⚡️ Russian Embassy comment on the article titled “Help pressurise Putin to agree to a ceasefire, Ukraine urges African countries” published by Daily Maverick on 1 July 2025
The article published by Daily Maverick, like many previous materials from this source, is met with surprise. It presents a narrative that is disconnected from the reality of Russia’s efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
Russia has never opposed a ceasefire. On the contrary, we have repeatedly demonstrated our commitment to de-escalation. In March 2025, we supported an initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump proposing a 30-day moratorium on strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. In April, we declared an Easter truce, followed by a 72-hour ceasefire from 8 to 10 May 2025, in honour of Victory Day, personally announced by President Vladimir Putin.
❗️Had these measures been respected by Kiev, they could have served as a foundation for broader and more lasting cessation of hostilities.
Regrettably, all of these initiatives were undermined by the Ukrainian side. The Armed Forces of Ukraine violated the March moratorium 136 times and breached the Easter ceasefire nearly 5,000 times.
Throughout these periods, the Kiev regime continued to carry out deliberate attacks on Russian energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Residential buildings, schools, kindergartens, shops, and other non-military sites were targeted by Ukraine armed formations, leading to numerous civilian casualties – both killed and wounded. These are tragic and irrefutable facts.
The Russian counter-strikes referenced in the article are legitimate and proportionate responses. Unlike Ukrainian attacks, which routinely target civilian infrastructure, Russian strikes are directed at military targets and facilities used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Russia’s position is well known and remains unchanged. We remain open to a political and diplomatic resolution of the conflict.
However, any such solution must address the root causes of the crisis. Ukraine must return to a neutral, non-aligned, and non-nuclear status, ensure the protection of the Russian language, and uphold the rights and freedoms of all its citizens.
☝️Should the colleagues from Daily Maverick be interested in more facts about the situation around Ukraine, or need assistance with fact-checking, the Embassy stands ready to help.
The article published by Daily Maverick, like many previous materials from this source, is met with surprise. It presents a narrative that is disconnected from the reality of Russia’s efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
Russia has never opposed a ceasefire. On the contrary, we have repeatedly demonstrated our commitment to de-escalation. In March 2025, we supported an initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump proposing a 30-day moratorium on strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. In April, we declared an Easter truce, followed by a 72-hour ceasefire from 8 to 10 May 2025, in honour of Victory Day, personally announced by President Vladimir Putin.
❗️Had these measures been respected by Kiev, they could have served as a foundation for broader and more lasting cessation of hostilities.
Regrettably, all of these initiatives were undermined by the Ukrainian side. The Armed Forces of Ukraine violated the March moratorium 136 times and breached the Easter ceasefire nearly 5,000 times.
Throughout these periods, the Kiev regime continued to carry out deliberate attacks on Russian energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Residential buildings, schools, kindergartens, shops, and other non-military sites were targeted by Ukraine armed formations, leading to numerous civilian casualties – both killed and wounded. These are tragic and irrefutable facts.
The Russian counter-strikes referenced in the article are legitimate and proportionate responses. Unlike Ukrainian attacks, which routinely target civilian infrastructure, Russian strikes are directed at military targets and facilities used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Russia’s position is well known and remains unchanged. We remain open to a political and diplomatic resolution of the conflict.
However, any such solution must address the root causes of the crisis. Ukraine must return to a neutral, non-aligned, and non-nuclear status, ensure the protection of the Russian language, and uphold the rights and freedoms of all its citizens.
☝️Should the colleagues from Daily Maverick be interested in more facts about the situation around Ukraine, or need assistance with fact-checking, the Embassy stands ready to help.
👍5👏4
🇷🇺💛 July 8 in Russia marks Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity — a heartfelt holiday celebrating strong family values, lasting love, and mutual devotion.
Rooted in centuries-old tradition, the celebration honors Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom, the Orthodox patrons of marriage and family. According to legend, Prince Peter was cured of a terrible illness by the humble peasant girl Fevronia. Despite their different social status, they married and ruled Murom together with justice and kindness.
🌼 The daisy, a flower symbolizing purity and faithfulness, has become the official emblem of the holiday.
📌 Did you know?
• The holiday was officially established in 2008, inspired by the growing popularity of Peter and Fevronia’s story.
