⚡️ Statement by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on the situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran (January 16, 2026)
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) expresses serious concern over the recent tragic events in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which have resulted in casualties among civilians and law enforcement personnel, as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
In this regard, the SCO conveys its deep condolences to the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The SCO notes that unilateral sanction measures have had a significant negative impact on the country’s economic stability, led to a deterioration in living standards, and objectively constrained the ability of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to implement measures aimed at ensuring the country’s socio-economic development.
The SCO opposes interference in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Organisation adheres to the principles of respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states, and the non-use of force or threat of force in international relations.
The SCO calls for a peaceful settlement of the current situation through political and diplomatic means.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) expresses serious concern over the recent tragic events in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which have resulted in casualties among civilians and law enforcement personnel, as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
In this regard, the SCO conveys its deep condolences to the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The SCO notes that unilateral sanction measures have had a significant negative impact on the country’s economic stability, led to a deterioration in living standards, and objectively constrained the ability of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to implement measures aimed at ensuring the country’s socio-economic development.
The SCO opposes interference in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Organisation adheres to the principles of respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states, and the non-use of force or threat of force in international relations.
The SCO calls for a peaceful settlement of the current situation through political and diplomatic means.
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🇷🇺🇲🇲 On January 27, 2026, the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on the Mutual Cancellation of Visa Requirements for Citizens of the Russian Federation and Citizens of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, signed in Minsk on October 28, 2025, will come into force.
Under the Agreement, Russian citizens may enter Myanmar and stay for up to 30 days per visit without a visa, provided that the purpose of their visit is not permanent residence, education or engagement in any activity requiring a work permit.
❗️The total duration of their stay must not exceed 90 days in a calendar year.
Citizens of Myanmar are granted similar rights when visiting Russia.
#RussiaMyanmar
Under the Agreement, Russian citizens may enter Myanmar and stay for up to 30 days per visit without a visa, provided that the purpose of their visit is not permanent residence, education or engagement in any activity requiring a work permit.
❗️The total duration of their stay must not exceed 90 days in a calendar year.
Citizens of Myanmar are granted similar rights when visiting Russia.
#RussiaMyanmar
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#Outcomes2025
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his annual news conference on the Russian diplomacy outcomes in 2025 (January 20, 2026)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: We are witnessing tectonic shifts affecting the entire global order.
It is telling that the West, which over the past decade actively sought to oppose international law in its original, principled interpretation with its own concept of a so-called “rules-based world order”, has now largely dropped this term from its vocabulary.
All Western European countries are currently trying to make sense of what is happening in the world in the context of the course announced and pursued by the US President, a course that formally fits into the “rules-based order”. The difference is that these “rules” are no longer written by the “collective West”, but by its single representative. For Europe, this has come as a profound shock. We are observing the situation closely.
👉 It is clear that the developments we are witnessing, as well as the actions announced by President Trump on the international stage, reflect an intensifying competitive struggle.
We have repeatedly spoken about recent trends in global economic development. China, operating within the very rules that the West – led by the US – laid down as the foundation of the globalization model promoted worldwide until recently, has outperformed its Western competitors in trade, the economy, investment and infrastructure projects. China's economic and financial indicators speak for themselves.
We see attempts to counter this situation through sanctions, tariffs and duties. The US seeks to negotiate, yet this is happening in the absence of any common criteria that until recently underpinned the work of the #IMF, the #WorldBank and the #WTO. All those rules on which a Western-friendly world order was supposed to be based have effectively been cast aside.
⚔️ What is unfolding is a game of “might makes right”. We are all witnessing this.
We can discuss how conceptual approaches to world order are changing and how concrete processes are developing in the course of an interactive dialogue. However, the consequences of this line are felt not only by countries of the Global South and East – crisis tendencies are also accumulating within Western societies themselves.
Greenland is a clear example. It is on everyone’s lips, and the debates unfolding around it would have been difficult to imagine not so long ago – including discussions about the prospects for NATO’s continued existence as a unified Western military-political bloc.
As for Greenland, our position is simple: if Western countries choose to deal with one another “by mob rules”, that is their choice and their right.
