On August 1, during a visit to Valaam, Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko answered the media questions.
Key takeaways on the Ukrainian crisis
❓Question: We have a question regarding the third round of talks which took place in Istanbul. Overall, what is your assessment of the way these talks have been advancing and their future? <...>
Vladimir Putin: As a matter of principle, waiting is an option if the Ukrainian leadership believes that this is not the right time and that they must wait. Be my guests – we are ready to wait. This is my first point.
Second, it is the Constitution of Russia that defines our political regime, while the existing authorities operate within the strict confines of our country’s Constitution. This is not the case for Ukraine. I will not go into details right now, but today’s authorities in Ukraine do not derive their powers from the Ukrainian Constitution. It is obvious that they have violated the Constitution, but having said that, I will not elaborate on this matter.
❗As for the talks, they are always relevant and important, especially if their goal is to bring about peace. My overall assessment is quite positive. How could it be otherwise if hundreds of people were able to return home? This is a positive development. As you know, Russia has handed over thousands of dead Ukrainian soldiers on humanitarian grounds, and has received several dozen bodies of our men who sacrificed their lives for their Motherland in response. No one would argue that this was not a positive development, right? Of course, this is something positive.
As for the question of whether someone is disappointed, all the disappointment stems from heightened expectations. This is a general rule we all know. That said, to settle an issue by peaceful means, you need to hold detailed talks instead of creating publicity.
The way forward is to ensure that the negotiating process is private and confidential.
Overall, Ukraine’s response was quite positive. We agreed that we can hold these talks without cameras and without making all this political noise by working in a calm environment while searching for compromises. These groups have yet to get down to business. They have not started their work so far, but overall we believe that the initial reaction from Ukraine was rather positive. For this reason, we expect this process to get off the ground.
❓Question: A year ago, you articulated the terms for a lasting truce. Are they still on the table?
Vladimir Putin: Of course, it goes without saying that these conditions have not changed. In fact, these were objectives, rather than conditions.
Before that, we kept hearing that it was unclear what Russia wanted. This is why we set forth these objectives in June 2024 at the meeting with the Foreign Ministry’s senior officials. Everything is clear in this regard, and the core message here is that we must eliminate the root causes of this crisis. This is the main objective.
Of course, there are humanitarian matters and broader security issues that pertain to both Russia and Ukraine. By the way, the Ukrainian delegation told us that it could make sense to discuss security for both Russia and Ukraine in the context of a pan-European security framework. One of the senior members of the Ukrainian delegation voiced this opinion.
Overall, we believe that this makes sense, and we share this view. As for humanitarian matters, they have to do with the Russian language, ensuring independence and providing an adequate environment for the Orthodox Church and the Christian faith in Ukraine.
🔗 Learn more about Russia's position on the outcomes of the 3rd round of Istanbul negotiations here
Key takeaways on the Ukrainian crisis
❓Question: We have a question regarding the third round of talks which took place in Istanbul. Overall, what is your assessment of the way these talks have been advancing and their future? <...>
Vladimir Putin: As a matter of principle, waiting is an option if the Ukrainian leadership believes that this is not the right time and that they must wait. Be my guests – we are ready to wait. This is my first point.
Second, it is the Constitution of Russia that defines our political regime, while the existing authorities operate within the strict confines of our country’s Constitution. This is not the case for Ukraine. I will not go into details right now, but today’s authorities in Ukraine do not derive their powers from the Ukrainian Constitution. It is obvious that they have violated the Constitution, but having said that, I will not elaborate on this matter.
❗As for the talks, they are always relevant and important, especially if their goal is to bring about peace. My overall assessment is quite positive. How could it be otherwise if hundreds of people were able to return home? This is a positive development. As you know, Russia has handed over thousands of dead Ukrainian soldiers on humanitarian grounds, and has received several dozen bodies of our men who sacrificed their lives for their Motherland in response. No one would argue that this was not a positive development, right? Of course, this is something positive.
As for the question of whether someone is disappointed, all the disappointment stems from heightened expectations. This is a general rule we all know. That said, to settle an issue by peaceful means, you need to hold detailed talks instead of creating publicity.
The way forward is to ensure that the negotiating process is private and confidential.
Overall, Ukraine’s response was quite positive. We agreed that we can hold these talks without cameras and without making all this political noise by working in a calm environment while searching for compromises. These groups have yet to get down to business. They have not started their work so far, but overall we believe that the initial reaction from Ukraine was rather positive. For this reason, we expect this process to get off the ground.
❓Question: A year ago, you articulated the terms for a lasting truce. Are they still on the table?
Vladimir Putin: Of course, it goes without saying that these conditions have not changed. In fact, these were objectives, rather than conditions.
Before that, we kept hearing that it was unclear what Russia wanted. This is why we set forth these objectives in June 2024 at the meeting with the Foreign Ministry’s senior officials. Everything is clear in this regard, and the core message here is that we must eliminate the root causes of this crisis. This is the main objective.
Of course, there are humanitarian matters and broader security issues that pertain to both Russia and Ukraine. By the way, the Ukrainian delegation told us that it could make sense to discuss security for both Russia and Ukraine in the context of a pan-European security framework. One of the senior members of the Ukrainian delegation voiced this opinion.
