⚡️ Russian Foreign Ministry Statement regarding the spiralling escalation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf

❌ The attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran – as the Russian Side had previously warned – have resulted in a sharp deterioration and radical destabilisation of the situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf.

This constitutes an exceptionally dangerous erosion of global and regional security, entailing long-term and profoundly detrimental repercussions, including for trade and economic relations, air and maritime connectivity, and, not least, the non-proliferation regime.

The unprovoked aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran – their brazen attempts to effect regime change, infringe upon the country’s sovereignty, interfere in its internal affairs, and impose a political trajectory upon the Iranian people – represents a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the fundamental norms and principles of international law.

❗️ Such an unacceptable course of action must be brought to an immediate end.

Once again, we reiterate our call to halt the escalation of armed confrontation and to refrain from provocative actions and incendiary rhetoric. Now more than ever, it is imperative to return to political and diplomatic avenues and to reaffirm the primacy of international legality.

It is precisely in pursuit of these objectives that Russia will continue to pursue an active policy within the frameworks of the #UN and the #IAEA, as well as through bilateral engagements with a broad range of stakeholders.

🗓 Observed on June 26, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was established as per UN General Assembly Resolution 42/112 in 1987.

On this day, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has a tradition of releasing its annual World Drug Report. It has shown that the situation regarding narcotic drugs around the world has been deteriorating.

☝️ Russia views countering the drug threat as one of its priorities in terms of ensuring national security with the corresponding provisions set forth in the State Anti-Narcotics Policy Strategy of the Russian Federation until 2030. In accordance with these provisions, Russia has been consistent in its efforts to promote a comprehensive and balanced approach combining effective law enforcement initiatives with evidence-based drug abuse prevention, treatment and rehabilitation policies for drug users.

Having all states coordinate their efforts is the only possible pathway for overcoming the existing drug-related challenges. Three dedicated UN conventions adopted in 1961, 1971, and 1988 offer a solid foundation for facilitating ties in this domain. These instruments have proven their worth and remain relevant. The Russian Federation insists that revising these fundamental documents would be unacceptable, including in terms of legalising controlled substances.

Russia believes that legislative initiatives in several countries to end bans and enact government regulations with the view to enabling people to use narcotics for non-medical purposes would not only have a negative bearing on the way the public views drug-related risks, but also constitutes a blatant violation of these conventions.

❗️ The Russian Federation insists that it is essential for the international community to promote constructive cooperation that is not guided by a political agenda or vested political interests, including within the relevant platforms. As a responsible member of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Russia continues to proactively contribute to developing a global drug policy and supports other countries in their commitment to do away with the narcotics issue.

Russia praises its partners within the #CIS, the #SCO, the #CSTO, #ASEAN and #BRICS for their cooperation on the anti-narcotics agenda which consists of ensuring strict compliance with the relevant conventions and resolving the global narcotics issue.

Russia is committed to performing its obligations in good faith, as confirmed by our country’s efforts to work with international organisations on a wide range of projects to this effect. The recent achievements in this sphere include launching a UNODC-sponsored career enhancement course for officers from Egypt’s anti-narcotics administration at the Siberian Institute of Law of the Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation in Krasnoyarsk. The Russian Federation will continue to act as a donor in this sector by offering its partners in Central Asia, Iran, Egypt, Pakistan and other regions educational projects on law enforcement matters, as well as working with young people to prevent drug abuse.

Russia attaches special importance and attention to the availability of controlled substances for medical and research purposes, which is especially relevant for developing countries. Our country provides financial support to the International Narcotics Control Board, enabling it to hold regular training sessions on this topic across the world. The latest event of this kind took place in January 2025 and included ten countries in East Africa and the Horn of Africa. It generated a lot of enthusiasm among its participants.

🤝 Russia reaffirms its commitment to expanding its cooperation and promoting constructive dialogue with all the interested parties in order to unite like-minded actors in a consolidated effort to preserve the existing global drug-control framework and build a society free from drug abuse.

🎙 Following the EAEU summit, President of Russia Vladimir Putin answered questions from Russian journalists

📍 Minsk, June 27, 2025

#EAEU

As for the outcomes of today’s EAEU summit, we are satisfied with the results and have drawn certain conclusions.

