Vladimir Putin Signs Executive Order on
Holding the Intervision International Music Contest

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the executive order on holding the Intervision International Music Contest in Moscow and Moscow Region. The contest is expected to be held on a regular basis in Russia and abroad.
Intervision is intended to become a highlight of 2025 and further promote the international cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The contest will serve as a platform to demonstrate mutual respect for cultural heritage, moral and spiritual values and introduce the audience to the national identity and cultural diversity of the participating countries.

More information – in press release

Join the official Telegram channel of Contest Press Office https://t.me/+jnWYStMqnn5kNjM6

🎙 Briefing by Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (February 14, 2025)

🔹 Ukrainian crisis
🔹 Kiev regime crimes
🔹 Russophobic remarks by Italian President Sergio Mattarella
🔹 USAID’s financing of biological research in the post-Soviet space
🔹 Anti-Russian documentary aired by Australian TV
🔹 Mistreatment of military pensioners in the Baltic States
🔹 History of Russophobia in Finland and Sweden

📰 Read
📺 Watch

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#KievRegimeCrimes

A resident of the liberated town of Novogrodovka (DPR) recounted to journalists how AFU militants cynically exploited him to verify the presence of mines in residential premises. Just as the Nazis acted in the XX century, so now do the neo-Nazis in the XXI century.

As the Kursk Region is being liberated, new atrocities by the Ukrainian Nazis are being uncovered. In one of the houses in the Sudzha district, the body of a tortured and murdered veteran of the Great Patriotic War was discovered.

#West #Ramstein #Ukraine

Rumours circulated on the sidelines of the February 12 At Ramstein format meeting that it has spelled the worst implications for Ukraine. Only the British have pledged financial aid, promising $186 million. For the Kiev regime, which wages war against its own citizens, this is merely a drop in the ocean, as it spends over $3 billion per month just to maintain the front line, amounting to more than $30 billion annually.

Western leaders rubberstamping decisions to provide Ukrainian Nazis with weapons and money encourage crimes against humanity. They will not avoid responsibility for their deeds.

#USAID

According to the US State Department, in 2021-2024, Ukraine was the Agency’s top priority with $30.6 billion, or 21% of the total amount of its “international aid,” going to Ukraine.

According to WikiLeaks, more than 6,200 journalists from 707 media outlets and 279 non-governmental organisations were on USAID’s payroll.

USAID engaged in propaganda activities in Ukraine, acquiring the services of individuals and journalists, directing funds to media outlets, non-governmental organisations, and governmental structures, and conducting judicial reforms.

USAID was involved in advancing US military-biological activities. This was executed through a programme on antibiotic-resistant forms of tuberculosis. USAID’s involvement in funding biological weapons development only validate the legitimacy of our concerns over US military-biological operations near our national borders.

#Russophobia #West

A film with by a correspondent of the Australian ABC media corporation has been released. It is an ugly product of Australian documentary filmmaking which testifies to the level, or rather the lower depths of ABC’s propaganda journalism. The words ‘kill Russians’ were repeated in the film as a haunting refrain, sometimes accompanied by mocking laughter. The ABC Corporation is well known for relentlessly brainwashing its audience by demonising Russia and obscuring in every possible way the responsibility of the West and its Kiev puppets for the crimes in Ukraine.

President of the Italian Republic made several insulting remarks about our country. He drew outrageous and blatantly false historical parallels between the Russian Federation and Nazi Germany. It is strange and absurd to hear such blasphemous fabrications coming from the President of Italy, a country that knows firsthand what fascism is all about. Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime was a loyal ally of Nazi Germany.

🇷🇺🇺🇸 Press release on Russia-US consultations (February 18, 2025)

⚡️ In accordance with the agreement between President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump to step up contacts to discuss international issues and bilateral agenda, on February 18, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov held talks in Riyadh with a US delegation represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.

The participants discussed a broad range of issues, including prospects for normalising bilateral relations. The sides agreed to appoint respective ambassadors as soon as possible, and to start consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers to remove restrictions on activities of the diplomatic missions of the two countries.

The Sides agreed to establish a dialogue to identify ways to resume cooperation in the economy, including energy, outer space exploration, and other areas of mutual interest.

The Sides exchanged views on the situation surrounding Ukraine and reiterated their mutual commitment to settle the conflict.

❗️ The Russian side emphasised the importance of eliminating the root causes of the conflict, creating proper conditions for achieving a lasting and enduring peace, and ensuring security and legitimate interests of all countries in the region. An agreement was reached to continue joint work in this area through special envoys to be appointed in the near future.