Overall, we believe that this makes sense, and we share this view. As for humanitarian matters, they have to do with the Russian language, ensuring independence and providing an adequate environment for the Orthodox Church and the Christian faith in Ukraine.
🔗 Learn more about Russia's position on the outcomes of the 3rd round of Istanbul negotiations here
⚡️ Russia's Foreign Ministry statement regarding a moratorium on deploying ground-based intermediate- and shorter-range missiles
After the United States undertook deliberate actions that led to termination of the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles (INF Treaty) in 2019, the Russian Federation made proactive efforts to promote restraint in this particular area.
These efforts were reflected in top-level statements made in 2019-2020, which included Russia voluntarily assuming unilateral self-restraint on deploying ground-based INF systems for as long as similar US-made missile weapons do not emerge in the corresponding regions of the world.
Russia directly called upon NATO countries to declare a reciprocal moratorium on deploying weapons that had earlier been banned under the INF Treaty, and US allies in the Asia-Pacific region to support our efforts to prevent the arms race in that part of the world.
Regrettably, Russia’s initiatives were not reciprocated.
❗️ The United States and its allies openly declared their plans to deploy US ground-based INF missiles across the regions and moved along significantly in their efforts to implement these plans.
👉 Since 2023, we have observed instances of US systems capable of ground-launched INF strikes being transferred to the European NATO countries for trial use during exercises that clearly have an anti-Russian slant;
👉 In the Asia-Pacific, we note that under the pretext of exercises, a Typhon mid-range capability missile system was delivered to the Philippines in April 2024 and remains stationed there;
👉 During Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises, an Australian crew of the US-supplied HIMARS system launched a US-made PrSM missile, which had been tested by the Pentagon in 2021 at a range exceeding 500 km and qualifies as a ground-based INF-class missile.
We are thus witnessing a growing number of facts indicating the appearance of US-made weapons in a variety of regions around the globe including the regions that are of particular national security importance for Russia, and with characteristics that qualify them as ground-based intermediate- and shorter-range missile systems.
The plan stated by a number of US allies to acquire ground-based INF systems from Washington and/or develop their own missiles with ranges falling within the 500-5,500 km bracket, or to expand their existing national arsenals of such weapons constituted an important additional factor. <...>
The above steps by the collective West will form and build up destabilising missile capabilities in the regions that are adjacent to the Russian Federation, thus creating a direct and strategic threat to our country’s security. <...>
Russia has consistently made it clear that this scenario will prompt our country to take offsetting military-technical measures in order to neutralise emerging threats and to maintain strategic balance.
☝️ Our repeated warnings in this regard have been ignored, and the US-made ground-based INF systems are being deployed in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. In this regard, the Russian Foreign Ministry states that the conditions for maintaining a unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar systems have ceased to exist. We are authorised to declare that the Russian Federation no longer considers itself bound by the previously adopted self-imposed restrictions.
Decisions on the specific variables as they apply to response measures will be made by the leadership of the Russian Federation based on interagency analysis of the scope of deployment of the US-made and other Western ground-launched INF systems, as well as overall developments in international security and strategic stability.
Read in full
After the United States undertook deliberate actions that led to termination of the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles (INF Treaty) in 2019, the Russian Federation made proactive efforts to promote restraint in this particular area.
These efforts were reflected in top-level statements made in 2019-2020, which included Russia voluntarily assuming unilateral self-restraint on deploying ground-based INF systems for as long as similar US-made missile weapons do not emerge in the corresponding regions of the world.
Russia directly called upon NATO countries to declare a reciprocal moratorium on deploying weapons that had earlier been banned under the INF Treaty, and US allies in the Asia-Pacific region to support our efforts to prevent the arms race in that part of the world.
Regrettably, Russia’s initiatives were not reciprocated.
❗️ The United States and its allies openly declared their plans to deploy US ground-based INF missiles across the regions and moved along significantly in their efforts to implement these plans.
👉 Since 2023, we have observed instances of US systems capable of ground-launched INF strikes being transferred to the European NATO countries for trial use during exercises that clearly have an anti-Russian slant;
👉 In the Asia-Pacific, we note that under the pretext of exercises, a Typhon mid-range capability missile system was delivered to the Philippines in April 2024 and remains stationed there;
👉 During Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises, an Australian crew of the US-supplied HIMARS system launched a US-made PrSM missile, which had been tested by the Pentagon in 2021 at a range exceeding 500 km and qualifies as a ground-based INF-class missile.
We are thus witnessing a growing number of facts indicating the appearance of US-made weapons in a variety of regions around the globe including the regions that are of particular national security importance for Russia, and with characteristics that qualify them as ground-based intermediate- and shorter-range missile systems.
The plan stated by a number of US allies to acquire ground-based INF systems from Washington and/or develop their own missiles with ranges falling within the 500-5,500 km bracket, or to expand their existing national arsenals of such weapons constituted an important additional factor. <...>
The above steps by the collective West will form and build up destabilising missile capabilities in the regions that are adjacent to the Russian Federation, thus creating a direct and strategic threat to our country’s security. <...>
Russia has consistently made it clear that this scenario will prompt our country to take offsetting military-technical measures in order to neutralise emerging threats and to maintain strategic balance.