The President of Belarus has already noted that our development strategy, which was designed to run until this year, is nearing completion. We are considering how to structure our joint efforts moving forward. However, overall, the results of our work cannot but satisfy us. They satisfy all of us. Why? Because the key aggregate indicator of economic performance is the growth rate.

In the EAEU, it exceeds the global average. As is known, global growth stands at 3.3 percent. The EAEU’s growth is over 4 percent – significantly higher. In some countries, it is substantially greater, reaching 5 percent or even approaching 6 percent, in my view. This is, among other things, a direct result of our joint efforts, as the very purpose of our work is to eliminate trade and other economic barriers to cooperation. Without exaggeration, this multiplies the potential for economic growth.

#Ukraine

Regarding the memorandums [Russian and Ukrainian], as expected, there were no surprises. I will not tell you anything surprising, either. These are two absolutely opposing memorandums, but that is precisely why talks are set up and held – to find ways to bring positions closer. The fact that they were diametrically opposed does not seem surprising to me, either. I would not like to go into details, as I believe it would be counterproductive – even harmful – to get ahead of the talks.

With regard to what has been achieved so far following the talks, I think you can see it for yourself. Today, if I am not mistaken, another exchange took place… or was it yesterday? Today, right? And this is important. The humanitarian aspect matters because, as diplomats say, it creates conditions for substantive discussions on core issues. We agreed that after completing these exchanges and the humanitarian operation which we proposed – specifically, the transfer of the servicemen’s bodies – we would press ahead with more contacts.

We have already handed over more than 6,000 bodies and are ready to transfer nearly 3,000 more, but it is now up to the Ukrainian side to agree to accept the remains of their fallen soldiers.

We agreed that after this phase is completed, we would hold the third round of talks. We are ready for it overall. The venue and the time need to be agreed upon. I expect President Erdogan to keep unchanged his supportive stance with regard to this process. We are very grateful to him for that. We stand ready to hold this meeting in Istanbul. As for the exact timeframe, the heads of the negotiating teams from both sides – who remain in constant, direct contact and regularly get on the phone with each other (which, I believe, is a good sign) – are discussing the date for the next meeting.

The agenda? In my opinion, the discussion should focus on the memoranda from both sides.

#EU #NATO

We are planning to cut the defence expenses next year and the year after, as well during the next three years. The Defence Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Economic Development have yet to reach the final agreement, still, in general, everybody is thinking along these lines. And Europe is thinking about raising its defence expenses.

So, who is getting ready for any aggressive actions, us or them?

Yes, we do want to complete the special military operation with the result we need. Certainly. This is what we take into account when planning our defence expenses, not aggressive aspirations against Europe and NATO countries. And we want to decrease the expenses, while they want to increase them.

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🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin’s answer to a question by Kommersant newspaper following the EAEU summit (Minsk, June 27, 2025)

❓Question: Do you not consider it timely to arrange a personal meeting with Donald Trump? From an external perspective, one might observe a degree of mutual distancing, so to speak. While telephone communication serves its purpose, face-to-face engagement, as the saying goes, carries distinct significance. What are your thoughts?

💬 Vladimir Putin: I hold the incumbent President of the United States in the highest regard. His path to returning to power and to the White House has been exceptionally arduous, complex, and hazardous – a fact of which we are all cognisant, particularly given the assassination attempts he has survived, indeed multiple attempts on his life. He is a courageous man, that much is evident.

Naturally, we highly value both his domestic policies and his endeavours regarding the Middle East situation, as well as his efforts toward resolving the Ukrainian crisis. I have previously articulated this position and wish to reaffirm it publicly: I am convinced that President Trump is genuinely committed to resolving the issue on the Ukrainian track.

Recently, I believe he observed that the matter has proven more intricate than external appearances suggested. That is indeed the case. Such complexity is unsurprising – there exists a substantial difference between distant observation and direct engagement with the issue. The same is true of the Middle East crisis. Although he may have greater experience there, having been more deeply involved in Middle Eastern affairs, complexities persist there as well. Real life is always more complex than any notion of it.

I have consistently maintained openness to dialogue and meetings. I am aware President Trump has similarly referenced potential discussions. Like him, I contend such encounters require meticulous preparation and must yield tangible new milestones in cooperation. Overall, thanks to President Trump, Russian-American relations are demonstrating initial stabilisation, at least to some extent. Not all issues in diplomatic relations have been resolved, but the first steps have been taken, and we are moving forward.

