Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Statement by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Plenary Session of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum (Cairo, 20 December 2025)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: Our cooperation continues its confident, forward-looking development. Its comprehensive and genuinely strategic character is being further strengthened. We seek to coordinate efforts both on the international stage and bilaterally, in a spirit of mutual respect and equality.
We are advancing a shared vision of a more just and democratic multipolar world order, free from diktat and “double standards”, and based on respect for international law and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, in their entirety and interconnection.
We advocate full consideration of the political and economic interests of African countries at all key international platforms, ensure fairer representation of African States in the global decision-making system, including the UN Security Council, and support reform of the international financial architecture. We fully respect the decisions adopted in this regard – the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
<...>
We attach great importance to strengthening peace and security on the African continent. This is a key prerequisite for steady and sustainable socio-economic development, and an essential element of global stability.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia makes a meaningful contribution to resolving ongoing conflicts and preventing new ones in Africa. We fully share the principle fundamental to Africans: “African solutions to African problems”.
As it did 65 years ago, Russia remains a reliable partner to its friends in defending their sovereignty, relying on their own strengths. We consider unacceptable the course pursued by certain countries and military-political blocs representing the Global Minority, aimed at drawing the region into confrontational geopolitical adventures. This runs counter to Africa’s independent development and prosperity.
We assist in strengthening the defence capabilities of African countries to counter internal and external threats, first and foremost terrorism.
<...>
We are convinced that sustainable conflict resolution requires addressing root causes, which lie in the legacy of Western colonialism – a system that disrupted Africa’s natural historical development, arbitrarily drew borders, and imposed an economic order serving the interests of Western metropolises.
Regrettably, various forms of neo-colonialism persist to this day. We stand ready to act together with our African partners to eradicate them, including through the development of legal instruments to assess and compensate for damage inflicted during the colonial period. Following the first Russia–Africa Ministerial Conference, we agreed to consider establishing a relevant permanent coordination mechanism.
<...>
Today, we are witnessing Africa’s “second awakening”, and the strengthening of its international standing.
We support our African friends’ aspiration to independently choose their partners.
We remain a reliable ally of African states in strengthening their national sovereignty – politically, in security matters, and across all other dimensions: economic, energy, food, technological, digital, human resources, and information – relying on their own resources and national interests, as well as on external partners who fully respect those interests.
Our political dialogue at the highest and high levels is actively developing. Russia’s diplomatic presence on the continent continues to expand. This year, embassies opened in Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. Next in line are The Gambia, Liberia, Togo, and the Comoros.
We invite partners that do not yet have embassies in Moscow to consider opening them. We stand ready to provide every possible assistance.
📄 Read in full
💬 Sergey Lavrov: Our cooperation continues its confident, forward-looking development. Its comprehensive and genuinely strategic character is being further strengthened. We seek to coordinate efforts both on the international stage and bilaterally, in a spirit of mutual respect and equality.
We are advancing a shared vision of a more just and democratic multipolar world order, free from diktat and “double standards”, and based on respect for international law and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, in their entirety and interconnection.
We advocate full consideration of the political and economic interests of African countries at all key international platforms, ensure fairer representation of African States in the global decision-making system, including the UN Security Council, and support reform of the international financial architecture. We fully respect the decisions adopted in this regard – the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
<...>
We attach great importance to strengthening peace and security on the African continent. This is a key prerequisite for steady and sustainable socio-economic development, and an essential element of global stability.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia makes a meaningful contribution to resolving ongoing conflicts and preventing new ones in Africa. We fully share the principle fundamental to Africans: “African solutions to African problems”.
As it did 65 years ago, Russia remains a reliable partner to its friends in defending their sovereignty, relying on their own strengths. We consider unacceptable the course pursued by certain countries and military-political blocs representing the Global Minority, aimed at drawing the region into confrontational geopolitical adventures. This runs counter to Africa’s independent development and prosperity.
We assist in strengthening the defence capabilities of African countries to counter internal and external threats, first and foremost terrorism.
<...>
We are convinced that sustainable conflict resolution requires addressing root causes, which lie in the legacy of Western colonialism – a system that disrupted Africa’s natural historical development, arbitrarily drew borders, and imposed an economic order serving the interests of Western metropolises.