☝️ Our repeated warnings in this regard have been ignored, and the US-made ground-based INF systems are being deployed in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. In this regard, the Russian Foreign Ministry states that the conditions for maintaining a unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar systems have ceased to exist. We are authorised to declare that the Russian Federation no longer considers itself bound by the previously adopted self-imposed restrictions.
Decisions on the specific variables as they apply to response measures will be made by the leadership of the Russian Federation based on interagency analysis of the scope of deployment of the US-made and other Western ground-launched INF systems, as well as overall developments in international security and strategic stability.
Read in full
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Vladimir Putin hosted US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin
🇷🇺🇲🇾 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin held talks in the Kremlin with Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim, who is in Russia on a state visit.
💬 President Putin: Your Majesty! Friends!
It is my great pleasure to warmly welcome you to Moscow.
We greatly value the friendship our two nations share, with diplomatic relations spanning nearly six decades.
Over these years, we have built a strong political dialogue, maintained close governmental interaction, and fostered ongoing ties between our parliamentarians.
Our trade is growing at an impressive pace. As I just mentioned while we were walking towards this hall, I have had the privilege of visiting Malaysia three times, and each visit left me with the warmest memories. <...>
Your country’s hospitality and the high-level reception we received, along with its unique, breathtaking nature, remain unforgettable – not only for me but also for members of my delegation who have had the honour of visiting Malaysia.
I have already mentioned the ongoing contacts between our respective departments. Your government leaders often visit our country, and I also have good relations with them.
📈 I must also note that bilateral trade grew by over 40 percent in the first five months of this year, which I see as an impressive achievement.
We cooperate on various international platforms – above all, of course, the United Nations. But it is well known that promoting dialogue with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which Malaysia chairs this year, remains one of Russia’s key foreign policy priorities in Asia.
Beyond our bilateral ties, Your Majesty, we are deeply grateful to you for Malaysia’s role in strengthening Russia’s engagement with the broader region.
Furthermore, we were pleased to support Kuala Lumpur’s interest in joining BRICS as a partner state – a landmark step that will benefit both our bilateral relations and the future of BRICS. Your country’s contributions to the recent Summit in Rio de Janeiro were highly commendable.
We also appreciate Malaysia’s active participation in the Russia – Islamic World strategic vision group, which has become an effective tool for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between Russia and Islamic nations.
🤝 Your Majesty, I am confident that your visit will be both productive and rewarding. Beyond our official discussions, I hope you and your delegation will have the opportunity to experience and appreciate Moscow – one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing metropolises in the world.
Welcome, Your Majesty!
#RussiaMalaysia
💬 President Putin: Your Majesty! Friends!
It is my great pleasure to warmly welcome you to Moscow.
We greatly value the friendship our two nations share, with diplomatic relations spanning nearly six decades.
Over these years, we have built a strong political dialogue, maintained close governmental interaction, and fostered ongoing ties between our parliamentarians.
Our trade is growing at an impressive pace. As I just mentioned while we were walking towards this hall, I have had the privilege of visiting Malaysia three times, and each visit left me with the warmest memories. <...>
Your country’s hospitality and the high-level reception we received, along with its unique, breathtaking nature, remain unforgettable – not only for me but also for members of my delegation who have had the honour of visiting Malaysia.
I have already mentioned the ongoing contacts between our respective departments. Your government leaders often visit our country, and I also have good relations with them.
📈 I must also note that bilateral trade grew by over 40 percent in the first five months of this year, which I see as an impressive achievement.
We cooperate on various international platforms – above all, of course, the United Nations. But it is well known that promoting dialogue with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which Malaysia chairs this year, remains one of Russia’s key foreign policy priorities in Asia.
Beyond our bilateral ties, Your Majesty, we are deeply grateful to you for Malaysia’s role in strengthening Russia’s engagement with the broader region.
Furthermore, we were pleased to support Kuala Lumpur’s interest in joining BRICS as a partner state – a landmark step that will benefit both our bilateral relations and the future of BRICS. Your country’s contributions to the recent Summit in Rio de Janeiro were highly commendable.
We also appreciate Malaysia’s active participation in the Russia – Islamic World strategic vision group, which has become an effective tool for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between Russia and Islamic nations.
🤝 Your Majesty, I am confident that your visit will be both productive and rewarding. Beyond our official discussions, I hope you and your delegation will have the opportunity to experience and appreciate Moscow – one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing metropolises in the world.
Welcome, Your Majesty!
#RussiaMalaysia
❤1
⚡️ Comment by the Aide to the President of Russia Yury Ushakov on Vladimir Putin’s meeting with US President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (August 7, 2025)
💬 Yury Ushakov: This meeting took place in a business-like atmosphere and was quite constructive. Both Sides can be satisfied with the outcomes of this conversation. The discussion focused on matters dealing with future efforts to work together in the context of resolving the Ukraine crisis.
🇷🇺🇺🇸 Once again, it was noted that Russia-US relations could be placed on a totally different, mutually beneficial footing, which would be in stark contrast with the way these relations have evolved in recent years.
❗️ Regarding the Ukraine agenda, at the proposal of the United States, there was a principled agreement to hold a top-level bilateral meeting in the coming days, which means a meeting between presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Together with our American colleagues, we are about to start working on the specific parameters of this meeting and its venue. The venue has also been coordinated, and we will communicate on this point a little later.