The Sides agreed to resume communication channels to discuss other international issues, being mindful of Russia and the United States’ special responsibility in matters of peace and security as nuclear powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council. The interest in continuing joint work to prepare the meeting between the Russian and American presidents was confirmed.

During their stay in Riyadh, Sergey Lavrov and Yury Ushakov were received by Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. They expressed gratitude for the excellent organisation of #RussiaUS talks. The participants discussed matters related to implementing the agreements on comprehensive expansion of bilateral relations reached by President Vladimir Putin and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

🎙️Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answers to questions from Rossiya 1 television channel (Riyadh, February 18, 2025)

❓Question: When will President of Russia Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump meet?

Sergey Lavrov: When the presidents come to an agreement.

❓Question: Has a dedicated negotiation team been established?

Sergey Lavrov: It was agreed that teams from both sides would be formed following reports to our respective heads of state.

❓Question: Do you consider today’s negotiations successful?

Sergey Lavrov: I would characterise them as positive.

❓Question: Were you acquainted with Mr Marco Rubio prior to this meeting, or was this your first interaction?

Sergey Lavrov: This was our first meeting.

❓Question: What impression did the other negotiators leave?

Sergey Lavrov: We engaged in good, positive negotiations. The atmosphere was exceedingly positive. A positive atmosphere is cultivated by positive individuals.

❓Question: Reports suggest you employed humour extensively during the talks.

Sergey Lavrov: Those are intimate details. Who precisely alleges this?

❓Question: American representatives claim you made jokes during negotiations.

Sergey Lavrov: I am gratified that they enjoyed it, given their comments.

⚡️ The 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is set to take place on 18–21 June 2025

#SPIEF is a unique event in the world of business and economics, held in Saint Petersburg since 1997, starting 2006 — under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation, who has also attended each event.

Over the last 24 years, the Forum has become a leading global platform for members of the business community to meet and discuss the key economic issues facing Russia, emerging markets, and the world as a whole.

📊 SPIEF-2024 outcomes:

✅ 21'800 participants from 1️⃣3️⃣9️⃣ countries;

✅ 1'073 agreements signed;

✅ 380 business events;

✅ 1000+ experts and speakers.

To participate 👉 https://forumspb.com/en/

#SPIEF2025

Video: © Roscongress

Кодекс ответственного фактчекинга

В рамках форума «Диалог о фейках 2.0» ТАСС и АНО «Диалог Регионы» подписали меморандум о создании Международной ассоциации по фактчекингу Global Factсhecking Network (GFCN). Борьба с фейками и ее контроль — важный и обсуждаемый вопрос на мировом уровне, поэтому международное сотрудничество в этом направлении является необходимостью. Журналисты, эксперты и организации по проверке фактов будут приниматься в Ассоциацию после подписания Кодекса ответственного фактчекинга, обучения и проверки соответствия.

Представляем экспертному сообществу и фактчекерам проект "Кодекса ответственного фактчекинга".

"Кодекс ответственного фактчекинга" — это свод норм и принципов, которыми, как мы считаем, должны руководствоваться фактчекеры при выполнении своей работы. Кодекс направлен на обеспечение точности, объективности и прозрачности в процессе проверки фактов.

После официальной регистрации Международной ассоциации по фактчекингу мы предложим всем участникам подписать этот кодекс, поэтому если у вас есть замечания, дополнения, присылайте их в свободной форме на электронный адрес forum_fakes@dialog-regions.ru

Если вы хотите стать частью Международной ассоциации по фактчекингу (GFCN), напишите нам о себе по тому же электронному адресу и расскажите в свободной форме о вашем опыте противодействия фейкам или своей организации.

https://fakes2024.dialog.info/codex

CODE OF RESPONSIBLE FACT-CHECKING

Within the framework of the "Dialog about Fakes 2.0" forum, TASS and the ANPO "Dialog Regions" signed a memorandum to establish the Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN). The fight against fake news and its control is a significant and widely discussed issue on a global scale, and international cooperation in this area is essential. Journalists, experts, and fact-checking organizations can join the Network after they sign the Code of Responsible Fact-Checking, complete the necessary training and pass the check for compliance.

We introduce the “Code of responsible fact-checking“ project to the expert community and fact-checkers.

The “Code of responsible fact-checking“ is a list of norms and principles which, we think, every fact-checker should follow during their work. The GFCN Code is aimed at ensuring accuracy, objectivity and transparency during the fact-checking process.