• It serves as Russia’s heartfelt counterpart to Valentine’s Day, emphasizing not fleeting romance but lasting family bonds.
• Each year, couples who have shown strong, loving, and faithful relationships over decades of marriage are honored with public awards.
👨👩👧👦 On this day, Russians gather with family, attend church services, and participate in cultural events that highlight the values of love, loyalty, and unity.
#DiscoverRussia
Rooted in centuries-old tradition, the celebration honors Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom, the Orthodox patrons of marriage and family. According to legend, Prince Peter was cured of a terrible illness by the humble peasant girl Fevronia. Despite their different social status, they married and ruled Murom together with justice and kindness.
🌼 The daisy, a flower symbolizing purity and faithfulness, has become the official emblem of the holiday.
📌 Did you know?
• The holiday was officially established in 2008, inspired by the growing popularity of Peter and Fevronia’s story.
• It serves as Russia’s heartfelt counterpart to Valentine’s Day, emphasizing not fleeting romance but lasting family bonds.
• Each year, couples who have shown strong, loving, and faithful relationships over decades of marriage are honored with public awards.
👨👩👧👦 On this day, Russians gather with family, attend church services, and participate in cultural events that highlight the values of love, loyalty, and unity.
#DiscoverRussia
❤9👍4
🇷🇺📈 From July 8 to 10, 2025, leading companies from St. Petersburg specializing in water supply, wastewater management, and environmental technologies are showcasing their latest developments at #IFAT Africa — the continent’s largest environmental exhibition — held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
St. Petersburg’s participation in IFAT Africa holds particular significance due to the sister-city relationship formed between St. Petersburg and Johannesburg in 2009. This partnership creates additional opportunities for professional dialogue and collaborative projects in the areas of water management and environmental technologies.
🤝 Following the official opening, a roundtable discussion titled “South Africa - Saint Petersburg (Russia) Economic Cooperation Dialogue” was held.
The roundtable brought together representatives from Russian and South African institutions in the water sector. The discussion covered export prospects for St. Petersburg companies, market entry conditions and formats, opportunities for localization and technological collaboration, as well as the development of direct business contacts and potential joint initiatives.
🇷🇺🇿🇦 On the sidelines of the event the e signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the St. Petersburg Export Support Center and the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry took place.
💬 Maria Ershova, General Director, St. Petersburg Export Support Center:
#RussiaAfrica
St. Petersburg’s participation in IFAT Africa holds particular significance due to the sister-city relationship formed between St. Petersburg and Johannesburg in 2009. This partnership creates additional opportunities for professional dialogue and collaborative projects in the areas of water management and environmental technologies.
🤝 Following the official opening, a roundtable discussion titled “South Africa - Saint Petersburg (Russia) Economic Cooperation Dialogue” was held.
The roundtable brought together representatives from Russian and South African institutions in the water sector. The discussion covered export prospects for St. Petersburg companies, market entry conditions and formats, opportunities for localization and technological collaboration, as well as the development of direct business contacts and potential joint initiatives.
🇷🇺🇿🇦 On the sidelines of the event the e signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the St. Petersburg Export Support Center and the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry took place.
💬 Maria Ershova, General Director, St. Petersburg Export Support Center:
For Russia as a whole, and for St. Petersburg in particular, African countries are strategically important partners. At present, we are redirecting a significant number of services provided by our center to support export-oriented companies specifically toward this region. This is related both to logistics and to product certification, which is essential for the distribution of goods produced in St. Petersburg on the African market.
We have very ambitious plans. Next year, we aim to organize a large-scale reverse business mission and invite buyers from several African countries to St. Petersburg. There, we will be able to showcase not only the potential of St. Petersburg but, where possible, also the potential of other Russian regions.
#RussiaAfrica
👍3👏3❤2
🇷🇺📈 С 8 по 10 июля 2025 года ведущие компании Санкт-Петербурга в сфере водоснабжения, водоотведения и экологических технологий представят свои разработки на крупнейшей африканской выставке IFAT Africa в Йоханнесбурге, ЮАР.
Организатором коллективной экспозиции выступает Комитет по промышленной политике, инновациям и торговле Санкт-Петербурга.