As for the option of holding a trilateral meeting, which for some reason became a subject of speculation yesterday in Washington, the US representative simply mentioned it during the meeting at the Kremlin. However, there was no specific discussion on this topic. Russia has not commented on this option in any way. Our suggestion primarily focuses on preparing for a bilateral meeting with Donald Trump.
What matters most is that the meeting proves successful and produces tangible results.
It is already well known that Donald Trump spoke to several of his European partners on the phone to discuss these issues after Steve Witkoff reported back to him. It is worth noting in this regard that we have also been updating our close partners and friends through the relevant communication channels to inform them on the topics discussed during the meeting with Steve Witkoff.
Next week was suggested as a possible timeframe [for holding the meeting], but since the effort to prepare for this important event is only just beginning for both Parties, it is hard to say how long the preparations will take.
That said, the option of holding this meeting sometime next week was on the table, and we hold quite a positive view in this regard.
#RussiaUS
💬 Yury Ushakov: This meeting took place in a business-like atmosphere and was quite constructive. Both Sides can be satisfied with the outcomes of this conversation. The discussion focused on matters dealing with future efforts to work together in the context of resolving the Ukraine crisis.
🇷🇺🇺🇸 Once again, it was noted that Russia-US relations could be placed on a totally different, mutually beneficial footing, which would be in stark contrast with the way these relations have evolved in recent years.
❗️ Regarding the Ukraine agenda, at the proposal of the United States, there was a principled agreement to hold a top-level bilateral meeting in the coming days, which means a meeting between presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Together with our American colleagues, we are about to start working on the specific parameters of this meeting and its venue. The venue has also been coordinated, and we will communicate on this point a little later.
As for the option of holding a trilateral meeting, which for some reason became a subject of speculation yesterday in Washington, the US representative simply mentioned it during the meeting at the Kremlin. However, there was no specific discussion on this topic. Russia has not commented on this option in any way. Our suggestion primarily focuses on preparing for a bilateral meeting with Donald Trump.
What matters most is that the meeting proves successful and produces tangible results.
It is already well known that Donald Trump spoke to several of his European partners on the phone to discuss these issues after Steve Witkoff reported back to him. It is worth noting in this regard that we have also been updating our close partners and friends through the relevant communication channels to inform them on the topics discussed during the meeting with Steve Witkoff.
Next week was suggested as a possible timeframe [for holding the meeting], but since the effort to prepare for this important event is only just beginning for both Parties, it is hard to say how long the preparations will take.
That said, the option of holding this meeting sometime next week was on the table, and we hold quite a positive view in this regard.
#RussiaUS
🌐 Kazan Digital Week 2025 - International Forum on Digital Technologies
📅 September 17-19, 2025
📍 Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia
Kazan Digital Week is one of the key events in Russia’s digital technology sector. It brings together developers of IT solutions, AI experts, digital product manufacturers, as well as representatives of government agencies, businesses, and scientific organizations from different countries.
The Forum focuses on the practical application of digital technologies in public administration, industries, and the social sphere. It is a proven platform for international cooperation and the exchange of best practices in digital transformation.
In 2025, the Forum will feature:
- Over 20,000 participants from 60+ countries
- 10 thematic tracks
- More than 100 events (business sessions, exhibitions, pitch presentations)
- A hybrid format (in-person and online)
🔗 Details & registration: kazandigitalweek.com/en
📅 September 17-19, 2025
📍 Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia
Kazan Digital Week is one of the key events in Russia’s digital technology sector. It brings together developers of IT solutions, AI experts, digital product manufacturers, as well as representatives of government agencies, businesses, and scientific organizations from different countries.
The Forum focuses on the practical application of digital technologies in public administration, industries, and the social sphere. It is a proven platform for international cooperation and the exchange of best practices in digital transformation.
In 2025, the Forum will feature:
- Over 20,000 participants from 60+ countries
- 10 thematic tracks
- More than 100 events (business sessions, exhibitions, pitch presentations)
- A hybrid format (in-person and online)
🔗 Details & registration: kazandigitalweek.com/en
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⚡ Comment by Aide to the President of Russia Yuri Ushakov on the upcoming meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump 🇷🇺🇺🇸
💬 The American Side has just announced that an agreement was reached to hold a meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Donald Trump of the United States next Friday, August 15, in Alaska.
Russia and the United States are close neighbours, they share borders. So it does make sense if our delegation simply crosses the Bering Strait and if such an important and expected meeting between the two Leaders takes place specifically in Alaska.
Incidentally, it is in Alaska and in the Arctic that the economic interests of our countries converge and prospects for implementing large-scale mutually beneficial projects arise.
However, the Presidents will undoubtedly focus on discussing ways to reach a sustainable settlement to the Ukraine crisis.
Looking ahead, we would naturally expect the next meeting between the Presidents to be held on Russia's territory. An invitation to that effect has already been made to the President of the United States.
In conclusion, I would like to note that in the next few days, Moscow and Washington will of course be working vigorously and hard on the practical and political parameters of the Alaska summit. We expect this process will not be simple, but we will be engaged in it actively and consistently.
💬 The American Side has just announced that an agreement was reached to hold a meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Donald Trump of the United States next Friday, August 15, in Alaska.