After the official registration of the International Fact-Checking Association, we will invite all participants to sign this Code, so if you have any comments, additions, send them in free form to the email address forum_fakes@dialog-regions.ru

If you want to become a part of the Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN), tell us about yourself via the same email address and describe (in free form) either your own experience in countering fakes or the experience of your organisation in this field.

https://fakes2024.dialog.info/codex

🌐 On February 20−21, Johannesburg will host the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as part of South Africa’s chairship of this leading economic forum. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will head the Russian delegation.

South Africa’s G20 chairship is a landmark event for Pretoria and the entire African continent, as it will host G20 events for the first time.

The event will take place under the motto Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability. The South African Side will continue the efforts of other Global Majority states (Indonesia, India and Brazil), which chaired the G20 from 2022 to 2024 to establish the G20 as a key platform for truly equitable dialogue between developing and industrialised countries.

☝️ Significant progress has already been achieved during the G20 chairship of #BRICS partners, which adapted the forum’s agenda to meet the current demands of the multipolar world order and promoted the democratisation of international economic governance institutions in the interests of non-Western centres of strength.

Countries with emerging markets increasingly advocate for independent and balanced perspectives on energy and food security, as well as issues of protectionism, unilateral economic pressure and other methods of unfair competition. In 2023, the African Union became a full-fledged participant in the forum.

Important anniversaries, including the 80th Anniversary of Victory in World War II and the establishment of the UN, as well as the 65th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, adopted at the initiative of the Soviet Union, which launched the process of asserting independent statehood in Africa, are providing a powerful political impetus for the G20’s work this year.

The participants of the Ministerial will discuss the impact of the current geopolitical situation on the global economy. On February 20, President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa will welcome the participants at the first session and outline high-priority topics for discussion related to contemporary global challenges and threats.

Additionally, the Sides will exchange fundamental assessments regarding Pretoria’s proposed priorities for the G20 negotiating efforts to promote dynamic economic growth, reduce inequality, create high-quality jobs, ensure food security and provide fair access to advanced technologies and funding.

👉 In his remarks, Sergey Lavrov will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current international situation, focusing on the root causes and driving forces behind key events. He will emphasise the need to reject the confrontational stance taken by neoliberal elites and propose concrete measures to overcome destructive trends. The Russian Side will reaffirm its commitment to maintaining the central role of the UN in global affairs, stressing the need for strict adherence to the principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and interconnectedness.

🇷🇺 In the context of South Africa’s G20 chairship priorities, Russia will highlight the need for practical steps to:

• accelerate the redistribution of IMF voting quotas in favour of developing countries;
• restore the full functionality of the WTO;
• promote an open global economy, ensuring it is not weaponised.

The Russian Minister will also underscore that trade wars, unilateral restrictions and other manifestations of discriminatory approaches are unacceptable.

The Russian Side will emphasise the importance of developing new types of democratic associations and integration initiatives that operate in accordance with the principles of interstate equality and mutually beneficial cooperation, increasing their presence in global politics. These include #BRICS, #EAEU, #SCO, #ASEAN and #CELAC.

❗️ Members of the Russian delegation will discuss, in great detail, the current stage of implementing the flagship Russian initiative to forge the Greater Eurasian Partnership.

Sergey Lavrov is also set to hold a series of bilateral meetings with his colleagues on the sidelines of the G20 Ministerial.

🎙 Excerpts from President of Russia Vladimir Putin's Q&A session during his visit to Radar MMS research and production company.

❓ Question: Everyone is interested in the outcomes of talks in Riyadh. I am sure they have been reported to you. How do you assess them? Is there a positive result, if I may put it that way, from these talks?

💬 President Putin: I rate them high, there is a result.

The first thing I would like to mention is that we have agreed to resume normal operation of our respective diplomatic missions. The unending expulsions of diplomats from Washington DC and Moscow lead to nothing good. <...>

Second, I believe we have made the first step to resume work across a variety of areas of mutual interest.

This includes the Middle East in the broadest sense of the word, such as our continued presence in Syria, the Palestinian-Israeli settlement, and so on. There are many issues there that involve both the United States and the Russian Federation, despite the fact that, of course, we give primary attention to the situation related to the Ukrainian issue. <...>

Overall, as I was told, the atmosphere was very friendly. The participants from our Side, unlike US representatives we dealt with earlier, these people from the American Side were open for negotiation without any bias or judgment of what had been done in the past. In any case, there was nothing like that in the bilateral contacts. Our partners in dialogue are ready to work together, open for joint work. <...>

❓ Question: The Europeans are rather agitated, almost in panic, that they are not participating in the negotiations in any way, and similar sentiments prevail among Ukrainian officials. Everyone wants to have a voice. What should be done with all of them?

