is a layered salad of herring, potatoes, carrots, beets, eggs, and lots of mayo — loved in Russia, surprising to foreigners.
🥗 Olivier Salad. This Russian masterpiece has become more than just a dish, it symbolizes friendship, and people love to share it with their loved ones. The salad was invented in the 1860s by French chef Lucien Olivier, who worked at a fancy Hermitage restaurant in Moscow. He made his salad, using luxurious ingredients such as grouse, crayfish and a special dressing. Today, Olivier salad is enjoyed around the world, especially during festive feasts, and different countries have their own recipes.
🥗 Kholodets. The name of the dish comes from the word ‘kholod’ (‘cold’). In fact, it's just meat soaked in a broth of bones and cartilage. It should be so thick that it turns into natural gelatin when it cools down.
#NewYear2026
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