Regrettably, various forms of neo-colonialism persist to this day. We stand ready to act together with our African partners to eradicate them, including through the development of legal instruments to assess and compensate for damage inflicted during the colonial period. Following the first Russia–Africa Ministerial Conference, we agreed to consider establishing a relevant permanent coordination mechanism.
<...>
Today, we are witnessing Africa’s “second awakening”, and the strengthening of its international standing.
We support our African friends’ aspiration to independently choose their partners.
We remain a reliable ally of African states in strengthening their national sovereignty – politically, in security matters, and across all other dimensions: economic, energy, food, technological, digital, human resources, and information – relying on their own resources and national interests, as well as on external partners who fully respect those interests.
Our political dialogue at the highest and high levels is actively developing. Russia’s diplomatic presence on the continent continues to expand. This year, embassies opened in Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. Next in line are The Gambia, Liberia, Togo, and the Comoros.
We invite partners that do not yet have embassies in Moscow to consider opening them. We stand ready to provide every possible assistance.
📄 Read in full
Forwarded from Sputnik Africa
'Ghana Needs to Reduce Its Dependence on Traditional Western Markets by Expanding Trade With BRICS Nations': Expert
🎯One of the initiatives aimed at achieving this goal is the development of a maritime transport network linking Ghana with neighboring West African countries, including Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.
The network offers a sea-based alternative to congested road travel, helping to mitigate unforeseen accidents and delays, according to John Aggrey, CEO of the Ghana-Russia Center for Commerce and Relations.
🔸 The project is expected to reduce transportation costs, diversify revenue streams, and increase trade efficiency for Ghana’s economy.
✅ This maritime project aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, which aims to enhance regional trade and economic integration—a goal that this transport network directly supports.
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🔸 Sputnik Africa | X 🔸
🎯One of the initiatives aimed at achieving this goal is the development of a maritime transport network linking Ghana with neighboring West African countries, including Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.
The network offers a sea-based alternative to congested road travel, helping to mitigate unforeseen accidents and delays, according to John Aggrey, CEO of the Ghana-Russia Center for Commerce and Relations.
"By improving connectivity and reducing trade barriers, this initiative is expected to boost trade volumes and economic cooperation among West African countries," Aggrey told Sputnik Africa.
"I believe that, over time, we will be on par with other global ports of entry," Aggrey emphasized, highlighting the potential for innovation and future growth.
Subscribe to @sputnik_africa
🔸 Sputnik Africa | X 🔸
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with TASS News Agency (December 28, 2025)
Key points
• Russia appreciates efforts by President of the United States Donald Trump and his team to achieve a peace settlement. We are committed to continuing to work with the American negotiators to devise lasting agreements for addressing the conflict’s root causes.
We see that Vladimir Zelensky’s regime and his European curators are not ready to engage in constructive talks. <...> Meanwhile, almost all European countries with few exceptions have been pumping the Kiev regime full of money and weapons.
• There has been a thorough effort to review the updated version of the US National Security Strategy, which is quite understandable. Its central tenets must be supported by what the US does, but even today it offers a new vision. Experts believe that this could be indicative of an effort in Washington to reconsider its international standing. <...> 👉 Speaking of Russia, one thing worth mentioning is the fact that the strategy does not contain any calls to subject our country to a system-wide containment and deterrence policy.
It may be the first time for the United States when it publicly questioned NATO’s long-standing commitment to expansionism, even if it stopped short of undertaking not to expand NATO. <...> Some of the ideas set forth in this strategy are not at odds with efforts to promote dialogue between Russia and the United States. That said, we will make our final decisions only by looking at what the US administration does on the international stage.
• The EU has been seeking to dismantle mechanisms for working with Russia. It all started somewhere around 2014, when the ruling elites in most European countries started <...> inciting Russia-hating and militarist sentiment among their people.
• In 2025, we witnessed unprecedented events with Israel carrying out a direct act of aggression against Iran together with the United States, which targeted facilities related to the Iranian nuclear programme with missile and bomb strikes despite the fact that these facilities benefit from IAEA’s guarantees. <...> We would like to note that the Iranians have been exercising maximum restraint and composure by responding to all the provocations and blackmail on behalf of the West by stating their commitment to dialogue and resolving the lingering differences by political means.