💬 President Putin: A voice in what? I have just stated that the purpose and subject of our negotiations was the restoration of Russian-American relations. Does someone wish to act as a mediator between Russia and the United States? These are likely excessive demands.

And the most important thing here, in addressing all the very sensitive issues, including the Ukrainian settlement, is that without increasing the level of trust between Russia and the United States, it is impossible to resolve many issues, including the Ukrainian crisis. The very purpose of this meeting was precisely to enhance trust between Russia and the United States.

⚠️ As for other participants, first and foremost, Russia has never refused contacts with European counterparts. Russia has never refused the negotiation process with Ukraine.

It is, in fact, our counterparts in these discussions who have chosen to withdraw. The Europeans terminated contacts with Russia, and the Ukrainian side has self-imposed a ban on negotiations, withdrawing from the Istanbul process. <...>

We do not engage in conjecture about the various issues that emerge between the United States and its allies. But if we speak of these allies, they themselves must shoulder the responsibility for what is happening now.

Mr Trump was once accused of having a special relationship with Russia, and that Russia meddled in the election process when he won the first time. <...> What did we witness during this election campaign? All European leaders without exception directly interfered in the US electoral process.

<...>

Speaking of the Ukraine settlement, the United States is working with its European allies. Mr Kellogg, as far as I know, is in Kiev now, correct? Before that, he met with the Europeans. Now, the President of France and the Prime Minister of Great Britain are planning trips to Washington. Nothing is shut off there. The Americans are discussing these issues with them. <...>

With regard to the negotiating process, President Trump told me during the telephone call – and I can confirm this – that the United States is operating on the premise that the negotiating process will include both Russia and Ukraine. No one is excluding Ukraine from this process.

Read in full

🎙 Briefing by Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (February 18, 2025)

🔹 Russia-US talks in Riyadh
🔹 Ukrainian crisis
🔹 Kiev regime crimes
🔹 Results of the Munich Security Conference
🔹 Outcomes of G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
🔹 USAID destructive activities in Central Asia

📰 Read
📺 Watch

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#Ukraine

Today marks the 11th anniversary of tragic events in central Kiev, which went down in history as the armed coup. On February 18, 2014, an allegedly peaceful (as was maintained back then) anti-government Euromaidan rally escalated into massive violent riots.

Western organisers, sponsors and orchestrators of street fighting which unfolded under eye-catching slogans of “better European life, democracy, human rights and fighting corruption” ruthlessly drove the rally attendees forward. These mass riots were organised in order to overthrow the legitimate government in Ukraine.

Euromaidan resulted in a deep split in society, repression, and fight against dissent, rampant nationalism and neo-Nazism, legal chaos and nihilism, as well as countering ethnic and peaceful forms of culture and history, and full degradation of the socioeconomic situation in the country.

#MunichSecurityConference

The 61st Munich Security Conference has demonstrated what we stated time and again. I am referring to our conviction that the Western world has long ceased to be a paragon of security and democracy.

It boiled down to a squabble between actors representing the two shores of the Atlantic. No one has heard any constructive ideas with regard to building security architecture in Europe and the world as a whole.

It is Europe itself, not the conference, that presents a problem. It has long been unable to assess the surrounding reality in a sober-minded manner.

#USA #USAID

An increasing number of countries are becoming aware of the true nature of so-called “soft power” tools, among them the US Agency for International Development. Among other things, this organisation engaged in keeping morbid and warped ultra-liberal narratives afloat and interfered in the domestic politics of a number of countries to advance agendas that favoured the United States, and derived benefits from such meddling. It is gratifying to know that countries that are friendly to Russia have started a serious discussion on this issue.

Russia has long warned that US international development programmes pose more risks than bring actual benefits.

We are ready to work as a team to cut short external attempts to undermine stability and security in our shared space under the false pretext of promoting democracy.

#RussiaUSA

We can see that the West is reacting nervously to Russian-US contacts, and this reaction borders on the verge of panic. One is surprised to see how the West is reacting to Russian-US contacts. How can this reaction be possible when the United States is also part of the West? It turns out that this is quite real.

Against the backdrop of the rapidly changing geopolitical situation, this flawed mental logic primarily highlights despair, anger and weakness.

Numerous representatives of European elites, accomplices to brutal and bloody crimes of the neo-Nazi regime, nurtured by them, might be brought to account for assisting contemporary pro-Bandera supporters in Ukraine.