We have established operational contacts between respective agencies – notably between the Department of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside coordination between our security services, which is also very important. For example, counterterrorism remains a priority for us in any circumstances, as do interactions along certain other operational collaborations.

We have good prospects for economic cooperation. We are aware that American businesses are demonstrating interest, showing intent, and sending signals about their desire to return to our market. We can only welcome this. However, all such developments require consistent preparation.

That said, overall, such a meeting remains entirely possible, and we would be pleased to arrange it.

🎙 Comment by Yury Ushakov, Aide to the President of the Russian Federation, on the outcomes of Russia's President Vladimir Putin’s telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump (July 3, 2025)

💬 Yuri Ushakov: Dear colleagues,

🇷🇺🇺🇸📞 Another almost hour-long telephone conversation between President of Russia Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and President of the United States Donald Trump has just concluded.

Donald Trump began the conversation by announcing that the US Congress passed his administration's flagship bill envisaging reforms in taxation, immigration, and the energy sector. President Trump himself calls it the 'One Big Beautiful Bill.'

Vladimir Putin wished Donald Trump success in implementing the changes he envisioned and, naturally, offered greetings for Independence Day, the national day of the United States, which will be celebrated tomorrow.

At the same time, it was noted by our side that Russia had played a significant part in the establishment of the United States as a nation, including during the War of Independence, fought 250 years ago, and later during the Civil War, which ended 160 years ago.

It was stated that our countries are bound not only by their alliance during World Wars One and Two, but also by deeper historical ties.

Incidentally, Vladimir Putin mentioned that just before speaking with Donald Trump, he had a conversation with representatives of Russia's business community. One of the ideas suggested during that meeting was holding an exchange of motion pictures promoting traditional values, which both we and the Trump administration hold dear. President Trump reacted immediately and said he liked this idea.

There was a detailed discussion of the situation surrounding Iran, and the state of affairs in the Middle East in general. The Russian side emphasised it was crucial to settle any and all contentious issues, differences, and conflicts exclusively via political and diplomatic means. The two leaders agreed to maintain contact on the issue between the respective foreign services, defence ministries, and presidential aides.

The latest developments in Syria were addressed as well. Similarly, the Russian and US sides intend to continue the dialogue on the matter.

Naturally, the issues surrounding Ukraine were also discussed. Donald Trump has once again raised the issue of ending the hostilities as soon as possible. In turn, Vladimir Putin noted that we still continued the search for a political, negotiated solution to the conflict. He informed his counterpart on the progress in implementing the humanitarian agreements reached during the second round of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks held in Istanbul. He also noted Russia was willing to pursue negotiations.

☝️ Additionally, the President of Russia said that Russia would strive to achieve its goals, namely the elimination of the well-known root causes that led to the current state of affairs, the bitter confrontation that we are seeing now. Russia will not back down from these goals.

While exchanging views on bilateral matters, the two sides confirmed their mutual interest in implementing a number of promising projects in economy, notably the energy sector and space exploration.

Overall, I would like to point out that the conversation between the two Presidents has, as always, shown that they are on the same page. It was candid, business-minded, and concrete. The two Presidents will naturally continue communicating and will have another conversation soon.

🎙 Remarks by President of Russia Vladimir Putin at the main Plenary Session of the XVII BRICS Summit (July 6, 2025)

💬 President Putin: Colleagues, friends.

First of all, I would like to join the words of gratitude to President Lula da Silva and the Brazilian Chairmanship for their active efforts in advancing the strategic partnership within #BRICS.

It is important that the BRICS countries continue to deepen their cooperation across key sectors in politics, security, the economy and finance, cultural and humanitarian contacts.

This group has significantly grown and now includes leading states in Eurasia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Together, we possess a vast political, economic, scientific, technological, and human potential.

📈 The BRICS countries account for not only a third of the Earth’s landmass and almost half the planet’s population, but also for 40 percent of the global economy, while their combined GDP at purchasing power parity stands at $77 trillion. This is the 2025 data according to the IMF. By the way, BRICS is substantially ahead of other groups in this parameter, including G7 with $57 trillion.

Year after year, our group’s global authority and influence continue growing. BRICS has rightfully established itself as one of the key centres of global governance, with our collective voice in support of the global majority’s vital interests resonating ever more powerfully across the international stage.