We have shared our assessment of the situation in the Gaza Strip many times. We welcomed international mediation efforts. Thanks to these efforts the hot phase of the bloodshed that lasted since October 2023 was stopped and the mass starvation of the Palestinians prevented. <...>
The main thing here is to remedy the historical injustice and provide for establishing a viable Palestinian state, which would coexist with Israel.
• Taiwan is currently used as a tool of military-strategic deterrence against the PRC. This is also a matter of pursing vested interests. <...> We believe that the Taiwan problem is an internal affair of the PRC.
• Whether leaders like Ursula von der Leyen, Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron and the like have reached a point of no return is hard to say. We do see that so far, the European war party has been investing its political capital in inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia, and is ready to go the whole nine yards. <...> Not only they do not care about the Ukrainians but they do not care about their people either.
This is the only way to explain the fact that there is still talk in Europe about sending military forces to Ukraine as part of the so-called coalition of the willing. We have said many times that in this case our Armed Forces would view them as a legitimate target.
❗️My messages for European politicians who seem to have problems getting to grips with this fact – I hope they get to read this interview – is to repeat one more time 👉 there is no need to be afraid of Russia attacking anyone. However, should anyone consider attacking Russia, they would face a devastating blow.
Read in full
Key points
• Russia appreciates efforts by President of the United States Donald Trump and his team to achieve a peace settlement. We are committed to continuing to work with the American negotiators to devise lasting agreements for addressing the conflict’s root causes.
We see that Vladimir Zelensky’s regime and his European curators are not ready to engage in constructive talks. <...> Meanwhile, almost all European countries with few exceptions have been pumping the Kiev regime full of money and weapons.
• There has been a thorough effort to review the updated version of the US National Security Strategy, which is quite understandable. Its central tenets must be supported by what the US does, but even today it offers a new vision. Experts believe that this could be indicative of an effort in Washington to reconsider its international standing. <...> 👉 Speaking of Russia, one thing worth mentioning is the fact that the strategy does not contain any calls to subject our country to a system-wide containment and deterrence policy.
It may be the first time for the United States when it publicly questioned NATO’s long-standing commitment to expansionism, even if it stopped short of undertaking not to expand NATO. <...> Some of the ideas set forth in this strategy are not at odds with efforts to promote dialogue between Russia and the United States. That said, we will make our final decisions only by looking at what the US administration does on the international stage.
• The EU has been seeking to dismantle mechanisms for working with Russia. It all started somewhere around 2014, when the ruling elites in most European countries started <...> inciting Russia-hating and militarist sentiment among their people.
• In 2025, we witnessed unprecedented events with Israel carrying out a direct act of aggression against Iran together with the United States, which targeted facilities related to the Iranian nuclear programme with missile and bomb strikes despite the fact that these facilities benefit from IAEA’s guarantees. <...> We would like to note that the Iranians have been exercising maximum restraint and composure by responding to all the provocations and blackmail on behalf of the West by stating their commitment to dialogue and resolving the lingering differences by political means.
We have shared our assessment of the situation in the Gaza Strip many times. We welcomed international mediation efforts. Thanks to these efforts the hot phase of the bloodshed that lasted since October 2023 was stopped and the mass starvation of the Palestinians prevented. <...>
The main thing here is to remedy the historical injustice and provide for establishing a viable Palestinian state, which would coexist with Israel.
• Taiwan is currently used as a tool of military-strategic deterrence against the PRC. This is also a matter of pursing vested interests. <...> We believe that the Taiwan problem is an internal affair of the PRC.
• Whether leaders like Ursula von der Leyen, Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron and the like have reached a point of no return is hard to say. We do see that so far, the European war party has been investing its political capital in inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia, and is ready to go the whole nine yards. <...> Not only they do not care about the Ukrainians but they do not care about their people either.
This is the only way to explain the fact that there is still talk in Europe about sending military forces to Ukraine as part of the so-called coalition of the willing. We have said many times that in this case our Armed Forces would view them as a legitimate target.