Street representatives from 125 countries will take part in the eighth season, 15 national and 30 regional qualifying stages will be held, and the grand-final will be held in the Russian Federation, Stavropol Territory in the Stavropol city on August 21-24, 2025, where participants from 53 countries will gather and determine the best in the International Award-Competition “KARDO”.

The official start of the season is scheduled for February 8, 2025, the whole season will be carried out in the period from February to November.

For more information: https://kardoaward.com

🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the G20’s objectives in 2025, a discussion of planned results of South Africa’s Presidency and an assessment of the forum’s activities (Johannesburg, February 21, 2025)

💬 In conditions of global economic fragmentation, a dialogue on global issues in the #G20 remains in high demand as never before. We commend the Republic of South Africa’s substantial preparations for the forum and the topicality of chosen thematic priorities. We are particularly impressed with the emphasis on a search for a common denominator in the interests of combining efforts to facilitate sustained growth and development.

We still have a long way to go for attaining the desired results, and the overall background for joint work in conditions of geopolitical confrontation, that is being incited, remains unfavourable. The statistics are well-known: We are lagging far behind a schedule for achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals until 2030, and only 17% of them are on track. <...>

Historical experience shows that it is impossible to independently cope with common challenges and threats. This is why the G20 was established in 2008 at the level of national leaders. At that time, it was necessary to put out the fire of a global financial crisis in emergency circumstances. It became possible to stabilise markets for a while.

❗️ However, we are now witnessing an entire cascade of intertwined crises. Behind them are armed conflicts that have been unleashed and inspired by the West, trade, technological and hybrid wars, the demolition of the international trade system, the weaponisation of the dollar that has turned into a tool for manipulations. <...>

☝️ Nevertheless, the modern world is being transformed drastically and becoming truly multipolar. The 500-year period of Western domination is irreversibly becoming a thing of the past. It is necessary to find the strength and to accept this objective reality. The international community does not want to be hostage to unilateral decisions of former sovereigns. This is particularly obvious today when we are celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the war against Nazism and the 65th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples as a starting point of acquiring independence by Africa, Asia and the entire Global South.

In 2022, #BRICS confidently outpaced the G7 in terms of GDP. Today, BRICS and the G7 account for 37 and 29 percent of the global GDP, respectively. <...>

During Russia’s #BRICS Chairmanship at the Kazan Summit in 2024, the participants adopted multiple promising decisions to launch non-discriminatory, independent of anyone’s whim mechanisms stimulating investment and trade, with due consideration for Africa’s special needs.

The neo-liberal circles in the West regard the objective process of burgeoning multipolarity as a challenge rather than an opportunity. They are putting an absurd stake on a confrontation, on inflicting a “strategic defeat” on rivals. In so doing, they use neocolonialist practices <...>

Under these circumstances, G20 retains its status as a useful venue for aligning the interests of states with different strategies and development levels, this primarily due to the efforts of BRICS countries. <...>

🤝 We share South Africa’s plans to survey the G20 activities over past years. We hope that the result will enable us to reaffirm our commitment to de-politicised interaction based on the unshakeable principle of consensus with an eye to implementing the task to ensure a sustainable and comprehensive economic growth, a task set back in 2009. This would be a worthy result of Africa’s first ever G20 Summit.

Read in full

🗓 On this very day, 11 years ago, Kiev became ground zero for a Western-backed unconstitutional coup, that triggered all the events around Ukraine and its now former regions ever since. This led to an armed civil conflict, essentially a war waged by the Kiev regime against its own people, and a deepest crisis of international and European security since World War II.

11 years have passed since the tragic and horrible events of February 2014. The residing "authorities" in Kiev, aka the Kiev regime, and their Western sponsors are, as per their usual m.o., are attempting to distort the truth, conceal true facts, and turn the timeline of those events, their substance upside down.

❗️ The truth is stubborn; it tends to get revealed sooner or later, as recent events in the world have once again proven.


LEARN MORE: On the origins of Ukrainian nationalism, the crimes of the OUN-UPA, and the support of the West


The most horrific events unfolded on 20 February: the still unidentified snipers began shooting on the Institutskaya Street in the centre of Kiev at both law enforcement and protesters. Euromaidan supporters and Western politicians, seized "the opportunity", blamed the legitimate authorities of Ukraine. No evidence of Yanukovich's involvement was provided, and there is none to this day. Unlike, the Maidan activists & the opposition who benefited the most and was seen smuggling weapons into the area <...>

On 21 February, in an attempt to avoid further bloodshed, Yanukovych signed an Agreement on the Settlement of the Political Crisis in Ukraine with the opposition (from the opposition's side — Vitali Klitschko (UDAR party), Arseniy Yatsenyuk ("Fatherland"), and Oleg Tyagnybok ("Freedom")), which was supported and guaranteed by the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Poland. This document envisaged the creation of a government of national trust, constitutional reform, and the organization of early presidential elections.

