🩰 ✨ 149 years ago, the Bolshoi Ballet premiered what would become one of the most famous ballets of all time.
On 4 March 1877, Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” premiered at the Bolshoi Theater to poor reviews however strange it may seem. The choreography created by Czech Julius Reisinger was criticized harshly.
Despite the initial distaste, the ballet survived, with its most popular iteration stemming from a revival by the Mariinsky Ballet. The 1895 staging by Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa was the version that became world classics.
If you didn’t have a chance to watch this ballet live in South Africa we invite you to do so!
🤩 In the meantime, you can enjoy the “Swan Lake” performed by St.Petersburg Ballet Theatre in Pretoria several years ago at the LINK
#RussianCulture #RussianBallet #SwanLake
On 4 March 1877, Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” premiered at the Bolshoi Theater to poor reviews however strange it may seem. The choreography created by Czech Julius Reisinger was criticized harshly.
Despite the initial distaste, the ballet survived, with its most popular iteration stemming from a revival by the Mariinsky Ballet. The 1895 staging by Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa was the version that became world classics.
If you didn’t have a chance to watch this ballet live in South Africa we invite you to do so!
🤩 In the meantime, you can enjoy the “Swan Lake” performed by St.Petersburg Ballet Theatre in Pretoria several years ago at the LINK
#RussianCulture #RussianBallet #SwanLake
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s answer to a media question regarding the attack on the Russian gas tanker Arctic Metagaz (March 4, 2026)
❓ Question: On March 3, a Russian vessel, the gas carrier Arctic Metagaz, was attacked in the Mediterranean Sea. What is the fate of its crew, and what measures is the Russian side taking in this situation?
💬 Maria Zakharova: The Russian Foreign Ministry and its overseas missions, in coordination with the relevant authorities, have joined the operation to rescue the crew members of the Russian gas carrier Arctic Metagaz, which was attacked in the Mediterranean Sea.
According to the information available to us, all 30 crew members have been rescued and are safe. Two individuals who sustained burns are receiving medical assistance in cooperation with the coastal state.
Russian diplomatic missions in the region continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to provide the necessary support to Russian citizens.
As stated by the Russian Ministry of Transport, the attack on the tanker was carried out by Ukrainian unmanned boats.
Such actions – if confirmed – constitute an act of terrorism, a blatant violation of international law, and pose a direct threat to maritime security.
Given that the vessel in question was a gas carrier transporting cargo, the consequences of this attack also entail colossal environmental damage.
❗️ We reserve the right to take political and diplomatic measures in response to this incident, including in light of the threat to international peace and security posed by such actions.
❓ Question: On March 3, a Russian vessel, the gas carrier Arctic Metagaz, was attacked in the Mediterranean Sea. What is the fate of its crew, and what measures is the Russian side taking in this situation?
💬 Maria Zakharova: The Russian Foreign Ministry and its overseas missions, in coordination with the relevant authorities, have joined the operation to rescue the crew members of the Russian gas carrier Arctic Metagaz, which was attacked in the Mediterranean Sea.
According to the information available to us, all 30 crew members have been rescued and are safe. Two individuals who sustained burns are receiving medical assistance in cooperation with the coastal state.
Russian diplomatic missions in the region continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to provide the necessary support to Russian citizens.
As stated by the Russian Ministry of Transport, the attack on the tanker was carried out by Ukrainian unmanned boats.
Such actions – if confirmed – constitute an act of terrorism, a blatant violation of international law, and pose a direct threat to maritime security.
Given that the vessel in question was a gas carrier transporting cargo, the consequences of this attack also entail colossal environmental damage.
❗️ We reserve the right to take political and diplomatic measures in response to this incident, including in light of the threat to international peace and security posed by such actions.
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Comment by Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on France’s decision to increase its nuclear arsenal (March 4, 2026)
💬 The statement made the other day by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding Paris’s intention to embark upon a non-transparent expansion of its nuclear arsenal, which in itself constitutes an extremely destabilising development, should be viewed in a broader context.
<...>
We note that the United Kingdom earlier announced an approach largely similar to the course now adopted by France, having some time ago also begun a significant expansion of its national nuclear arsenal while reducing its transparency.