Russia and the United States are close neighbours, they share borders. So it does make sense if our delegation simply crosses the Bering Strait and if such an important and expected meeting between the two Leaders takes place specifically in Alaska.
Incidentally, it is in Alaska and in the Arctic that the economic interests of our countries converge and prospects for implementing large-scale mutually beneficial projects arise.
However, the Presidents will undoubtedly focus on discussing ways to reach a sustainable settlement to the Ukraine crisis.
Looking ahead, we would naturally expect the next meeting between the Presidents to be held on Russia's territory. An invitation to that effect has already been made to the President of the United States.
In conclusion, I would like to note that in the next few days, Moscow and Washington will of course be working vigorously and hard on the practical and political parameters of the Alaska summit. We expect this process will not be simple, but we will be engaged in it actively and consistently.
⚡️ Russia's Foreign Ministry statement on developments in the Gaza Strip
On August 8, the Israeli security cabinet approved a plan to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip, aiming to seize control of its once most populous central region.
Israel reportedly aims to forcibly evacuate all Palestinian civilians from the area in the near future, leaving not a single civilian behind. The Israeli government has made no secret of its intention to pursue a complete military occupation of Gaza.
Such decisions and actions, which have drawn widespread condemnation and rejection, risk dramatically worsening the already dire situation in the Palestinian enclave, which bears all the signs of a humanitarian catastrophe.
❗️ Further escalation will severely undermine international efforts to de-escalate the conflict, with destabilising consequences for the entire Middle East.
Russia reaffirms its unwavering position: an immediate ceasefire in Gaza is imperative, all hostages and detainees must be released, and unimpeded humanitarian access must be restored.
Moscow remains steadfast in its conviction that the only viable solution lies within the established framework of international law, centred on the two-state principle. This demands the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
On August 8, the Israeli security cabinet approved a plan to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip, aiming to seize control of its once most populous central region.
Israel reportedly aims to forcibly evacuate all Palestinian civilians from the area in the near future, leaving not a single civilian behind. The Israeli government has made no secret of its intention to pursue a complete military occupation of Gaza.
Such decisions and actions, which have drawn widespread condemnation and rejection, risk dramatically worsening the already dire situation in the Palestinian enclave, which bears all the signs of a humanitarian catastrophe.
❗️ Further escalation will severely undermine international efforts to de-escalate the conflict, with destabilising consequences for the entire Middle East.
Russia reaffirms its unwavering position: an immediate ceasefire in Gaza is imperative, all hostages and detainees must be released, and unimpeded humanitarian access must be restored.
Moscow remains steadfast in its conviction that the only viable solution lies within the established framework of international law, centred on the two-state principle. This demands the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
❤1
#Announcement
The registration for the Russian Language World Championship for Foreigners-2025 is now open.
The Championship is an international contest and educational event that brings together teams from around the world to showcase their Russian language skills, ability to defend their point of view, engage in discussions, solve logical problems, work as a team, and demonstrate creativity.
ℹ️ In order to participate, you must form a team of 5 people of 16–22 years of age, with each member having at least an A2 level of Russian language proficiency. The team must also have a coach (aged 21 or older) who will guide and support the team throughout all stages of the competition.
Last year, the Russian Language World Championship for Foreigners brought together over 2’000 participants from all over the world, including countries like India, China, Greece, Vietnam and various Latin American nations. The final was held in "Tsarskoye Selo", with the team from Kazakhstan taking first place.
🌐 In 2025, teams will be grouped by geographic region: former Soviet countries, Africa, Asia, America, and Europe. The top ten teams that successfully complete the online stage will be invited to the final round in Moscow, Russia, to be held in December 2025. All the travel expenses will be covered by the organizers.
Registration is open until September 15, 2025. Participation is free of charge.
🔎 Find out more about the Championship and register!
The registration for the Russian Language World Championship for Foreigners-2025 is now open.
The Championship is an international contest and educational event that brings together teams from around the world to showcase their Russian language skills, ability to defend their point of view, engage in discussions, solve logical problems, work as a team, and demonstrate creativity.
ℹ️ In order to participate, you must form a team of 5 people of 16–22 years of age, with each member having at least an A2 level of Russian language proficiency. The team must also have a coach (aged 21 or older) who will guide and support the team throughout all stages of the competition.
Last year, the Russian Language World Championship for Foreigners brought together over 2’000 participants from all over the world, including countries like India, China, Greece, Vietnam and various Latin American nations. The final was held in "Tsarskoye Selo", with the team from Kazakhstan taking first place.
🌐 In 2025, teams will be grouped by geographic region: former Soviet countries, Africa, Asia, America, and Europe. The top ten teams that successfully complete the online stage will be invited to the final round in Moscow, Russia, to be held in December 2025. All the travel expenses will be covered by the organizers.
Registration is open until September 15, 2025. Participation is free of charge.
🔎 Find out more about the Championship and register!
❤1
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Full video of Vladimir Putin's remarks during the joint news conference with Donald Trump
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Vladimir Putin laid flowers at the graves of Soviet soldiers at the Fort Richardson Memorial Cemetery
The cemetery is the resting place of Soviet pilots and sailors who delivered equipment under the Lend-Lease programme during the Great Patriotic War.