None of the Agreement's provisions were implemented.

The next day, on February 22, the Supreme Council passed a resolution on Viktor Yanukovych's "self-removal" from performing the duties of the President of Ukraine, thereby usurping power (although he remained a legitimate president, remained in Ukraine and had made no statements regarding resignation).

It was then announced that the "government of the victors (winner)" would be formed. The West turned a blind eye to all violations and hurried to declare a "change of power" in Ukraine, openly encouraging the putschists to pursue their anti-Russian policy. What ensued was basically a hunt for the remaining law enforcement officers and officials loyal to their oath and the country.

The very next day, the very first decision of the new "government" through the Verkhovnaya Rada was to revoke the law on the status of the Russian language, which according to data was back then the mother tongue of the majority (!) of the Ukrainian citizens.

<...>

The "mediation" meddling of the West led to a sharp polarisation of Ukrainian society, which created the preconditions for an armed civil conflict. The first legislative steps of the "Maidan victors" — the abovementioned cancellation of the language law — were received with alarm in South-Eastern Ukraine, where spontaneous formation of popular militia forces began.

Kiev immediately accused all the inhabitants of the region of "state treason" and "terrorism", threw the army and neo-Nazi punitive battalions to violently suppress the protests.

<...>

❗️ "Euromaidan" created a deep rift in Ukrainian society, lead to persecution, fight against dissent, spread of nationalism and neo-Nazism, legal lawlessness and nihilism, fighting the Russian language and own history, complete degradation of the socio-economic situation in the country.

The terror and horror brought by the Ukrainian neo-Nazis and nationalists in 2014 must be brought to an end.

Denazification is imminent.

📖 Read, remember or learn more about these tragic events of 2014.

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks and answers to questions during the 'Government Hour' at the Plenary Session of the State Duma (Moscow February 19, 2025)

💬 Sergey Lavrov: The key task of our diplomatic service has been to create safe and favourable external conditions for the steady progress of our country, its economic and technological sovereignty, and the improvement of the well-being and quality of life of the Russian people, as stated in all versions of the Foreign Policy Concept, including the latest version from March 31, 2023. <...>

President Vladimir Putin has outlined our objectives on several occasions during the past news conference on the results of the year and in numerous interviews.

🌐 The key trajectory at the current stage is the ongoing movement towards a multipolar world. This is a historic process connected with the emergence of new centres of power on the world map, particularly among the Global Majority. <...>

We have no doubt about the future of international relations. We are witnessing the growth of an objective divide between the progressive Global Majority and the collective West, which, as you can see every day, is striving uselessly to close its ranks but is unable to abandon the egoistical customs it has developed over the past five centuries when it ruled the world. <...>

🤝 Our regional priorities include strengthening a “goodwill belt” through gradual integration with the former Soviet republics and other neighbours, as well as through the maintenance of stability in Greater Eurasia.

We are working towards this with individual states on a bilateral basis, as well as within organisations such as the #CSTO, the #CIS, the #EAEU, the #SCO and other multilateral structures.

Another important element of our ties with Central Asian partners is the CA5+Russia format. There are similar platforms like the forum of the Caspian Littoral States and the Caspian Five – Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

During a meeting with senior staff of the Foreign Ministry on July 14, 2023, President Putin put forth a strategic initiative aimed at creating a new Eurasian security architecture to replace the failed Euro-Atlantic model. This Eurasian architecture will be open to all Eurasian countries, including European ones. <...>

Africa has the #AfricanUnion that unites all African countries. Latin America has the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (#CELAC). Eurasia does not have an organisation of this kind. There is the OSCE, which is based on the Euro-Atlantic concept, and numerous subregional structures I have already mentioned. There are #ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (#GCC), and many other associations. But we do not have a forum uniting all our states. That is why we will advocate the concept presented by President Vladimir Putin. <...>

This year we will mark the 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory and the 80th Anniversary of the UN. As usual, our attention will be focused on rallying international efforts against any manifestations of neo-Nazism, Russophobia and other forms of racial and religious intolerance. <...>

❗️ I would like to point out that the foreign policy concept approved by President Putin is a strategic document prepared for many years ahead. It does not depend on changes in the domestic policy or the whims of our ill-wishers.