Moreover, in accordance with US-UK arrangements, London will, in addition to its existing sea-based component, acquire air delivery systems for nuclear weapons and gain access, with US consent, to US nuclear aerial bombs newly deployed in Britain which will further increase the number of warheads that the country could employ in a potential conflict.
At the same time, NATO’s traditional policy in this sphere excludes disclosure of the quantitative parameters of US nuclear weapons deployed in Europe. Russia is compelled to take into account that, in addition to the United Kingdom, an undeclared number of such weapons is stationed in four other European NATO countries and Türkiye, from where they are capable of striking a broad range of critically important targets on the territory of the Russian Federation. <...>
Beyond strengthening their national military nuclear capabilities, the United Kingdom and France are working with their allies to shape a certain independent or autonomous European nuclear deterrent capability.
Initial, somewhat disingenuous attempts to present this as an alternative to the American nuclear umbrella quickly gave way to recognition of the obvious fact that this concerns the expansion of the European nuclear component within NATO, in addition to the existing practice of nuclear sharing missions based on US nuclear weapons.
Thus, there is a substantial reinforcement and expansion of NATO’s overall nuclear potential, which, in the event of a direct military conflict with Russia, could be coordinated against our country not only in its European segment but in its entirety, including the US arsenal. <...>
We also note that the decisions by London and Paris to expand their nuclear arsenals are intended to be implemented outside international constraints, continuing their long-standing policy of avoiding participation in any nuclear arms control arrangements.
Read in full
💬 The statement made the other day by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding Paris’s intention to embark upon a non-transparent expansion of its nuclear arsenal, which in itself constitutes an extremely destabilising development, should be viewed in a broader context.
<...>
We note that the United Kingdom earlier announced an approach largely similar to the course now adopted by France, having some time ago also begun a significant expansion of its national nuclear arsenal while reducing its transparency.
Moreover, in accordance with US-UK arrangements, London will, in addition to its existing sea-based component, acquire air delivery systems for nuclear weapons and gain access, with US consent, to US nuclear aerial bombs newly deployed in Britain which will further increase the number of warheads that the country could employ in a potential conflict.
At the same time, NATO’s traditional policy in this sphere excludes disclosure of the quantitative parameters of US nuclear weapons deployed in Europe. Russia is compelled to take into account that, in addition to the United Kingdom, an undeclared number of such weapons is stationed in four other European NATO countries and Türkiye, from where they are capable of striking a broad range of critically important targets on the territory of the Russian Federation. <...>
Beyond strengthening their national military nuclear capabilities, the United Kingdom and France are working with their allies to shape a certain independent or autonomous European nuclear deterrent capability.
Initial, somewhat disingenuous attempts to present this as an alternative to the American nuclear umbrella quickly gave way to recognition of the obvious fact that this concerns the expansion of the European nuclear component within NATO, in addition to the existing practice of nuclear sharing missions based on US nuclear weapons.
Thus, there is a substantial reinforcement and expansion of NATO’s overall nuclear potential, which, in the event of a direct military conflict with Russia, could be coordinated against our country not only in its European segment but in its entirety, including the US arsenal. <...>
We also note that the decisions by London and Paris to expand their nuclear arsenals are intended to be implemented outside international constraints, continuing their long-standing policy of avoiding participation in any nuclear arms control arrangements.
Read in full
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⚡️👑The first international “Miss BRICS” beauty pageant has officially kicked off in Russia’s Kazan, bringing together participants from 17 countries: Russia, Brazil, India, China, South Africa, the UAE, Cuba, Indonesia, Bolivia, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Uganda, Belarus, Nigeria, Thailand and Vietnam.
For the first time in the world, the competition is divided into three age categories, each with its own title:
Little Miss – girls under 13
Miss – young women
Mrs – married women with children
Each country has sent three winners of national selections, making a total of 51 contestants competing for three crowns.
💎 The central theme of the opening ceremony is “Woman as a precious gem.” The crowns are decorated with stones sourced from #BRICS countries – symbolizing that each participant represents her own unique gem.
🇿🇦 South Africa is represented by:
✨ Karabo Ngwenya – Miss South Africa BRICS
✨ Millicent Mpholodi Tlou – Mrs South Africa BRICS
✨ Karabo Revelation Thipe – Little Miss South Africa BRICS
We wish all participants the best of luck and believe that the South African contestants will represent their country at the highest level, showcasing the beauty, talent, and spirit of their nation on the international stage.