The cemetery is the resting place of Soviet pilots and sailors who delivered equipment under the Lend-Lease programme during the Great Patriotic War.
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Vladimir Putin has concluded his working visit to the United States
🎙 Russia's President Vladimir Putin's statement at a joint news conference with US President Donald Trump following talks (Anchorage, August 15)
💬 President Putin: We held our talks in a constructive and mutually respectful atmosphere, and they have proved substantive and productive.
I would like to once again thank my US counterpart for the proposal to come to Alaska. It is quite logical to meet here since our countries, albeit separated by oceans, are, in fact, close neighbours. <...>
As you know, Russian-American summit talks have not been held for over four years. That is a long time. This period has proved exceptionally difficult for bilateral relations, and, let’s face it, they have deteriorated to their lowest point since the Cold War. And this does not benefit either our countries or the world in general.
Obviously, sooner or later we had to remedy the situation, to move from confrontation to dialogue, and in this regard, an in-person meeting between the two heads of state was really overdue – of course, with serious and thorough preparations, and this work has been done.
President Trump and I have established very good direct contacts. We have had frank conversations on the phone multiple times. As you know, the US President’s Special Envoy, Mr Witkoff, has visited us in Russia several times. Our aides and heads of foreign ministries have maintained regular contacts.
As you are well aware, the situation around Ukraine is one of the key issues. We acknowledge the commitment of the US administration and President Trump personally to help resolve the Ukrainian conflict, and the President’s willingness to understand the root causes and its origins.
I have repeatedly said that the developments in Ukraine present fundamental threats to Russia’s national security. Moreover, we have always considered the Ukrainian people – and I have said this many times – a brotherly people, no matter how strange it may sound in today’s circumstances. We share the same roots, and the current situation is tragic and deeply painful to us. Therefore, our country is sincerely interested in ending this.
Yet, we are convinced that, for the conflict resolution in Ukraine to be long-term and lasting, all the root causes of the crisis, which have been repeatedly explained, must be eliminated; all of Russia’s legitimate concerns must be taken into account, and a fair security balance must be restored in Europe and the rest of the world. <...>
Hopefully, the understanding we have reached will bring us closer to this goal and open up the road to peace in Ukraine. <...>
Today, we hear President Trump saying: “If I had been president, there would have been no war.” I believe it would have been so. I confirm this because President Trump and I have established a generally very good, businesslike and trustworthy contact. And I have every reason to believe that, as we move along this path, we can reach – and the sooner the better – the end of the conflict in Ukraine.
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#RussiaUS
💬 President Putin: We held our talks in a constructive and mutually respectful atmosphere, and they have proved substantive and productive.
I would like to once again thank my US counterpart for the proposal to come to Alaska. It is quite logical to meet here since our countries, albeit separated by oceans, are, in fact, close neighbours. <...>
As you know, Russian-American summit talks have not been held for over four years. That is a long time. This period has proved exceptionally difficult for bilateral relations, and, let’s face it, they have deteriorated to their lowest point since the Cold War. And this does not benefit either our countries or the world in general.
Obviously, sooner or later we had to remedy the situation, to move from confrontation to dialogue, and in this regard, an in-person meeting between the two heads of state was really overdue – of course, with serious and thorough preparations, and this work has been done.
President Trump and I have established very good direct contacts. We have had frank conversations on the phone multiple times. As you know, the US President’s Special Envoy, Mr Witkoff, has visited us in Russia several times. Our aides and heads of foreign ministries have maintained regular contacts.
As you are well aware, the situation around Ukraine is one of the key issues. We acknowledge the commitment of the US administration and President Trump personally to help resolve the Ukrainian conflict, and the President’s willingness to understand the root causes and its origins.
I have repeatedly said that the developments in Ukraine present fundamental threats to Russia’s national security. Moreover, we have always considered the Ukrainian people – and I have said this many times – a brotherly people, no matter how strange it may sound in today’s circumstances. We share the same roots, and the current situation is tragic and deeply painful to us. Therefore, our country is sincerely interested in ending this.
Yet, we are convinced that, for the conflict resolution in Ukraine to be long-term and lasting, all the root causes of the crisis, which have been repeatedly explained, must be eliminated; all of Russia’s legitimate concerns must be taken into account, and a fair security balance must be restored in Europe and the rest of the world. <...>
Hopefully, the understanding we have reached will bring us closer to this goal and open up the road to peace in Ukraine. <...>
Today, we hear President Trump saying: “If I had been president, there would have been no war.” I believe it would have been so. I confirm this because President Trump and I have established a generally very good, businesslike and trustworthy contact. And I have every reason to believe that, as we move along this path, we can reach – and the sooner the better – the end of the conflict in Ukraine.
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#RussiaUS
🎙 Russia's President Vladimir Putin's statement at a meeting on the outcomes of the Russia-US talks (Anchorage, August 16)
💬 President Putin: I asked you to attend this meeting to inform you about the outcomes of our delegation’s visit to Alaska, the United States.
I would like to begin by noting that the visit was timely and quite useful. We discussed our interactions in virtually all their aspects with a focus, of course, on achieving a fair resolution of the Ukraine crisis. We certainly had an opportunity to discuss the origins and causes of this crisis, which we did. It is the removal of these root causes that must underlie the settlement.