We see that it is supported by the leading national political forces that are represented in the State Duma, for which we are sincerely grateful. We feel our citizens’ support through you. We are aware of this and highly appreciate this. This is giving us strength and energy. <...>

President Trump is the first and, as far as I know, the only one among Western leaders who publicly stated that one of the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis was the reckless policy of the previous administration regarding Ukraine's involvement in NATO.

Read in full

🎙 Answers to media questions by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov following the 'Government Hour' at the Plenary Session of the State Duma (Moscow, February 19, 2025)

❓ Question: You have mentioned a certain mindset in Europe. As we know from the statement made by President Trump, Washington and Kiev are now on increasingly diverging paths.

What’s your take on President Trump’s remark that Ukraine must hold elections? Was mentioning Zelensky’s low approval rating a gesture to let Moscow know that talks will continue? Or, is it an objective and weighed position?

💬 Sergey Lavrov: I have no grounds to believe that President Trump is doing anything to please anyone. This is out of the question. He is an absolutely independent politician. Among other things, he is a straight shooter. Usually, such people tend to not hide their opinions about pathetic individuals like Zelensky.

With regard to US-EU relations, the United States has nothing against Europe. They want the Brussels bureaucracy to stop telling Europe what to do and demanding that every EU member follows the “party line.” Instead, every EU member state must be able to uphold and represent their national interests to the fullest extent. <...>

The problem of the European Union is that Brussels bureaucracy is formed via behind-the-scenes arrangements and no elections are ever held. It reproduces itself and is guided by its own bureaucratic interests which are at odds with the stance and national interests of many member countries. <...>

❓ Question: In Saudi Arabia, you spoke about normalising diplomatic relations. Did you discuss restitution of our diplomatic property in Washington D.C.?

💬 Sergey Lavrov: We did not discuss normalisation of diplomatic relations. They are in place. We talked about removing artificial obstacles that compound daily operations of our respective embassies and consulates general. These obstacles include financing, attempts to restrict movement or to limit the number of diplomats a country wants to send to another country, or the length of stay of the diplomats. These matters are not regulated by international conventions on diplomatic relations.

We gave our dialogue partners a list of issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure normal functioning of our respective diplomatic missions. This list includes property-related issues that you mentioned.

❓ Question: If the United States lifts sanctions on our country, how soon, do you think, Europe will have to do the same?

💬 Sergey Lavrov: Speaking of it in terms of US-EU relations, the EU recently said that even if the United States were to lift the sanctions, the EU will only increase them. It is a recurring ego trip and a belief that you are always right, even if you go back to the ways of your colonial past and continue colonial policies in a manner that is even tougher than it was back then.

❓ Question: Are relations with Europe expected to be different now that they are left sitting at a “children’s table?”

💬 Sergey Lavrov: We are not going to chase anyone. We have done nothing to freeze and, in fact, in many ways dismantle our relations with the West, including Europe.

We are following our own path and addressing our own issues in conjunction with our parliamentarians and our people. These issues include ending the special military operation on our terms, and making sure that our economy and our entire system function in a way that it does not depend in any way on the whims of our Western or any other partners. This is our objective, and we will do our best to fulfil it.

If, over time, our Western colleagues come to their senses and decide to resume relations, we will have to review the terms on which it can be done.

However, it’s up to them. We are not even thinking about it now. We are busy fortifying our state in the best interests of our people.

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🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement and answers to media questions following the G20 Ministerial Council meeting (Johannesburg, February 21, 2025)

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💬 The main focus of the deliberations among the Foreign Ministers was the crucial goal of amplifying the voices of developing nations in global decision-making. The discussions were substantial, and we observed tangible progress in this regard.

Since last year, the African Union has attained full membership within the G20. The League of Arab States (#LAS) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (#CELAC) are interested in securing equivalent status. Such ambitions are commendable. We are confident that, in due course, the #EAEU may also rightfully aspire to similar standing <…>

We articulated our perspective on international challenges and their resolution during a period when multipolar realities are increasingly acknowledged. The advent of multipolarity is self-evident to us and to the #BRICS nations. Statistical evidence underscores this trend.

📈 The combined gross domestic product of BRICS states has surpassed that of the G7 countries. BRICS accounts for 37 percent of global GDP, compared to the G7’s 29 percent. This disparity heightens the urgency of reforming global economic institutions to reflect the genuine weight of the Global South and the World Majority within the world economy, alongside fostering non-discriminatory economic ties. These matters were actively deliberated. Russia stands ready to vigorously facilitate further progress in this domain, though numerous challenges persist <…>

We urged our Western counterparts to respect universally recognised rules of international law. Emphasis was placed on revitalising the United Nations’ role as a platform for coordinating state actions and forging a fair balance of interests.