#MissBRICS2026
For the first time in the world, the competition is divided into three age categories, each with its own title:
Little Miss – girls under 13
Miss – young women
Mrs – married women with children
Each country has sent three winners of national selections, making a total of 51 contestants competing for three crowns.
💎 The central theme of the opening ceremony is “Woman as a precious gem.” The crowns are decorated with stones sourced from #BRICS countries – symbolizing that each participant represents her own unique gem.
🇿🇦 South Africa is represented by:
✨ Karabo Ngwenya – Miss South Africa BRICS
✨ Millicent Mpholodi Tlou – Mrs South Africa BRICS
✨ Karabo Revelation Thipe – Little Miss South Africa BRICS
We wish all participants the best of luck and believe that the South African contestants will represent their country at the highest level, showcasing the beauty, talent, and spirit of their nation on the international stage.
#MissBRICS2026
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Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
📺🌟 The Embassy, in collaboration with the War Museum of the Boer Republics in Bloemfontein, is launching the #OurCommonHistory series dedicated to the role of Russian volunteers who stood alongside the Boers during the Anglo-Boer War.
☝️ To help preserve and remember this shared history, we invite you to watch these historical videos.
#RussiaInBoerWar
“Among the most passionate supporters of the Boer Republics were the people of the Russian Empire, who demonstrated strong solidarity with the Boer cause. During the war, humanitarian initiatives were organised across Russia to send food, clothing, and financial assistance to the Boer Republics.
<…> However, Russian assistance to the Boers was not limited to diplomacy and humanitarian aid.
In total, around 250 Russian volunteers took part in various major engagements during the war. These men travelled to South Africa at their own expense and were not sent by the Russian authorities.
Among the most notable volunteers was Yevgeny Maximov, a former Imperial Russian officer who was appointed a combat general by the Boer leadership. One of Maximov’s most distinguished roles was his command of the Hollander Corps, where he demonstrated exceptional discipline, courage, and leadership.”
☝️ To help preserve and remember this shared history, we invite you to watch these historical videos.
#RussiaInBoerWar
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🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin answers to questions from Pavel Zarubin (4 March 2026):
❓You just mentioned the situation on the global gas markets. Many countries are panicking over the current events. Prices have soared, and it is unclear what will happen with prices and deliveries next.
President Putin: To begin with, Russia has always been and remains a reliable supplier of energy resources to all its partners, including in Europe. We will continue working in this way with those partners who are themselves reliable counterparties, such as Slovakia and Hungary in Eastern Europe.
As for Europe, the current developments in the European markets are primarily a result of the European authorities’ flawed energy policy, misuse of the green agenda, and the use of all these instruments for internal political purposes, for attaining party or group objectives. This policy has nothing in common with the interests of these countries’ peoples.
Oil and gas prices have increased now. This is understandable with regard to oil and is connected, in part, with restrictions on Russian oil imports. But this situation has been compounded by the developments in the Middle East caused by the aggression against Iran, which has produced a complicated and undeniably unpleasant result for consumers.
☝️ For this reason, let me reiterate that this stems from the misguided policies of the European governments. Moreover, they have been following this path for many years. They have recently announced plans to restrict Russian gas imports in a month, so that the 24th would be the last day before these restrictions are enacted on the 25th. In a year, in 2027, they want to introduce further restrictions up to a blanket ban. But there are other markets which are opening up. Could it be that we could benefit from cutting short our supplies to the European market right away? We could switch to these emerging markets and consolidate our positions there.
On this topic, I would like to make it clear that this is not a matter of politics. If we are set to lose access to their market anyway in a month or two, it could make sense for us to stop supplying them right away and turn to countries which have been our reliable partners in order to get a foothold in their markets. However, this is not a done deal. In this case, I am just thinking aloud, as they say.
I will certainly instruct the Government to work this matter through with our companies.
❓ There was another important news story today about an attack against a Russian gas carrier in the Mediterranean. It sustained serious damage. What would be your comment regarding these developments?
Vladimir Putin: This is a terrorist attack. We have faced incidents of this kind before, so the only surprising thing about it is that it aggravates the situation on the global energy markets, including the gas market, first and foremost for Europe. Consequently, the Kiev regime is actually biting the hand that feeds it, i.e., the European Union’s hand. The European Union has provided the Kiev regime with a boundless stream of aid, including weapons and funding, while the Kiev regime creates one problem after another for the European Union.