We did not have direct talks at this level for a long time. Let me reiterate: we were able to present our position in a calm and detailed manner. We definitely respect the US administration’s position which wants the hostilities to stop as soon as possible. So do we, and we would like to move forward with settling all issues by peaceful means.
The conversation was very frank and substantive which, in my view, moves us closer to making necessary decisions.
💬 President Putin: I asked you to attend this meeting to inform you about the outcomes of our delegation’s visit to Alaska, the United States.
I would like to begin by noting that the visit was timely and quite useful. We discussed our interactions in virtually all their aspects with a focus, of course, on achieving a fair resolution of the Ukraine crisis. We certainly had an opportunity to discuss the origins and causes of this crisis, which we did. It is the removal of these root causes that must underlie the settlement.
We did not have direct talks at this level for a long time. Let me reiterate: we were able to present our position in a calm and detailed manner. We definitely respect the US administration’s position which wants the hostilities to stop as soon as possible. So do we, and we would like to move forward with settling all issues by peaceful means.
The conversation was very frank and substantive which, in my view, moves us closer to making necessary decisions.
🎙 Comment by Aide to the President of Russia Yury Ushakov following the telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and President of the United States Donald Trump (August 19, 2025)
💬 Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Donald Trump, at the US President’s initiative.
The President of Russia expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his US colleague for the hospitality and perfect arrangements at the Alaska summit, as well as for the progress they were able to achieve towards bringing about a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis.
The President of the United States informed his Russian counterpart about the talks he had just concluded at the White House with Vladimir Zelensky and leaders of several European countries.
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump then reaffirmed their commitment to continuing direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations.
In this connection, among other things, they discussed the prospect of exploring opportunities for drawing higher ranking officials from both Ukraine and Russia into these direct talks.
It is quite telling that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump agreed to keep in touch with one another on the Ukrainian issue and other urgent international and bilateral matters.
The President of Russia highlighted the importance of Donald Trump’s personal efforts and commitment to finding solutions for a lasting settlement in Ukraine.
The conversation was quite frank and constructive.
🇷🇺🇺🇸 #RussiaUSA
💬 Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Donald Trump, at the US President’s initiative.
The President of Russia expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his US colleague for the hospitality and perfect arrangements at the Alaska summit, as well as for the progress they were able to achieve towards bringing about a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis.
The President of the United States informed his Russian counterpart about the talks he had just concluded at the White House with Vladimir Zelensky and leaders of several European countries.
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump then reaffirmed their commitment to continuing direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations.
In this connection, among other things, they discussed the prospect of exploring opportunities for drawing higher ranking officials from both Ukraine and Russia into these direct talks.
It is quite telling that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump agreed to keep in touch with one another on the Ukrainian issue and other urgent international and bilateral matters.
The President of Russia highlighted the importance of Donald Trump’s personal efforts and commitment to finding solutions for a lasting settlement in Ukraine.
The conversation was quite frank and constructive.
🇷🇺🇺🇸 #RussiaUSA
#Announcement
🗓 On August 21, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Moscow.
Russia and India have developed a special privileged strategic partnership based on mutual trust and respect.
🇷🇺🇮🇳 The core spheres of cooperation between our two countries include efforts to step up political dialogue in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks, as well as ensuring that agencies in charge of economic and financial matters, energy, arms manufacturing, science and culture work more closely together.
Russia’s and India’s Foreign Ministers will pay special attention to the current and future avenues for promoting bilateral cooperation. They will also discuss the schedule for future contacts.
The meeting’s agenda will focus on facilitating the emergence of transport, logistics, banking and financial links and chains that would be immune to any adverse pressures from unfriendly countries, while also increasing the use of national currencies in their mutual settlements.
Expanding cooperation in transport, energy, agriculture, science and technology will also be on the meeting’s agenda.
The Ministers will also coordinate their positions on the latest international developments, paying special attention to interactions within the #UN, #BRICS, the #SCO and the #G20.
The substantive exchange of opinions between the two officials will also include topics related to shaping a security architecture with greater justice for all in the Asia-Pacific Region, as well as the situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Moscow and New Delhi view multipolarity as a core factor for maintaining balance of the world order that has taken shape over the past decades.
Russia focuses on building an inclusive political and economic system and promoting a positive agenda while maintaining constructive interstate dialogue.
#RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti
🗓 On August 21, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Moscow.
Russia and India have developed a special privileged strategic partnership based on mutual trust and respect.
🇷🇺🇮🇳 The core spheres of cooperation between our two countries include efforts to step up political dialogue in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks, as well as ensuring that agencies in charge of economic and financial matters, energy, arms manufacturing, science and culture work more closely together.
Russia’s and India’s Foreign Ministers will pay special attention to the current and future avenues for promoting bilateral cooperation. They will also discuss the schedule for future contacts.
The meeting’s agenda will focus on facilitating the emergence of transport, logistics, banking and financial links and chains that would be immune to any adverse pressures from unfriendly countries, while also increasing the use of national currencies in their mutual settlements.
Expanding cooperation in transport, energy, agriculture, science and technology will also be on the meeting’s agenda.
The Ministers will also coordinate their positions on the latest international developments, paying special attention to interactions within the #UN, #BRICS, the #SCO and the #G20.