❗️My messages for European politicians who seem to have problems getting to grips with this fact – I hope they get to read this interview – is to repeat one more time 👉 there is no need to be afraid of Russia attacking anyone. However, should anyone consider attacking Russia, they would face a devastating blow.
Read in full
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
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🎄 President of Russia Vladimir Putin’s New Year Address to the Nation
💬 Esteemed citizens of Russia, dear friends,
In these final moments before the New Year, we feel time itself moving forward. The future lies ahead of us – and what it will become largely depends on us.
We rely on our own strength. On those who stand beside us, who are dear and close to our hearts, and we are always ready to lend a shoulder in return. This mutual support gives us confidence that all we have planned – our hopes and aspirations – will definitely come true.
Of course, each of us has our own dreams – personal, special and distinct in their own way. Yet they are inseparable from the destiny of our Fatherland, from a sincere wish to be of benefit to it. For together we are the people of Russia.
The labour, successes and achievements of each of us form new chapters in Russia's thousand-year history. And the strength of our unity determines the sovereignty and security of the Fatherland, its development and its future.
The New Year is, above all, faith in all that is good – in kindness and good fortune. It is a unique and magical holiday, when hearts open to love, friendship and compassion, to attentiveness and generosity.
We seek to bring joy and warmth through our care to those who need support and attention. And, of course, through word and deed, to stand by our heroes – the participants in the special military operation.
You have taken upon yourselves the responsibility to fight for your home country, for truth and justice. Millions of people across Russia, I assure you, stand by your side on this New Year’s night. They are thinking of you, sharing your trials, and believing in you. We are united by a sincere, selfless and devoted love for Russia.
💪 I congratulate all our soldiers and commanders on the coming New Year! We believe in you and in our Victory!
***
Dear friends, in just a few moments we will hear the chimes of the Kremlin Clock, and the New Year will commence. We welcome it together with those closest to us – with our children, parents, friends and comrades-in-arms. Even those who are far away right now – you are still with us in spirit.
I wish everyone good health and happiness, mutual understanding and well-being. And, without fail, love – the kind that inspires.
May our traditions, our faith and our memory unite all generations and support us always in every endeavour. Together we are one big family – strong and united. And therefore we will continue to work and to create, to achieve our goals and to move only forward – for the sake of our children and grandchildren, for the sake of our great Russia.
🎉 Happy New Year 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣, dear friends!
💬 Esteemed citizens of Russia, dear friends,
In these final moments before the New Year, we feel time itself moving forward. The future lies ahead of us – and what it will become largely depends on us.
We rely on our own strength. On those who stand beside us, who are dear and close to our hearts, and we are always ready to lend a shoulder in return. This mutual support gives us confidence that all we have planned – our hopes and aspirations – will definitely come true.
Of course, each of us has our own dreams – personal, special and distinct in their own way. Yet they are inseparable from the destiny of our Fatherland, from a sincere wish to be of benefit to it. For together we are the people of Russia.
The labour, successes and achievements of each of us form new chapters in Russia's thousand-year history. And the strength of our unity determines the sovereignty and security of the Fatherland, its development and its future.
The New Year is, above all, faith in all that is good – in kindness and good fortune. It is a unique and magical holiday, when hearts open to love, friendship and compassion, to attentiveness and generosity.
We seek to bring joy and warmth through our care to those who need support and attention. And, of course, through word and deed, to stand by our heroes – the participants in the special military operation.
You have taken upon yourselves the responsibility to fight for your home country, for truth and justice. Millions of people across Russia, I assure you, stand by your side on this New Year’s night. They are thinking of you, sharing your trials, and believing in you. We are united by a sincere, selfless and devoted love for Russia.
💪 I congratulate all our soldiers and commanders on the coming New Year! We believe in you and in our Victory!
***
Dear friends, in just a few moments we will hear the chimes of the Kremlin Clock, and the New Year will commence. We welcome it together with those closest to us – with our children, parents, friends and comrades-in-arms. Even those who are far away right now – you are still with us in spirit.
I wish everyone good health and happiness, mutual understanding and well-being. And, without fail, love – the kind that inspires.
May our traditions, our faith and our memory unite all generations and support us always in every endeavour. Together we are one big family – strong and united. And therefore we will continue to work and to create, to achieve our goals and to move only forward – for the sake of our children and grandchildren, for the sake of our great Russia.