Особое значение участия Санкт-Петербурга в выставке IFAT Africa придаёт статус городов-побратимов, который Санкт-Петербург и Йоханнесбург официально получили в 2009 году.
🤝 Это партнёрство открывает дополнительные возможности для развития профессиональных контактов и реализации совместных проектов в сфере водного хозяйства и экологических технологий.
После официального открытия стенда Санкт-Петербурга, был проведён круглый стол с участием представителей водохозяйственных органов ЮАР и России.
Основными темами обсуждения стали:
• расширение экономического взаимодействия между Санкт‑Петербургом и Южно-Африканской Республикой,
• экспортные решения компаний Санкт‑Петербурга,
• обсуждение условий и форматов выхода российских компаний на рынок ЮАР.
💬 Мария Ершова, генеральный директор Санкт-Петербургского центра поддержки экспорта:
#РоссияАфрика
Организатором коллективной экспозиции выступает Комитет по промышленной политике, инновациям и торговле Санкт-Петербурга.
Особое значение участия Санкт-Петербурга в выставке IFAT Africa придаёт статус городов-побратимов, который Санкт-Петербург и Йоханнесбург официально получили в 2009 году.
🤝 Это партнёрство открывает дополнительные возможности для развития профессиональных контактов и реализации совместных проектов в сфере водного хозяйства и экологических технологий.
После официального открытия стенда Санкт-Петербурга, был проведён круглый стол с участием представителей водохозяйственных органов ЮАР и России.
Основными темами обсуждения стали:
• расширение экономического взаимодействия между Санкт‑Петербургом и Южно-Африканской Республикой,
• экспортные решения компаний Санкт‑Петербурга,
• обсуждение условий и форматов выхода российских компаний на рынок ЮАР.
💬 Мария Ершова, генеральный директор Санкт-Петербургского центра поддержки экспорта:
Для России в целом и для Санкт-Петербурга в частности страны Африки являются стратегически важными партнёрами. В настоящее время мы перенаправляем значительное количество услуг, оказываемых нашим центром в поддержку экспортно-ориентированных компаний, именно в этом направлении. Это связано как с логистикой, так и с сертификацией продукции, необходимой для реализации товаров производителей Санкт-Петербурга на африканском рынке.
У нас очень большие планы. В следующем году хотели бы организовать масштабную реверсную бизнес-миссию и пригласить байеров из нескольких африканских стран в Санкт-Петербург, где мы сможем продемонстрировать не только потенциал города, но и, по возможности, потенциал других регионов России.
#РоссияАфрика
👍6👏3
🎭 On July 3, the Russia’s Theatre of Nations hosted the premiere of Julie, a play by August Strindberg, directed by James Ngcobo – Artistic Director of the Johannesburg City Theatres (South Africa 🇿🇦).
James Ngcobo is yet another remarkable voice from South African theatre that Russian audiences are discovering this year.
📆 The next performance of Julie is scheduled for October – don’t miss the chance to experience this powerful #RussianSouthAfrican collaboration!
Photo: Theatre of Nations Press Service
#SouthAfricansInRussia
James Ngcobo is yet another remarkable voice from South African theatre that Russian audiences are discovering this year.
Reflecting on the collaboration, he shared: “For me, it is an amazing moment when Russian and South African theatres come together. It was my first time working with Russian actors – they are amazing, with a striking presence.”
📆 The next performance of Julie is scheduled for October – don’t miss the chance to experience this powerful #RussianSouthAfrican collaboration!
Photo: Theatre of Nations Press Service
#SouthAfricansInRussia
❤7👍3
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🔴 #LIVE: Briefing by Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on topical foreign policy issues
🔴 Ruptly
🔴 Russia’s MFA website
Please open Telegram to view this post
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
🇷🇺🇿🇦 On July 9, a meeting took place between a delegation from St. Petersburg, led by Olga Goryshina, Deputy Chair of the Committee for Industrial Policy, Innovation and Trade of St. Petersburg, and Cllr Sello Morero, Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, and representatives of the Johannesburg City Hall.
In her speech, the head of the Russian delegation particularly emphasized the prospects for cooperation in the fields of sustainable development and natural resource conservation, the broad opportunities for humanitarian and cultural collaboration, and the exchange of experience in transport planning and the implementation of innovative solutions.