The role played by BRICS certainly attracts everyone’s attention at the global level <…>

Speaking about entities that play a certain role in international economic relations, the G20 in general retains the role of a dialogue platform between the old and new centres of power. We spoke in favour of preserving the economic profile of this association <…>

South Africa, which has led the G20 this year, completes the succession of BRICS presidencies that began in 2022, when Indonesia was at the head of the G20. In 2023 it was India, and in 2024 it was Brazil. This successive version of BRICS being at the helm of the G20 has had the positive outcome of strengthening the position of the Global South in our forum.

❗️ All this contributes to the establishment of a fairer multipolar world order based on the sovereign equality of states, as required by the UN Charter, and on all other principles of the Charter in their totality and interrelation.

From answers to media questions:

• The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, spoke at the G20 with the same array of accusations, proclaiming certain “plans” that would prevent Russia from taking its rightful place in the world. There is some tragicomic element to this.

• The reaction of the “tragicomic figures” heading the Brussels bureaucracy and NATO to the meeting in Riyadh is highly illustrative. The mere fact that representatives of two great powers sat down, engaged in discussion, and articulated their respective positions is perceived by them as a betrayal of Western interests. These individuals are not in good health.

• Multipolarity is gaining ascendancy. The growth trajectories of new, formidable centres of power – economic, political, and financial – demonstrate that this multipolarity is irreversible. In this context, the G20 retains its relevance as a forum where Western participants may come to recognise the inevitability of this process and begin adapting to it.

⭐️ Today, on February 23, Russia celebrates Defender of the Fatherland Day!

Congratulations to everyone who has defended our Motherland and continues to shield & fight for it at this very moment ! 🛡

🎙 Greetings of President Vladimir Putin on Defender of the Fatherland Day (February 23, 2025)

💬 Comrades and friends, veterans, active military and civilian personnel of the Armed Forces, and everyone who has gone through severe trials on the battlefield, please accept my most heartfelt greetings on Defender of the Fatherland Day.

On this day, deep respect and the warmest words go to our soldiers and officers participating in the special military operation, who are risking their lives today, valiantly and courageously defending their native land, the national interests and the future of Russia. It is you who are the main heroes of Defender of the Fatherland Day, which our entire country is celebrating today.

This holiday embodies all the love and respect that our nation has for our army and navy, for people who have made military service their profession and their high calling, for everyone who has made their choice today to stand by the Motherland and defend its interests. Military service has always been highly regarded in Russia; it has always been a matter of honour. Our own history fosters our patriotic feelings that are passed on from generation to generation.

We are guided by the centuries-old victorious traditions of the Russian army; we look up to the valour, faith and courage of our ancestors who fought on the ice of Lake Peipus and on Kulikovo Field, who defended Moscow in the 16th century and safeguarded our statehood during the Time of Troubles; who triumphed at Poltava, covered themselves in glory in the Battle of Borodino, defended Sevastopol during the Crimean War, showed unparallelled courage in the Battle of Galicia and other WWI battles, and who performed a truly heroic deed during WWII by defeating Nazism and storming Berlin, and celebrated the Victory there in May 1945.

This year, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, has been declared the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland in Russia. We pay tribute to the unwavering and undaunted generation of victors, to the memory of their heroism and sacrifice, and the epoch-making Victory that they gave to the world. We celebrate the heroes who honourably continue the military labours of their ancestors on the battlefield today.

We realise how hard it is for you right now, and we proudly support you. I want to thank all participants in the special military operation for their strong spirit and determination to bring us victory. I am grateful to all defenders of Russia for their honest and impeccable service to the Motherland and to our nation.

Comrades,

Today, as the world is changing impetuously, our strategic course for strengthening and developing the Armed Forces remains unchanged. We will continue to build up the combat potential of the army and navy, and their combat effectiveness as the essential part of Russia’s security that guarantees its sovereign present and future, and its consistent development.

Our absolute priority today is supplying the troops fighting in the special military operation with the provisions and equipment they need. Based on the analysis of the tactical use of the weapons and equipment, we will continue to provide the Armed Forces with new state-of-the-art models. Our focus will also be on improving the social security of our military personnel.

I am confident that Russian fighters will continue to protect their home country and their people diligently.

My best wishes go to your families and loved ones who are waiting for you to return home.

Happy Defender of the Fatherland Day! I wish you success in service for the benefit of our great nation.