🎉 Happy New Year 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣, dear friends!
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺 On January 15 Vladimir Putin received the letters of credence from newly appointed ambassadors of foreign nations. The ceremony took place in the St Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.
The letters of credence were presented to the President of Russia by the representatives of Republic of Slovenia, Federal Republic of Somalia, Gabonese Republic, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, French Republic, Republic of Senegal, Republic of Rwanda, Czech Republic, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Portuguese Republic, People's Republic of Bangladesh, Federative Republic of Brazil, Kingdom of Norway, Kingdom of Sweden, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Colombia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Ghana, Republic of Namibia, Republic of Austria, Republic of Cuba, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Republic of Peru, Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Republic of Lebanon, Swiss Confederation, Republic of Iraq, Italian Republic, and Republic of Maldives.
***
Excerpts from President Putin's speech at the ceremony for presenting letters of credence:
💬 Vladimir Putin: International cooperation is fundamental to humanity’s sustainable development and prosperity. In today’s diverse and interconnected world, global stability and security depend directly on the ability of states to interact constructively. Open and honest partnerships create the conditions needed to tackle our shared challenges.
There is a reason why people say that peace does not come by itself. It must be built, day-by-day, and it is a painstaking process. Achieving peace requires effort, a sense of responsibility and the ability to make deliberate choices. This posture is especially relevant today considering the increasingly deteriorating international environment. Old conflicts are escalating, while new serious hotbeds of tension emerge.
At the same time, unilateral and dangerous actions often substitute diplomacy, efforts to come to a compromise or find solutions which would suit everyone. Instead of having states engage in dialogue with one another, there are those relying on the might-makes-right principle to assert their unilateral narratives, those who believe that they can impose their will, lecture others how they must live and issue orders.
Dozens of countries across the world have been suffering from the infringement of their sovereign rights, from chaos and lawlessness. They lack the strength and resources to stand up for themselves.
Placing a greater emphasis on having all members of the international community respect international law, as well as facilitating the advent of new emerging trends and a fair multipolar world order can be viewed as a reasonable solution.
I would like to note that Russia is sincerely committed to the ideals of a multipolar world. Our country has always pursued and will continue to pursue a balanced, constructive foreign policy course that takes into account both our national interests and the objective trends of global development. <...>
Russia advocates for strengthening the key, central role of the United Nations in global affairs, the organisation that celebrated its anniversary last year. <...>
Security must be truly comprehensive and, therefore, equal and indivisible, and it cannot be ensured for some at the expense of the security of others.
This principle is enshrined in fundamental international legal instruments.
Disregarding this basic, vital principle has never led to anything good and never will. This has been clearly demonstrated by the crisis around Ukraine, which became a direct consequence of years of ignoring Russia’s legitimate interests and a deliberate policy of creating threats to our security, including the advancement of the NATO bloc towards Russia’s borders – contrary to the public promises made to us.
<...>
☝️ Russia is always open to building equal and constructive relations with all international partners for the sake of universal prosperity, well-being, and development.
Read in full
The letters of credence were presented to the President of Russia by the representatives of Republic of Slovenia, Federal Republic of Somalia, Gabonese Republic, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, French Republic, Republic of Senegal, Republic of Rwanda, Czech Republic, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Portuguese Republic, People's Republic of Bangladesh, Federative Republic of Brazil, Kingdom of Norway, Kingdom of Sweden, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Colombia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Ghana, Republic of Namibia, Republic of Austria, Republic of Cuba, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Republic of Peru, Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Republic of Lebanon, Swiss Confederation, Republic of Iraq, Italian Republic, and Republic of Maldives.
***
Excerpts from President Putin's speech at the ceremony for presenting letters of credence:
💬 Vladimir Putin: International cooperation is fundamental to humanity’s sustainable development and prosperity. In today’s diverse and interconnected world, global stability and security depend directly on the ability of states to interact constructively. Open and honest partnerships create the conditions needed to tackle our shared challenges.
There is a reason why people say that peace does not come by itself. It must be built, day-by-day, and it is a painstaking process. Achieving peace requires effort, a sense of responsibility and the ability to make deliberate choices. This posture is especially relevant today considering the increasingly deteriorating international environment. Old conflicts are escalating, while new serious hotbeds of tension emerge.