🤝 The parties discussed potential projects and proposals for cooperation in a number of areas.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Russian Embassy in South Africa, the Russian Trade Mission in South Africa, and business circles of St. Petersburg.
#RussiaAfrica
In her speech, the head of the Russian delegation particularly emphasized the prospects for cooperation in the fields of sustainable development and natural resource conservation, the broad opportunities for humanitarian and cultural collaboration, and the exchange of experience in transport planning and the implementation of innovative solutions.
🤝 The parties discussed potential projects and proposals for cooperation in a number of areas.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Russian Embassy in South Africa, the Russian Trade Mission in South Africa, and business circles of St. Petersburg.
#RussiaAfrica
❤3👍2
🇷🇺🇿🇦 9 июля состоялась встреча делегации Санкт-Петербурга
во главе с заместителем председателя Комитета по промышленной политике, инновациям и торговле
Санкт-Петербурга Ольгой Горышиной с мэром Йоханнесбурга Селло Инок Дада Мореро и представителями мэрии.
В своём выступлении глава российской делегации особо подчеркнула наличие перспектив взаимодействия в сфере устойчивого развития и охраны природных ресурсов, широких возможностей гуманитарного и культурного сотрудничества, обмена опытом в сфере транспортного планирования и внедрения инновационных решений.
🤝 Стороны обсудили проекты и предложения для сотрудничества по ряду направлений.
На встрече присутствовали представили Посольства России в ЮАР, Торгового представительства России в ЮАР, деловых кругов Санкт-Петербурга.
#РоссияАфрика
во главе с заместителем председателя Комитета по промышленной политике, инновациям и торговле
Санкт-Петербурга Ольгой Горышиной с мэром Йоханнесбурга Селло Инок Дада Мореро и представителями мэрии.
В своём выступлении глава российской делегации особо подчеркнула наличие перспектив взаимодействия в сфере устойчивого развития и охраны природных ресурсов, широких возможностей гуманитарного и культурного сотрудничества, обмена опытом в сфере транспортного планирования и внедрения инновационных решений.
🤝 Стороны обсудили проекты и предложения для сотрудничества по ряду направлений.
На встрече присутствовали представили Посольства России в ЮАР, Торгового представительства России в ЮАР, деловых кругов Санкт-Петербурга.
#РоссияАфрика
👍5👎1
Russian Embassy in South Africa
🎭 On July 3, the Russia’s Theatre of Nations hosted the premiere of Julie, a play by August Strindberg, directed by James Ngcobo – Artistic Director of the Johannesburg City Theatres (South Africa 🇿🇦). James Ngcobo is yet another remarkable voice from South…
🤩 Russia welcomes South African arts
This year, Russian audiences are discovering the enigmatic world of South African theatre and performance.
Alongside the Julie premiere at the Theatre of Nations, directed by James Ngcobo, several other standout productions have brought South African talent to Russian stages:
🎭 In mid-June, Joshua Williams of Cape Ballet Africa performed an excerpt from Chapter 2 at the #BolshoiTheatre – a ballet choreographed by Mthuthuzeli November, winner of the Benois de la Danse Award for Best Choreographer. The same days, the Kamala Theatre of #Kazan hosted Hamlet, a wonderful puppet production directed by South Africa’s Janni Younge.
We’re looking forward to seeing even more artistic exchange and #RussiaSouthAfrica collaborations in the world of arts and culture!
📸 Press service of Benois de la Danse International Ballet Festival; Иптәшләр Татарлар
This year, Russian audiences are discovering the enigmatic world of South African theatre and performance.
Alongside the Julie premiere at the Theatre of Nations, directed by James Ngcobo, several other standout productions have brought South African talent to Russian stages:
🎭 In mid-June, Joshua Williams of Cape Ballet Africa performed an excerpt from Chapter 2 at the #BolshoiTheatre – a ballet choreographed by Mthuthuzeli November, winner of the Benois de la Danse Award for Best Choreographer. The same days, the Kamala Theatre of #Kazan hosted Hamlet, a wonderful puppet production directed by South Africa’s Janni Younge.
We’re looking forward to seeing even more artistic exchange and #RussiaSouthAfrica collaborations in the world of arts and culture!
📸 Press service of Benois de la Danse International Ballet Festival; Иптәшләр Татарлар
🔥4👏3👍2