BRICS has many supporters in the Global South and East. The culture of an open partnership and cooperation, mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests in the group appeals to them. Based on this knowledge, during the summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, we decided to establish a category of BRICS partner states, to develop ad hoc practical cooperation with all interested countries. BRICS has ten partner states to date.

🌐 I will stress that the BRICS countries represent different development models, religions, authentic civilisations and cultures, while unanimously upholding equality and neighbourliness. They prioritise traditional values, the high ideals of friendship and accord, striving to contribute to global stability and security, the prosperity and success of all nations. Without doubt, this constructive approach and unifying agenda are highly relevant amidst the geopolitical challenges of today.

We all see that the world is experiencing tectonic shifts. The unipolar system of international relations that once served the interests of the so-called golden billion, is losing its relevance, replaced by a more just multi-polar world. Global economic patterns are changing faster. Everything indicates that the liberal globalisation model is becoming obsolete while the centre of business activity is gravitating towards developing markets, launching a powerful growth wave, including in the BRICS countries. To maximise the emerging prospects, it is important to intensify cooperation within the group, primarily in technology, effective resource development, logistics, insurance, trade and finance.

It is important to continue expanding the use of national currencies in mutual payments. It is believed that creating an independent payment and monetary system within BRICS will expedite currency transactions while also ensuring their effectiveness and security. Furthermore, using national currencies in trade within BRICS is steadily growing. In 2024, the share of Russia’s national currency, the ruble, and the currencies of our friendly states in transactions with Russia and other BRICS countries reached 90 percent.

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📄 XVII BRICS Summit Rio de Janeiro Declaration "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and
Sustainable Governance"

Full text of the Declaration

Excerpts from the Declaration:

• We reiterate our commitment to reforming and improving global governance by promoting a more just, equitable, agile, effective, efficient, responsive, representative, legitimate, democratic and accountable international and multilateral system in the spirit of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

• We reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and upholding the international law, including the Purposes and Principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN), in their entirety and interconnectedness as its indispensable cornerstone, and the central role of the UN in the international system.

🇺🇳 We reiterate our support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council’s memberships so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges and support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including BRICS countries, to play a greater role in international affairs, in particular in the United Nations, including its Security Council.

🌐 We acknowledge that multipolarity can expand opportunities for EMDCs to develop their constructive potential and enjoy universally beneficial, inclusive and equitable economic globalization and cooperation.

• We condemn the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law, and reiterate that such measures, inter alia in the form of unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions, have far-reaching negative implications for the human rights, including the rights to development, health and food security, of the general population of targeted states, disproportionally affecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations, deepening the digital divide and exacerbating environmental challenges. We call for the elimination of such unlawful measures, which undermine international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.

• We reaffirm that BRICS member states do not impose or support non-UN Security Council authorized sanctions that are contrary to international law.

• We condemn the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025, which constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and express grave concern over the subsequent escalation of the security situation in the Middle East.

• We recall that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. We underline, in this regard, the importance of unifying the West Bank and the Gaza Strip under the Palestinian Authority, and reaffirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine.

• We reiterate that the principle 🌍 “African solutions to African problems” should continue to serve as the basis for conflict resolution on the African continent.

❗️ We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks against bridges and railways infrastructure deliberately targeting civilians in Bryansk, Kursk and Voronezh regions of the Russian Federation on 31 May, 1 and 5 June 2025, resulting in multiple civilian casualties, including children.

• We commend 🇧🇷 Brazil’s BRICS Chairship in 2025 and express our gratitude to the government and people of Brazil for holding the XVII BRICS Summit in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

• We extend full support to 🇮🇳 India for its BRICS Chairship in 2026 and the holding of the XVIII BRICS Summit in India.

🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at Session II of the XVII BRICS Summit «Strengthening multilateral world order, financial and economic issues, artificial intelligence» (Rio de Janeiro, July 6, 2025)

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Key talking points:

• Strengthening the multilateral world order while the international system goes through fundamental transformations is one of the crucial tasks for #BRICS and for the entire international community.

• Multipolarity is not a choice but rather an objective reality which succeeds the outdated neoliberal model that actually builds on neocolonial practices. The traditional paradigm of globalization where the predominant role is played by the so-called developed states of the West is becoming a relic.