At the same time, unilateral and dangerous actions often substitute diplomacy, efforts to come to a compromise or find solutions which would suit everyone. Instead of having states engage in dialogue with one another, there are those relying on the might-makes-right principle to assert their unilateral narratives, those who believe that they can impose their will, lecture others how they must live and issue orders.
Dozens of countries across the world have been suffering from the infringement of their sovereign rights, from chaos and lawlessness. They lack the strength and resources to stand up for themselves.
Placing a greater emphasis on having all members of the international community respect international law, as well as facilitating the advent of new emerging trends and a fair multipolar world order can be viewed as a reasonable solution.
I would like to note that Russia is sincerely committed to the ideals of a multipolar world. Our country has always pursued and will continue to pursue a balanced, constructive foreign policy course that takes into account both our national interests and the objective trends of global development. <...>
Russia advocates for strengthening the key, central role of the United Nations in global affairs, the organisation that celebrated its anniversary last year. <...>
Security must be truly comprehensive and, therefore, equal and indivisible, and it cannot be ensured for some at the expense of the security of others.
This principle is enshrined in fundamental international legal instruments.
Disregarding this basic, vital principle has never led to anything good and never will. This has been clearly demonstrated by the crisis around Ukraine, which became a direct consequence of years of ignoring Russia’s legitimate interests and a deliberate policy of creating threats to our security, including the advancement of the NATO bloc towards Russia’s borders – contrary to the public promises made to us.
<...>
☝️ Russia is always open to building equal and constructive relations with all international partners for the sake of universal prosperity, well-being, and development.
Read in full
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
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#Outcomes2025
🎙 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement during his annual news conference on the Russian diplomacy outcomes in 2025 (January 20, 2026)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: The events of the first twenty days of 2026 have surpassed everything in terms of intensity that 2025 left behind.
We have witnessed unprecedented events – a blatant armed invasion by the US of Venezuela, resulting in dozens killed and wounded, as well as the seizure and forcible removal of the legitimate President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro together with his spouse. At the same time, we are observing threats directed at Cuba and other countries of the Latin American and Caribbean region.
Of deep concern are the overt and openly declared attempts by external forces to destabilize the political situation in Iran. In particular, one such “political figure” of our time – the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas – recently stated that, by supporting protests, the international community, apparently meaning the EU, is seeking regime change in that country.
I will not even dwell on the aspiration of most Western countries to continue using the Kiev regime for armed confrontation with Russia. The goal of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on us is voiced less frequently now, but by all indications it remains present in the minds and plans of, above all, European leaders.
🇷🇺 Russia will defend its interests consistently – without encroaching on anyone’s legitimate rights, yet without allowing our own legitimate rights to be treated arbitrarily.
As for the theses used by the West with regard to our country in 2025, the “isolation” of Russia – as is obvious to everyone – did not happen, no matter how insistently our ill-wishers spoke of it.
❗️ Our position on Ukraine is that it is necessary to eliminate the root causes of this crisis, which the West for many years deliberately created in order to turn this country into a threat to our security, using it as a bulwark against Russia directly on our borders.
A major event in 2025 was the celebration marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War – the Parade on Red Square and the large number of foreign guests. We value everyone who personally took part in these celebrations or sent a special delegation.
👉 We are interested in contributing to de-escalation in all the hotspots referred to – be it Venezuela, and I would especially highlight the situation around Iran, which must be resolved on the basis of respect and Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
We are convinced that, for a long-term settlement in the Middle East, it is finally necessary to implement the UN decision on the establishment of a Palestinian State. This criterion fully retains its relevance in light of the widely discussed Donald Trump's initiative to establish a “Peace Council”.
🎙 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement during his annual news conference on the Russian diplomacy outcomes in 2025 (January 20, 2026)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: The events of the first twenty days of 2026 have surpassed everything in terms of intensity that 2025 left behind.
We have witnessed unprecedented events – a blatant armed invasion by the US of Venezuela, resulting in dozens killed and wounded, as well as the seizure and forcible removal of the legitimate President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro together with his spouse. At the same time, we are observing threats directed at Cuba and other countries of the Latin American and Caribbean region.
