Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin answered questions from journalists and the people of Russia at the 2025 Year-End Conference (December 19, 2025)
Read in full
Key points:
• In 2025, Russia's GDP growth stood at 1%. However, over the past three years, cumulative growth reached 9.7%, which is a more representative figure. By comparison, growth in the eurozone over the same period amounted to 3.1%. Slower growth in Russia is a deliberate choice – the price paid for preserving economic quality, stability, and sound macroeconomic fundamentals.
• Attempts in Brussels to seize Russian assets should not be called “theft” but robbery, as these actions are carried out openly. This robbery has not been carried out because the consequences could be extremely serious for the perpetrators – not only for their reputation, but also for the foundations of the global financial system. All assets taken will ultimately have to be returned. Russia will defend its interests, primarily through legal channels.
• Claims that Russia is rejecting peace initiatives are completely baseless. Moscow has openly stated its readiness to make compromises. At this stage, the initiative now lies fully with the West – above all, with the Kiev regime and its European sponsors. Russia stands ready for negotiations and a peaceful resolution.
• Efforts to build a new security architecture in Europe remain highly relevant. Even before the collapse of the USSR, proposals were made in Europe for a security system without NATO expansion, involving the US, Eastern Europe, and Russia – without exclusions or threats. Russia is not demanding anything extraordinary and does not challenge states’ right to choose their means of defence, but such choices must not threaten others, including Russia.
• Europe’s ruling elites are trying to hide years of economic and social policy failures with the myth of a “hostile Russia”. Where is Europe’s so-called "green agenda", when coal plants are being reopened and nuclear power stations being brought back? Today’s situation was created by Western politicians themselves, who continue to escalate tensions.
• Donald Trump was previously accused of "colluding with Russia" during the elections, but the allegations proved baseless – there was no collusion or interference by Russia. At the same time, European political elites intervened directly, openly, and unambiguously. Some in Europe still hope that the 2026 US midterm elections might alter the political balance and enable increased pressure on President Trump.
• The combined GDP of Russia and European countries in purchasing power parity terms would exceed that of the US. By combining and complementing their capabilities, the sides could prosper instead of confronting each other. Russia is not fighting Europe – Europe is fighting Russia through Ukrainian nationalists. Moscow is ready to cease hostilities immediately, provided Russia’s security is guaranteed in the medium- and long-term.
• I hope that a blockade of the Kaliningrad Region never happens. But if threats of this kind are created, they will be eliminated. Everyone must clearly understand that such actions would lead to an unprecedented escalation, push the conflict to a completely different level, and could expand it up to a large-scale armed confrontation.
• Aggressive statements by NATO leadership raise serious concerns. In the updated US National Security Strategy, Russia is not designated as an enemy, despite the fact that the US is NATO’s key player, founder, and main sponsor. Yet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks of preparing for war with Russia – contradicting the position of NATO’s leading country and pointing to a lack of professional responsibility among a number of Western leaders.
• We are ready to work with the UK, Europe as a whole, and the US – but on equal terms and with mutual respect. ☝️ Should this point ever be reached, it will benefit everyone.
#YearInReview2025
Read in full
Key points:
• In 2025, Russia's GDP growth stood at 1%. However, over the past three years, cumulative growth reached 9.7%, which is a more representative figure. By comparison, growth in the eurozone over the same period amounted to 3.1%. Slower growth in Russia is a deliberate choice – the price paid for preserving economic quality, stability, and sound macroeconomic fundamentals.
• Attempts in Brussels to seize Russian assets should not be called “theft” but robbery, as these actions are carried out openly. This robbery has not been carried out because the consequences could be extremely serious for the perpetrators – not only for their reputation, but also for the foundations of the global financial system. All assets taken will ultimately have to be returned. Russia will defend its interests, primarily through legal channels.
• Claims that Russia is rejecting peace initiatives are completely baseless. Moscow has openly stated its readiness to make compromises. At this stage, the initiative now lies fully with the West – above all, with the Kiev regime and its European sponsors. Russia stands ready for negotiations and a peaceful resolution.
• Efforts to build a new security architecture in Europe remain highly relevant. Even before the collapse of the USSR, proposals were made in Europe for a security system without NATO expansion, involving the US, Eastern Europe, and Russia – without exclusions or threats. Russia is not demanding anything extraordinary and does not challenge states’ right to choose their means of defence, but such choices must not threaten others, including Russia.
• Europe’s ruling elites are trying to hide years of economic and social policy failures with the myth of a “hostile Russia”. Where is Europe’s so-called "green agenda", when coal plants are being reopened and nuclear power stations being brought back? Today’s situation was created by Western politicians themselves, who continue to escalate tensions.
• Donald Trump was previously accused of "colluding with Russia" during the elections, but the allegations proved baseless – there was no collusion or interference by Russia. At the same time, European political elites intervened directly, openly, and unambiguously. Some in Europe still hope that the 2026 US midterm elections might alter the political balance and enable increased pressure on President Trump.