🇷🇺 For our part, Russia will conduct relations with all our partners – both from the Global Majority and from among Western countries – who are genuinely interested in engaging with Russia and discussing concrete, mutually beneficial projects ☝️ on the basis of equality.
📺 Watch the news conference in full
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his annual news conference on the Russian diplomacy outcomes in 2025 (January 20, 2026)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: We are witnessing tectonic shifts affecting the entire global order.
It is telling that the West, which over the past decade actively sought to oppose international law in its original, principled interpretation with its own concept of a so-called “rules-based world order”, has now largely dropped this term from its vocabulary.
All Western European countries are currently trying to make sense of what is happening in the world in the context of the course announced and pursued by the US President, a course that formally fits into the “rules-based order”. The difference is that these “rules” are no longer written by the “collective West”, but by its single representative. For Europe, this has come as a profound shock. We are observing the situation closely.
👉 It is clear that the developments we are witnessing, as well as the actions announced by President Trump on the international stage, reflect an intensifying competitive struggle.
We have repeatedly spoken about recent trends in global economic development. China, operating within the very rules that the West – led by the US – laid down as the foundation of the globalization model promoted worldwide until recently, has outperformed its Western competitors in trade, the economy, investment and infrastructure projects. China's economic and financial indicators speak for themselves.
We see attempts to counter this situation through sanctions, tariffs and duties. The US seeks to negotiate, yet this is happening in the absence of any common criteria that until recently underpinned the work of the #IMF, the #WorldBank and the #WTO. All those rules on which a Western-friendly world order was supposed to be based have effectively been cast aside.
⚔️ What is unfolding is a game of “might makes right”. We are all witnessing this.
We can discuss how conceptual approaches to world order are changing and how concrete processes are developing in the course of an interactive dialogue. However, the consequences of this line are felt not only by countries of the Global South and East – crisis tendencies are also accumulating within Western societies themselves.
Greenland is a clear example. It is on everyone’s lips, and the debates unfolding around it would have been difficult to imagine not so long ago – including discussions about the prospects for NATO’s continued existence as a unified Western military-political bloc.
As for Greenland, our position is simple: if Western countries choose to deal with one another “by mob rules”, that is their choice and their right.
🇷🇺 For our part, Russia will conduct relations with all our partners – both from the Global Majority and from among Western countries – who are genuinely interested in engaging with Russia and discussing concrete, mutually beneficial projects ☝️ on the basis of equality.
📺 Watch the news conference in full
👍1
⚡️ Comment by Aide to the President Yury Ushakov regarding President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with US President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (January 23, 2026)
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💬 Yury Ushakov: President Vladimir Putin has held a meeting with US President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Jared Kushner and Josh Gruenbaum also attended the meeting. The latter is a White House Senior Advisor who specialises in economic matters. This was his first time joining the US team.
🤝 The talks lasted about four hours and were exceptionally in-depth, constructive, and, I should say, constituted an extremely frank and heart-to-heart conversation.
As you know, our counterparts arrived from Davos after taking part in a series of events together with President Donald Trump, including those concerning the Ukraine settlement. These meetings literally lasted until it was time for them to leave for Moscow.
They provided first-hand accounts of these events and shared their impressions, as well as their latest thoughts and assessments regarding the meeting between the President of the United States and Zelensky in Davos. <...>
An agreement on the next step in this direction has been reached. An agreement was reached to hold the first meeting of a trilateral working group on security matters today, this Friday, January 23, in Abu Dhabi, with Russia, the United States and Ukraine. At the same time, Abu Dhabi will also host a meeting of the heads of the bilateral working group on economic matters. This bilateral group was formed by Russia and the United States, led by Kirill Dmitriev and Steve Witkoff.
Our negotiating team on security matters has already been formed and will depart for the Emirates in a few hours. The group includes senior officials from the Defence Ministry, led by Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff Admiral Kostyukov.
I would also like to inform you that the President of Russia has given our delegation specific instructions based on today's conversation with the United States.