The substantive exchange of opinions between the two officials will also include topics related to shaping a security architecture with greater justice for all in the Asia-Pacific Region, as well as the situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Moscow and New Delhi view multipolarity as a core factor for maintaining balance of the world order that has taken shape over the past decades.
Russia focuses on building an inclusive political and economic system and promoting a positive agenda while maintaining constructive interstate dialogue.
#RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with VGTRK (Moscow, August 19, 2025)
Key points:
• It showed without any doubt, that the US Leader and his team are sincere in their commitment to achieving tangible results by bringing about something lasting, durable, and sustainable. This is what sets them apart from the Europeans who, at the time, shouted at every corner that they would not accept anything but a ceasefire, and even after that would go on supplying weapons to Ukraine.
• President of the United States Donald Trump and his team have developed a clear understanding of the fact that this conflict has its causes which means that the claims made by some European presidents and prime ministers about Russia’s "unprovoked" attack on Ukraine are nothing but childish babble.
• Some of these [European] leaders, for example Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are still talking about the need to pressure Russia with sanctions. Not a single one of these gentlemen mentioned the term human rights. <...> But if you look back from where we are today and remember what they have been saying about Ukraine for all these years, you will not find any references to human rights.
• From the standpoint of language and religion, the UN Charter is being flagrantly violated in Ukraine. It is important to recall that Zelensky declared in Washington that, while he was prepared to engage in negotiations, he would not entertain any discussions about territorial concessions, as these are prohibited by the Constitution.
• When these [European] delegates in Washington insisted that efforts must commence with formulating security guarantees for Ukraine – and simultaneously for Europe – not once did they mention Russia’s security.
• Without respect for Russia’s security interests, without full recognition of the rights of ethnic Russians and Russian speakers in Ukraine, no lasting agreements are possible – for these are precisely the issues requiring urgent resolution in the context of the crisis settlement.
• The Alaska Summit demonstrated that the US administration is genuinely committed to a settlement not aimed at once again preparing Ukraine for war (as was the case after the Minsk agreements), but at ensuring this crisis never recurs – guaranteeing the lawful rights of all states in this region and the peoples who live there.
• We did not discuss the sanctions. Many of our experts, politicians and officials have repeatedly stated that lifting the sanctions may have adverse effects. That would create illusions for some economic sectors that now we can finally overcome the problems by returning to the strategies developed and implemented in the 1990s and the early 2000s.
• We are not rejecting any forms of work, either bilateral or trilateral. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said it multiple times. It is important that any formats, 1+1, 1+2, or multilateral ones, which exist in abundance, including within the UN, are not exploited for the purpose of media coverage, in morning newspapers or in evening news, or on social media, to skim the propaganda cream off the top. These formats are designed for step-by-step, consistent preparations for summits, from the expert level and up. We will always support this sort of serious approach. Any contacts involving top officials must be prepared extremely carefully.
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Key points:
• It showed without any doubt, that the US Leader and his team are sincere in their commitment to achieving tangible results by bringing about something lasting, durable, and sustainable. This is what sets them apart from the Europeans who, at the time, shouted at every corner that they would not accept anything but a ceasefire, and even after that would go on supplying weapons to Ukraine.
• President of the United States Donald Trump and his team have developed a clear understanding of the fact that this conflict has its causes which means that the claims made by some European presidents and prime ministers about Russia’s "unprovoked" attack on Ukraine are nothing but childish babble.
• Some of these [European] leaders, for example Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are still talking about the need to pressure Russia with sanctions. Not a single one of these gentlemen mentioned the term human rights. <...> But if you look back from where we are today and remember what they have been saying about Ukraine for all these years, you will not find any references to human rights.
• From the standpoint of language and religion, the UN Charter is being flagrantly violated in Ukraine. It is important to recall that Zelensky declared in Washington that, while he was prepared to engage in negotiations, he would not entertain any discussions about territorial concessions, as these are prohibited by the Constitution.
• When these [European] delegates in Washington insisted that efforts must commence with formulating security guarantees for Ukraine – and simultaneously for Europe – not once did they mention Russia’s security.
• Without respect for Russia’s security interests, without full recognition of the rights of ethnic Russians and Russian speakers in Ukraine, no lasting agreements are possible – for these are precisely the issues requiring urgent resolution in the context of the crisis settlement.
• The Alaska Summit demonstrated that the US administration is genuinely committed to a settlement not aimed at once again preparing Ukraine for war (as was the case after the Minsk agreements), but at ensuring this crisis never recurs – guaranteeing the lawful rights of all states in this region and the peoples who live there.
• We did not discuss the sanctions. Many of our experts, politicians and officials have repeatedly stated that lifting the sanctions may have adverse effects. That would create illusions for some economic sectors that now we can finally overcome the problems by returning to the strategies developed and implemented in the 1990s and the early 2000s.
• We are not rejecting any forms of work, either bilateral or trilateral. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said it multiple times. It is important that any formats, 1+1, 1+2, or multilateral ones, which exist in abundance, including within the UN, are not exploited for the purpose of media coverage, in morning newspapers or in evening news, or on social media, to skim the propaganda cream off the top. These formats are designed for step-by-step, consistent preparations for summits, from the expert level and up. We will always support this sort of serious approach. Any contacts involving top officials must be prepared extremely carefully.
Read in full