• The combined GDP of Russia and European countries in purchasing power parity terms would exceed that of the US. By combining and complementing their capabilities, the sides could prosper instead of confronting each other. Russia is not fighting Europe – Europe is fighting Russia through Ukrainian nationalists. Moscow is ready to cease hostilities immediately, provided Russia’s security is guaranteed in the medium- and long-term.
• I hope that a blockade of the Kaliningrad Region never happens. But if threats of this kind are created, they will be eliminated. Everyone must clearly understand that such actions would lead to an unprecedented escalation, push the conflict to a completely different level, and could expand it up to a large-scale armed confrontation.
• Aggressive statements by NATO leadership raise serious concerns. In the updated US National Security Strategy, Russia is not designated as an enemy, despite the fact that the US is NATO’s key player, founder, and main sponsor. Yet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks of preparing for war with Russia – contradicting the position of NATO’s leading country and pointing to a lack of professional responsibility among a number of Western leaders.
• We are ready to work with the UK, Europe as a whole, and the US – but on equal terms and with mutual respect. ☝️ Should this point ever be reached, it will benefit everyone.
#YearInReview2025
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🗓 On December 18, building on the UN General Assembly resolution 80/106 “International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations”, adopted on December 5 at the initiative of the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter with Russia’s participation, a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly was held to mark the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.
Our country played a key role in supporting the national liberation movements of colonial peoples. The Victory of the Soviet Union over German Nazism and Japanese militarism inspired patriotic forces resisting colonial oppression and triggered a powerful surge of liberation movements worldwide. The dedicated efforts of Soviet diplomacy, aimed at dismantling the colonial system, ensured the adoption on December 14, 1960, during the 15th Session of the UN General Assembly, of resolution 1514, which enshrined this historic Declaration.
The document became one of the most significant achievements of the UN. At the time, it freed nearly one third of the world’s population from colonial domination and led to the emergence of dozens of new states across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania.
Our country provided newly independent states with political and material support, helped them defend their sovereignty, and assisted in rebuilding national economies undermined by decades of colonial exploitation. We actively contributed to the restoration of infrastructure, the establishment of state institutions, education systems and training of national personnel, and delivered substantial humanitarian assistance.
❗️ The colonial era, which is considered de jure concluded with the adoption of the Declaration, de facto remains unresolved. 17 territories worldwide still lack sovereignty or remain directly dependent on administering metropolitan states. Even after the formal liberation of dependent territories, former colonial powers have not abandoned practices of exploitation, continuing to draw resources from previously subordinated countries to sustain their own development and claims to global dominance. This includes the persistence of unequal relations, through which natural, economic, intellectual and other resources are extracted under various pretexts.
Today, with Russia's active support, a broad front of Global Majority states is taking shape, determined to put an end to the remnants of the shameful colonial era that impede the emergence of a fair and equitable multipolar global architecture. An important role in this effort is played by the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter.
🤝 Russia will continue, together with like-minded partners, to consolidate efforts aimed at overcoming diktat and ensuring the right of peoples to independent development, grounded in cultural and civilisational identity and traditional values.
#StopColonialism
Our country played a key role in supporting the national liberation movements of colonial peoples. The Victory of the Soviet Union over German Nazism and Japanese militarism inspired patriotic forces resisting colonial oppression and triggered a powerful surge of liberation movements worldwide. The dedicated efforts of Soviet diplomacy, aimed at dismantling the colonial system, ensured the adoption on December 14, 1960, during the 15th Session of the UN General Assembly, of resolution 1514, which enshrined this historic Declaration.
The document became one of the most significant achievements of the UN. At the time, it freed nearly one third of the world’s population from colonial domination and led to the emergence of dozens of new states across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania.
Our country provided newly independent states with political and material support, helped them defend their sovereignty, and assisted in rebuilding national economies undermined by decades of colonial exploitation. We actively contributed to the restoration of infrastructure, the establishment of state institutions, education systems and training of national personnel, and delivered substantial humanitarian assistance.
❗️ The colonial era, which is considered de jure concluded with the adoption of the Declaration, de facto remains unresolved. 17 territories worldwide still lack sovereignty or remain directly dependent on administering metropolitan states. Even after the formal liberation of dependent territories, former colonial powers have not abandoned practices of exploitation, continuing to draw resources from previously subordinated countries to sustain their own development and claims to global dominance. This includes the persistence of unequal relations, through which natural, economic, intellectual and other resources are extracted under various pretexts.
Today, with Russia's active support, a broad front of Global Majority states is taking shape, determined to put an end to the remnants of the shameful colonial era that impede the emergence of a fair and equitable multipolar global architecture. An important role in this effort is played by the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter.
🤝 Russia will continue, together with like-minded partners, to consolidate efforts aimed at overcoming diktat and ensuring the right of peoples to independent development, grounded in cultural and civilisational identity and traditional values.