Importantly, the participants in the conversation between the President of Russia and the Americans reaffirmed the fact that:
☝️ achieving a lasting settlement is unlikely without addressing the territorial issue based on the formula agreed upon in Anchorage.
Vladimir Putin has emphasised Russia’s sincere commitment to settling the Ukraine crisis by political and diplomatic means.
However, as long as this is not the case, Russia will persist in its consistent effort to achieve the special military operation’s goals on the battlefield, where Russia’s Armed Forces hold the strategic initiative.
During the meeting at the Kremlin, we also discussed Donald Trump’s idea of a Board of Peace, a host of regional matters and the Greenland issue.
While exchanging views on the Board of Peace, we emphasised our readiness to transfer US$1 billion from Russia’s assets frozen under the previous US administration to its budget. The remaining Russian assets frozen in the US can be used for rebuilding the territories damaged during the hostilities after a peace agreement is signed between Russia and Ukraine. Discussions on this issue will continue in the bilateral economic group.
I would like to note that the further development of bilateral Russian-US relations was discussed conceptually, considering the vast potential for cooperation in various spheres.
American representatives are already considering certain plans that could be implemented after the settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
<...>
Overall, as I mentioned, the meeting that has just ended at the Kremlin was beneficial in every sense for both us and the American Side.
It was decided that the Russian and American Sides will maintain close contact on Ukraine and other issues.
#RussiaUSA
Read in full
💬 Yury Ushakov: President Vladimir Putin has held a meeting with US President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Jared Kushner and Josh Gruenbaum also attended the meeting. The latter is a White House Senior Advisor who specialises in economic matters. This was his first time joining the US team.
🤝 The talks lasted about four hours and were exceptionally in-depth, constructive, and, I should say, constituted an extremely frank and heart-to-heart conversation.
As you know, our counterparts arrived from Davos after taking part in a series of events together with President Donald Trump, including those concerning the Ukraine settlement. These meetings literally lasted until it was time for them to leave for Moscow.
They provided first-hand accounts of these events and shared their impressions, as well as their latest thoughts and assessments regarding the meeting between the President of the United States and Zelensky in Davos. <...>
An agreement on the next step in this direction has been reached. An agreement was reached to hold the first meeting of a trilateral working group on security matters today, this Friday, January 23, in Abu Dhabi, with Russia, the United States and Ukraine. At the same time, Abu Dhabi will also host a meeting of the heads of the bilateral working group on economic matters. This bilateral group was formed by Russia and the United States, led by Kirill Dmitriev and Steve Witkoff.
Our negotiating team on security matters has already been formed and will depart for the Emirates in a few hours. The group includes senior officials from the Defence Ministry, led by Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff Admiral Kostyukov.
I would also like to inform you that the President of Russia has given our delegation specific instructions based on today's conversation with the United States.
Importantly, the participants in the conversation between the President of Russia and the Americans reaffirmed the fact that:
☝️ achieving a lasting settlement is unlikely without addressing the territorial issue based on the formula agreed upon in Anchorage.
Vladimir Putin has emphasised Russia’s sincere commitment to settling the Ukraine crisis by political and diplomatic means.
However, as long as this is not the case, Russia will persist in its consistent effort to achieve the special military operation’s goals on the battlefield, where Russia’s Armed Forces hold the strategic initiative.
During the meeting at the Kremlin, we also discussed Donald Trump’s idea of a Board of Peace, a host of regional matters and the Greenland issue.
While exchanging views on the Board of Peace, we emphasised our readiness to transfer US$1 billion from Russia’s assets frozen under the previous US administration to its budget. The remaining Russian assets frozen in the US can be used for rebuilding the territories damaged during the hostilities after a peace agreement is signed between Russia and Ukraine. Discussions on this issue will continue in the bilateral economic group.
I would like to note that the further development of bilateral Russian-US relations was discussed conceptually, considering the vast potential for cooperation in various spheres.
American representatives are already considering certain plans that could be implemented after the settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
<...>
Overall, as I mentioned, the meeting that has just ended at the Kremlin was beneficial in every sense for both us and the American Side.