❗️As for this behaviour of the Kiev regime in general, it has been quite aggressive and very dangerous. As I have already said, according to information from our intelligence agencies, Kiev is getting ready to bomb the Blue Stream and TurkStream pipelines with the support of certain Western special services, just as they bombed the Nord Stream pipelines some time ago. We have informed our Turkish friends about it.
READ IN FULL
❓You just mentioned the situation on the global gas markets. Many countries are panicking over the current events. Prices have soared, and it is unclear what will happen with prices and deliveries next.
President Putin: To begin with, Russia has always been and remains a reliable supplier of energy resources to all its partners, including in Europe. We will continue working in this way with those partners who are themselves reliable counterparties, such as Slovakia and Hungary in Eastern Europe.
As for Europe, the current developments in the European markets are primarily a result of the European authorities’ flawed energy policy, misuse of the green agenda, and the use of all these instruments for internal political purposes, for attaining party or group objectives. This policy has nothing in common with the interests of these countries’ peoples.
Oil and gas prices have increased now. This is understandable with regard to oil and is connected, in part, with restrictions on Russian oil imports. But this situation has been compounded by the developments in the Middle East caused by the aggression against Iran, which has produced a complicated and undeniably unpleasant result for consumers.
☝️ For this reason, let me reiterate that this stems from the misguided policies of the European governments. Moreover, they have been following this path for many years. They have recently announced plans to restrict Russian gas imports in a month, so that the 24th would be the last day before these restrictions are enacted on the 25th. In a year, in 2027, they want to introduce further restrictions up to a blanket ban. But there are other markets which are opening up. Could it be that we could benefit from cutting short our supplies to the European market right away? We could switch to these emerging markets and consolidate our positions there.
On this topic, I would like to make it clear that this is not a matter of politics. If we are set to lose access to their market anyway in a month or two, it could make sense for us to stop supplying them right away and turn to countries which have been our reliable partners in order to get a foothold in their markets. However, this is not a done deal. In this case, I am just thinking aloud, as they say.
I will certainly instruct the Government to work this matter through with our companies.
❓ There was another important news story today about an attack against a Russian gas carrier in the Mediterranean. It sustained serious damage. What would be your comment regarding these developments?
Vladimir Putin: This is a terrorist attack. We have faced incidents of this kind before, so the only surprising thing about it is that it aggravates the situation on the global energy markets, including the gas market, first and foremost for Europe. Consequently, the Kiev regime is actually biting the hand that feeds it, i.e., the European Union’s hand. The European Union has provided the Kiev regime with a boundless stream of aid, including weapons and funding, while the Kiev regime creates one problem after another for the European Union.
❗️As for this behaviour of the Kiev regime in general, it has been quite aggressive and very dangerous. As I have already said, according to information from our intelligence agencies, Kiev is getting ready to bomb the Blue Stream and TurkStream pipelines with the support of certain Western special services, just as they bombed the Nord Stream pipelines some time ago. We have informed our Turkish friends about it.
READ IN FULL
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto (March 4, 2026, Moscow)
From the Russian Side, the meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, and Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov.
💬 Vladimir Putin: You chair the intergovernmental commission on the Hungarian Side, and it is working actively. You visit Russia frequently. I am aware of your efforts to maintain the momentum in our relations, despite the well-known challenges, though we will not dwell on that now.
Our trade turnover has unfortunately declined somewhat – last year, I believe, it fell by about 13%. Nevertheless, overall our relations remain stable and continue to develop in a positive direction. I refer in particular to cooperation in energy policy, including hydrocarbons, as well as our flagship project – the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.
As for hydrocarbons, I understand that oil supplies are of particular concern to you. We see what is happening now on global gas markets and on the European gas market. We will be glad to discuss all these matters. Whatever depends on us – we have always fulfilled all our obligations – and, of course, we intend and are prepared to continue doing so.
I repeat: we have always been reliable suppliers. You know this, and I have noted your public statements on this matter. Only yesterday I spoke with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban on several issues.