#StopColonialism
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
📸 #PhotoOfTheDay
The official #FamilyPhoto ceremony with the participation of FM Sergey Lavrov and African nations' Ministers & representatives was held ahead of the Plenary Session of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum
📍 Cairo, December 20
#RussiaAfrica
The official #FamilyPhoto ceremony with the participation of FM Sergey Lavrov and African nations' Ministers & representatives was held ahead of the Plenary Session of the Second Ministerial Conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum
📍 Cairo, December 20
#RussiaAfrica
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
📄 JOINT STATEMENT by the Participants in the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum (Cairo, December 20, 2025)
✍️ We, the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation and the African States recognised by the UN, the Leadership of the African Union Commission and the executive bodies of the leading African integration organisations, as well as their representatives:
• We are pleased to note the strategic level of Africa-Russia cooperation and the dynamic implementation of the agreements enshrined in the final documents of the First (Sochi, 23–24 October 2019) and Second (Saint Petersburg, 27–28 July 2023) Russia–Africa Summits, including the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan 2023–2026.
• We express our willingness to proceed with the preparation of the next Action Plan for 2026–2029 aiming at its adoption at the third Russia–Africa Summit.
• We reconfirm the shared responsibility of African States and Russia to promote a just and stable world based on the principles of sovereign equality of States, non-interference in their internal affairs, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of all peoples to self-determination as provided for, inter alia, by UN General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 and 79/115 of 4 December 2024.
Political Cooperation
• We acknowledge the intense dynamics of political engagement between Russia and African States, including at the high and highest levels, and welcome the expansion of mutual diplomatic presence.
• We advocate for cooperative, rather than confrontational relations. We recognize the value of diverse multilateral platforms, including BRICS, in promoting a more inclusive and representative system of global governance.
• We reaffirm our commitment to further facilitating, on a bilateral basis, of conditions for reciprocal travels between Russia and African States, in particular to increase business, education, cultural, tourist and other people-to-people exchanges.
Security Cooperation
• We call on the world community to consolidate political and diplomatic efforts aimed at overall reduction of tensions, peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts and prevention of new crises as well as ensuring lasting and comprehensive global and regional stability.
• We advocate for compliance with international law and reject any approaches threatening stability in Africa. We emphasise the importance of respecting the universal Africa-led solutions, with partners supporting where appropriate and deplore the involvement of external actors in fuelling conflicts in Africa.
• We reaffirm our commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, its financing and providing of safe havens to terrorists.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
• We acknowledge the positive dynamics in mutual trade between the Russian Federation and African States, despite the unilateral coercive measures in force. Given the potential of Russia–Africa trade and economic cooperation, we reaffirm our shared commitment to significantly increase and diversify its scale.
• We underscore the importance of expanding the participation of Russian companies in Africa, including through cooperation focused on establishing and strengthening manufacturing and industrial capabilities.
• We reaffirm our determination to enhance interaction in the fuel and energy industries and in the field of critical raw minerals essential for just and balanced energy transition, particularly on the African continent.
Read the full statement: Part I / Part II
✍️ We, the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation and the African States recognised by the UN, the Leadership of the African Union Commission and the executive bodies of the leading African integration organisations, as well as their representatives:
• We are pleased to note the strategic level of Africa-Russia cooperation and the dynamic implementation of the agreements enshrined in the final documents of the First (Sochi, 23–24 October 2019) and Second (Saint Petersburg, 27–28 July 2023) Russia–Africa Summits, including the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan 2023–2026.
• We express our willingness to proceed with the preparation of the next Action Plan for 2026–2029 aiming at its adoption at the third Russia–Africa Summit.
• We reconfirm the shared responsibility of African States and Russia to promote a just and stable world based on the principles of sovereign equality of States, non-interference in their internal affairs, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of all peoples to self-determination as provided for, inter alia, by UN General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 and 79/115 of 4 December 2024.
Political Cooperation
• We acknowledge the intense dynamics of political engagement between Russia and African States, including at the high and highest levels, and welcome the expansion of mutual diplomatic presence.
• We advocate for cooperative, rather than confrontational relations. We recognize the value of diverse multilateral platforms, including BRICS, in promoting a more inclusive and representative system of global governance.
• We reaffirm our commitment to further facilitating, on a bilateral basis, of conditions for reciprocal travels between Russia and African States, in particular to increase business, education, cultural, tourist and other people-to-people exchanges.
Security Cooperation
• We call on the world community to consolidate political and diplomatic efforts aimed at overall reduction of tensions, peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts and prevention of new crises as well as ensuring lasting and comprehensive global and regional stability.
• We advocate for compliance with international law and reject any approaches threatening stability in Africa. We emphasise the importance of respecting the universal Africa-led solutions, with partners supporting where appropriate and deplore the involvement of external actors in fuelling conflicts in Africa.
• We reaffirm our commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, its financing and providing of safe havens to terrorists.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
• We acknowledge the positive dynamics in mutual trade between the Russian Federation and African States, despite the unilateral coercive measures in force. Given the potential of Russia–Africa trade and economic cooperation, we reaffirm our shared commitment to significantly increase and diversify its scale.
• We underscore the importance of expanding the participation of Russian companies in Africa, including through cooperation focused on establishing and strengthening manufacturing and industrial capabilities.
• We reaffirm our determination to enhance interaction in the fuel and energy industries and in the field of critical raw minerals essential for just and balanced energy transition, particularly on the African continent.
Read the full statement: Part I / Part II
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.
Subscribe to @sputnik_africa
🔸 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!