Of deep concern are the overt and openly declared attempts by external forces to destabilize the political situation in Iran. In particular, one such “political figure” of our time – the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas – recently stated that, by supporting protests, the international community, apparently meaning the EU, is seeking regime change in that country.
I will not even dwell on the aspiration of most Western countries to continue using the Kiev regime for armed confrontation with Russia. The goal of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on us is voiced less frequently now, but by all indications it remains present in the minds and plans of, above all, European leaders.
🇷🇺 Russia will defend its interests consistently – without encroaching on anyone’s legitimate rights, yet without allowing our own legitimate rights to be treated arbitrarily.
As for the theses used by the West with regard to our country in 2025, the “isolation” of Russia – as is obvious to everyone – did not happen, no matter how insistently our ill-wishers spoke of it.
❗️ Our position on Ukraine is that it is necessary to eliminate the root causes of this crisis, which the West for many years deliberately created in order to turn this country into a threat to our security, using it as a bulwark against Russia directly on our borders.
A major event in 2025 was the celebration marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War – the Parade on Red Square and the large number of foreign guests. We value everyone who personally took part in these celebrations or sent a special delegation.
👉 We are interested in contributing to de-escalation in all the hotspots referred to – be it Venezuela, and I would especially highlight the situation around Iran, which must be resolved on the basis of respect and Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
We are convinced that, for a long-term settlement in the Middle East, it is finally necessary to implement the UN decision on the establishment of a Palestinian State. This criterion fully retains its relevance in light of the widely discussed Donald Trump's initiative to establish a “Peace Council”.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
#Outcomes2025
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his annual news conference on the Russian diplomacy outcomes in 2025 (January 20, 2026)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: We are witnessing tectonic shifts affecting the entire global order.
It is telling that the West, which over the past decade actively sought to oppose international law in its original, principled interpretation with its own concept of a so-called “rules-based world order”, has now largely dropped this term from its vocabulary.
All Western European countries are currently trying to make sense of what is happening in the world in the context of the course announced and pursued by the US President, a course that formally fits into the “rules-based order”. The difference is that these “rules” are no longer written by the “collective West”, but by its single representative. For Europe, this has come as a profound shock. We are observing the situation closely.
👉 It is clear that the developments we are witnessing, as well as the actions announced by President Trump on the international stage, reflect an intensifying competitive struggle.
We have repeatedly spoken about recent trends in global economic development. China, operating within the very rules that the West – led by the US – laid down as the foundation of the globalization model promoted worldwide until recently, has outperformed its Western competitors in trade, the economy, investment and infrastructure projects. China's economic and financial indicators speak for themselves.
We see attempts to counter this situation through sanctions, tariffs and duties. The US seeks to negotiate, yet this is happening in the absence of any common criteria that until recently underpinned the work of the #IMF, the #WorldBank and the #WTO. All those rules on which a Western-friendly world order was supposed to be based have effectively been cast aside.
⚔️ What is unfolding is a game of “might makes right”. We are all witnessing this.
We can discuss how conceptual approaches to world order are changing and how concrete processes are developing in the course of an interactive dialogue. However, the consequences of this line are felt not only by countries of the Global South and East – crisis tendencies are also accumulating within Western societies themselves.
Greenland is a clear example. It is on everyone’s lips, and the debates unfolding around it would have been difficult to imagine not so long ago – including discussions about the prospects for NATO’s continued existence as a unified Western military-political bloc.
As for Greenland, our position is simple: if Western countries choose to deal with one another “by mob rules”, that is their choice and their right.
🇷🇺 For our part, Russia will conduct relations with all our partners – both from the Global Majority and from among Western countries – who are genuinely interested in engaging with Russia and discussing concrete, mutually beneficial projects ☝️ on the basis of equality.
📺 Watch the news conference in full
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his annual news conference on the Russian diplomacy outcomes in 2025 (January 20, 2026)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: We are witnessing tectonic shifts affecting the entire global order.
It is telling that the West, which over the past decade actively sought to oppose international law in its original, principled interpretation with its own concept of a so-called “rules-based world order”, has now largely dropped this term from its vocabulary.