It was decided that the Russian and American Sides will maintain close contact on Ukraine and other issues.
#RussiaUSA
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
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🕯 “Nevsky Pyatachok” is the name given to a small bridgehead on the Neva River – a narrow strip of land some 50 kilometres from St Petersburg. It became one of the most tragic and decisive places of the Great Patriotic War.
During the Siege of Leningrad, this ground witnessed some of the fiercest and most crucial battles. Here, Red Army units held their ground against overwhelming Nazi forces, repeatedly seeking to pierce the German encirclement and open even the narrowest corridor to the besieged “northern capital”, bringing hope to its starving population.
More than 200,000 Soviet warriors perished on this small patch of land, turning it into one of the most tragic battlefields of the siege.
💬 Today, a memorial stands on the “Nevsky Pyatachok”. Its inscription is as a grim testament for the living:
#WeRemember
During the Siege of Leningrad, this ground witnessed some of the fiercest and most crucial battles. Here, Red Army units held their ground against overwhelming Nazi forces, repeatedly seeking to pierce the German encirclement and open even the narrowest corridor to the besieged “northern capital”, bringing hope to its starving population.
More than 200,000 Soviet warriors perished on this small patch of land, turning it into one of the most tragic battlefields of the siege.
💬 Today, a memorial stands on the “Nevsky Pyatachok”. Its inscription is as a grim testament for the living:
Ye who live should know – this land we did not want to abandon.
And we never left. By the dark waters of the Neva River, we made our last stand.
We perished so that you might live.
#WeRemember
❤1
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
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#Victory81
🏅 On January 27, 1944, Leningrad was fully liberated from the fascist blockade.
The Siege of Leningrad is one of the most tragic, yet heroic, chapters in human history.
Hitler intended to destroy the city along with all its inhabitants. The people of Leningrad selflessly defended their city for nearly 900 days, despite enormous losses, hunger, and cold.
“125 blockade grams, amid fire and blood” — that was the daily bread ration in the winter of 1941-1942. It was below the physiological minimum required for survival.
According to current data, at least 1'093'000 people died as a result of the Siege imposed on the city by German and Finnish troops.
☝️ Saint Petersburg City Court recognised the Siege of Leningrad as an act of genocide against the Soviet people.
🎥 © Russian Military Historical Society
The Siege of Leningrad is one of the most tragic, yet heroic, chapters in human history.
Hitler intended to destroy the city along with all its inhabitants. The people of Leningrad selflessly defended their city for nearly 900 days, despite enormous losses, hunger, and cold.
“125 blockade grams, amid fire and blood” — that was the daily bread ration in the winter of 1941-1942. It was below the physiological minimum required for survival.
According to current data, at least 1'093'000 people died as a result of the Siege imposed on the city by German and Finnish troops.
☝️ Saint Petersburg City Court recognised the Siege of Leningrad as an act of genocide against the Soviet people.
🎥 © Russian Military Historical Society
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Forwarded from The Gorchakov Fund
Applications are now open for InteRussia fellowships
InteRussia is a fellowship program for young professionals worldwide, implemented by the Gorchakov Fund in partnership with leading Russian universities, expert centers, and industry partners.
Which fellowships can you apply for?
The InteRussia fellowships are implemented with the support of the Presidential Grants Foundation, Rossotrudnichestvo, and the Ministry of Education of Russia.
#InteRussia #fellowships #internships
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🎙 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answer to a question from “Moscow. Kremlin. Putin” programme (February 1, 2026)
❓ Question: On relations between the US and Europe. A lot is happening there… Does it mean that Europeans have driven themselves into a trap by cutting off all contacts with Russia and are now fully dependent on the US, which treats them the way it does?
💬 Sergey Lavrov: That is hardly our problem. As they, if you are enjoying it, then it is your problem.
It would be difficult to accuse Russia of “driving wedges”. It was Europe that tried – and is still trying – to “drive wedges” between Russia and the US, seeing in US policy under President Trump, as they believe, a “tilt” in Russia’s favour and to the detriment of Europe’s interests.