• Countries of the Global South and East are becoming a main driving force of the global economic growth. Regional organizations such as the African Union, CELAC, ASEAN, SCO, EAEU are playing an increased role. In this context conceptual and practical approaches are being developed to establish a new architecture of world economy based on the principles of equality, multilateralism and non-discrimination in trade, financial settlements, technology, logistics.

• BRICS countries account for more than 40% of the global gross domestic product based on purchasing power parity, and together with partner countries this figure is at 45% or 93 trillion dollars. Today BRICS represents more than 20% of global trade and almost a half of world population.

• The share of BRICS countries in trade with Russia is constantly growing and in 2014 it exceeded 48%, with 90% of mutual settlements made in national currencies.

• It is of significant importance to pursue the reform and depolarization of the Bretton-Woods institutions which should reflect a real state of affairs in the world economy. The continued use of the IMF and WB with a view to preserve neocolonial practices is unacceptable.

• The increasingly aggressive attempts by the West to introduce ideological ultimatums into the dialogue as what are virtually the main criteria – based on Western interpretations of human rights and democracy – are having an extremely negative impact on the delivery of the UN sustainable development goals.

• To address imbalances and to mobilize resources for development Russia introduced an initiative to create within BRICS a New Investment Platform with the participation of the New Development Bank (NDB). We thank colleagues for showing their interest to the promising initiative.

• Artificial Intelligence is becoming a critical technology. Experts estimate that AI contribution to the global domestic product will be at 20 trillion dollars by 2030.

• We will need to address issues related to ensuring universal access to advance developments in this field. Secret initiatives put forward by a number of countries and with restricted participation with a view to promote non-consensus approaches are fraught with the most serious consequences.

• The challenges associated with the development of digital technologies are transnational in nature and require collective response.

• I am convinced that BRICS nations together with like-minded countries will continue to lead in promoting a just multipolar world order that will provide favourable conditions for sustainable development of all States without exception.

🌏 On July 10-11 in Kuala Lumpur, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend the annual ministerial events of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (#ASEAN), including Foreign Ministers’ meetings in the format of Russia-ASEAN, the East Asia Summit (#EAS), and the ASEAN Regional Forum (#ARF) on security.

ASEAN is the centrepiece of a system of interstate associations involving leading global powers and cooperation processes in the Asia-Pacific Region (APR).

In the context of growing geopolitical risks, the current imperative is to strengthen the ASEAN-based architecture of security and cooperation, in particular, by enhancing the practical activities of its main multilateral mechanisms, including the EAS and the ARF.

☝️ Russia-ASEAN relations are a vital stabilising factor in the region amid the growing conflict potential in the APR. Moscow views ASEAN as a key partner in the implementation of President Vladimir Putin’s initiative for creating a Eurasian security architecture.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first #RussiaASEAN summit, which was also held in Kuala Lumpur. During the Russia-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on July 10, the sides will discuss a broad range of political, trade, economic, social and cultural issues in the framework of the implementation of the five-year Comprehensive Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership, which their leaders approved in 2021, as well as the preparation of a similar document for the next five years. <...>

📈 In 2024, Russia’s trade with ASEAN countries has increased by 5.8 percent and reached $23.2 billion. Their total investment in the Russian economy in January through September 2024 amounted to $2.3 billion, and Russia’s total investment in Southeast Asia was $12.4 billion. <...>

The Association has been successfully developing links with both the #EAEU and the #SCO, building upon the memorandums of understanding between ASEAN and the EEC (2018) as well as the SCO Secretariat (2005).

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👉 The East Asia Summit serves as a platform for strategic dialogue among Asia-Pacific leaders, including on issues such as strengthening regional security architecture. Priority areas of sectoral cooperation span the economy, energy, environmental protection, public healthcare, maritime cooperation, emergency response, food security, education and regional connectivity. <...>

Russia has put forward a package of specific initiatives for the East Asia Summit. These proposals comprise creating a pan-regional collaboration mechanism for epidemic prevention, strengthening economic links through expanded tourism collaboration and remote regions development.

For 2025, we have proposed that EAS leaders adopt a joint statement on enhancing social and cultural connectivity.

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👉 We regard the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as one of the crucial platforms for addressing topical regional challenges, developing measures to build confidence and advance preventive diplomacy, as well as fostering depoliticised security cooperation.

Forum participants will approve several practical initiatives. Russia’s priorities include enhancing capabilities to prevent the use of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes.

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