All Western European countries are currently trying to make sense of what is happening in the world in the context of the course announced and pursued by the US President, a course that formally fits into the “rules-based order”. The difference is that these “rules” are no longer written by the “collective West”, but by its single representative. For Europe, this has come as a profound shock. We are observing the situation closely.
👉 It is clear that the developments we are witnessing, as well as the actions announced by President Trump on the international stage, reflect an intensifying competitive struggle.
We have repeatedly spoken about recent trends in global economic development. China, operating within the very rules that the West – led by the US – laid down as the foundation of the globalization model promoted worldwide until recently, has outperformed its Western competitors in trade, the economy, investment and infrastructure projects. China's economic and financial indicators speak for themselves.
We see attempts to counter this situation through sanctions, tariffs and duties. The US seeks to negotiate, yet this is happening in the absence of any common criteria that until recently underpinned the work of the #IMF, the #WorldBank and the #WTO. All those rules on which a Western-friendly world order was supposed to be based have effectively been cast aside.
⚔️ What is unfolding is a game of “might makes right”. We are all witnessing this.
We can discuss how conceptual approaches to world order are changing and how concrete processes are developing in the course of an interactive dialogue. However, the consequences of this line are felt not only by countries of the Global South and East – crisis tendencies are also accumulating within Western societies themselves.
Greenland is a clear example. It is on everyone’s lips, and the debates unfolding around it would have been difficult to imagine not so long ago – including discussions about the prospects for NATO’s continued existence as a unified Western military-political bloc.
As for Greenland, our position is simple: if Western countries choose to deal with one another “by mob rules”, that is their choice and their right.
🇷🇺 For our part, Russia will conduct relations with all our partners – both from the Global Majority and from among Western countries – who are genuinely interested in engaging with Russia and discussing concrete, mutually beneficial projects ☝️ on the basis of equality.
📺 Watch the news conference in full
Ambassador Sergei Berdnikov participates at the International Conference dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of the Center for Migration Studies of the University of Ghana
On January 27, 2026, H.E. Mr. Sergei Berdnikov, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Ghana, took part in the International Conference dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of the Center for Migration Studies of the University of Ghana.
In his welcome address, H.E. Mr. Sergei Berdnikov dwelled on the current Russia-Africa relations in the humanitarian sphere and emphasized the directions and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation with Ghana in this area.
On January 27, 2026, H.E. Mr. Sergei Berdnikov, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Ghana, took part in the International Conference dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of the Center for Migration Studies of the University of Ghana.
In his welcome address, H.E. Mr. Sergei Berdnikov dwelled on the current Russia-Africa relations in the humanitarian sphere and emphasized the directions and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation with Ghana in this area.
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ghana, the Tomsk State University, the “Russkiy Mir” Foundation, the Ghana–Russia Center for Commerce and Relations, the E-Mort School Complex and invite YOU to enroll in the First FREE Online Russian Language Courses in Ghana. The online Russian language training program for Ghanaians is designed to equip you with the skills to communicate effectively in one of the world's most influential languages. This initiative, tailored specifically for Ghanaians, offers a unique chance to dive into Russian culture, boost your career prospects, and connect with a global community. The courses will start on March 2026. For the enrollment, please fill out the form – https://forms.gle/dwqSeoeAn8ADFu5R7
Don't miss this chance to expand your horizons – join the online Russian language training(more details will be shared with participants) and unlock new possibilities!
Don't miss this chance to expand your horizons – join the online Russian language training(more details will be shared with participants) and unlock new possibilities!
On February 3, 2026, the Russian news agency “SputnikPro” with the support of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Ghana in cooperation with the Ghana – Russia Center for Commerce and Relations as well as the Center for Public Diplomacy in Accra, arranged media seminar titled “Pro and Cons of AI generated news content” both in-person and on-line formats. Representatives of Ghanaian media, bloggers, as well as students of the Ghana University of Journalism, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) participated in the said event.On behalf of the Russian side, Mr. Alexander Kuzyk, the Managing Editor Radio and Podcast Department of “SputnikPro”, dwelled on the use of Artificial Intelligence in mass media and gave impressive examples of the use of different AI technologies in the routine work of journalists.