***
💬 Vladimir Putin: Mr Minister, during our telephone conversation yesterday, Prime Minister Viktor Orban also raised this issue and asked me to consider releasing Hungarian citizens held by the Russian army. These individuals hold dual citizenship – Ukrainian and Hungarian – and were forcibly mobilized.
I have decided to release two individuals. As the Prime Minister requested, you will be able to take them with you – directly onto the plane on which you arrived and on which you will return to Budapest.
#RussiaHungary
From the Russian Side, the meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, and Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov.
💬 Vladimir Putin: You chair the intergovernmental commission on the Hungarian Side, and it is working actively. You visit Russia frequently. I am aware of your efforts to maintain the momentum in our relations, despite the well-known challenges, though we will not dwell on that now.
Our trade turnover has unfortunately declined somewhat – last year, I believe, it fell by about 13%. Nevertheless, overall our relations remain stable and continue to develop in a positive direction. I refer in particular to cooperation in energy policy, including hydrocarbons, as well as our flagship project – the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.
As for hydrocarbons, I understand that oil supplies are of particular concern to you. We see what is happening now on global gas markets and on the European gas market. We will be glad to discuss all these matters. Whatever depends on us – we have always fulfilled all our obligations – and, of course, we intend and are prepared to continue doing so.
I repeat: we have always been reliable suppliers. You know this, and I have noted your public statements on this matter. Only yesterday I spoke with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban on several issues.
***
💬 Vladimir Putin: Mr Minister, during our telephone conversation yesterday, Prime Minister Viktor Orban also raised this issue and asked me to consider releasing Hungarian citizens held by the Russian army. These individuals hold dual citizenship – Ukrainian and Hungarian – and were forcibly mobilized.
I have decided to release two individuals. As the Prime Minister requested, you will be able to take them with you – directly onto the plane on which you arrived and on which you will return to Budapest.
#RussiaHungary
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
⚡️ Russia's Foreign Ministry statement on the situation in the Middle East (March 5, 2026)
💬 Moscow is deeply concerned that the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate.
There are no signs that the US and Israel – which launched a military operation under a completely far-fetched pretext aimed at overthrowing the legitimate authorities in Iran – are prepared to show restraint and stop the bloodshed. On the contrary, belligerent statements continue to flow from their capitals, while the Israeli army has carried out a new incursion into Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the aggressors are seeking to sow division within the Islamic world in the midst of the holy month of Ramadan.
They deliberately provoked Iran into retaliatory strikes against facilities in several Arab countries, which resulted in human casualties and material damage – developments that the Russian side deeply regrets.
In doing so, they are attempting to draw Arab states into a war serving someone else’s interests. At the same time, they are trying to divert attention from the catastrophic plight of the Palestinian people.
Russia once again calls on all parties to the current confrontation to immediately cease hostilities, including unacceptable strikes on the territory of the Arab states of the Gulf.
We consider attacks on civilians and strikes against any civilian infrastructure – whether in Iran or in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council – to be absolutely unacceptable.
❗️ It is clear that the only way to prevent the region from sliding further into the abyss of destabilization is to stop the aggression of the US and Israel, which triggered this chain reaction of suffering for the Arab peoples.
💬 Moscow is deeply concerned that the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate.
There are no signs that the US and Israel – which launched a military operation under a completely far-fetched pretext aimed at overthrowing the legitimate authorities in Iran – are prepared to show restraint and stop the bloodshed. On the contrary, belligerent statements continue to flow from their capitals, while the Israeli army has carried out a new incursion into Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the aggressors are seeking to sow division within the Islamic world in the midst of the holy month of Ramadan.
They deliberately provoked Iran into retaliatory strikes against facilities in several Arab countries, which resulted in human casualties and material damage – developments that the Russian side deeply regrets.
In doing so, they are attempting to draw Arab states into a war serving someone else’s interests. At the same time, they are trying to divert attention from the catastrophic plight of the Palestinian people.
Russia once again calls on all parties to the current confrontation to immediately cease hostilities, including unacceptable strikes on the territory of the Arab states of the Gulf.
We consider attacks on civilians and strikes against any civilian infrastructure – whether in Iran or in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council – to be absolutely unacceptable.
❗️ It is clear that the only way to prevent the region from sliding further into the abyss of destabilization is to stop the aggression of the US and Israel, which triggered this chain reaction of suffering for the Arab peoples.
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