The word "interests" is precisely the key here. When a country, as Russia does – as well as our friends in China, the UAE, India and other states – defends its national interests, 👉 then it is treated accordingly. But when, as in the case of most European elites, they have swapped their own interests for those of the Ukrainian regime, exploit it in every possible way to wage a war against Russia without hiding it, and are openly preparing for war with their own direct involvement, 👉 then the attitude towards them will be exactly what it is.
I have already recalled our meeting in Riyadh in February 2025 with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Presenting the position of President Trump's administration, he said that the guiding principle was national interest. The US, he noted, would always respect the positions of other major powers that also build their policies on the basis of national interests.
Secretary Rubio added that the national interests of major countries such as Russia and the US will not always coincide. But when they do, it would be a mistake not to use that convergence to implement mutually beneficial economic, trade and investment projects.
❗️ And when they do not coincide, it would no longer be a mistake, but a crime to allow such divergence to spiral into confrontation – all the more so into a hot one. This is the approach we proceed from.
As for how relations between Europe and the US are being built, we never interfere in these processes. How one proves oneself is how one is treated.
❓ Question: On relations between the US and Europe. A lot is happening there… Does it mean that Europeans have driven themselves into a trap by cutting off all contacts with Russia and are now fully dependent on the US, which treats them the way it does?
💬 Sergey Lavrov: That is hardly our problem. As they, if you are enjoying it, then it is your problem.
It would be difficult to accuse Russia of “driving wedges”. It was Europe that tried – and is still trying – to “drive wedges” between Russia and the US, seeing in US policy under President Trump, as they believe, a “tilt” in Russia’s favour and to the detriment of Europe’s interests.
The word "interests" is precisely the key here. When a country, as Russia does – as well as our friends in China, the UAE, India and other states – defends its national interests, 👉 then it is treated accordingly. But when, as in the case of most European elites, they have swapped their own interests for those of the Ukrainian regime, exploit it in every possible way to wage a war against Russia without hiding it, and are openly preparing for war with their own direct involvement, 👉 then the attitude towards them will be exactly what it is.
I have already recalled our meeting in Riyadh in February 2025 with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Presenting the position of President Trump's administration, he said that the guiding principle was national interest. The US, he noted, would always respect the positions of other major powers that also build their policies on the basis of national interests.
Secretary Rubio added that the national interests of major countries such as Russia and the US will not always coincide. But when they do, it would be a mistake not to use that convergence to implement mutually beneficial economic, trade and investment projects.
❗️ And when they do not coincide, it would no longer be a mistake, but a crime to allow such divergence to spiral into confrontation – all the more so into a hot one. This is the approach we proceed from.
As for how relations between Europe and the US are being built, we never interfere in these processes. How one proves oneself is how one is treated.
👍1
🗓 On January 27, delegation of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation 🇷🇺 took part in the 16th ASEAN-Russia Tourism Consultation Meeting in Cebu, the Philippines 🇵🇭.
🔹️The Meeting was co-chaired by the Philippines and the Russian Federation and attended by representatives of National Tourism Organisations of ASEAN Member States and the Russian Federation, as well as the ASEAN Secretariat.
🔹️Participants reviewed the progress in ASEAN-Russia tourism cooperation, assessed implementation of the relevant Work Plan 2022–2025 and finalised documents for the 5th Meeting of ASEAN–Russian Federation Tourism Ministers (5th M-ATM Plus Russia).
🔹️The Meeting was co-chaired by the Philippines and the Russian Federation and attended by representatives of National Tourism Organisations of ASEAN Member States and the Russian Federation, as well as the ASEAN Secretariat.
🔹️Participants reviewed the progress in ASEAN-Russia tourism cooperation, assessed implementation of the relevant Work Plan 2022–2025 and finalised documents for the 5th Meeting of ASEAN–Russian Federation Tourism Ministers (5th M-ATM Plus Russia).
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#HistoryOfDiplomacy
🗓 On February 4, 1945, the Yalta Conference of the Leaders of the anti-Hitler coalition — Joseph Stalin, Winston Churchill, and Franklin D. Roosevelt — officially commenced.
The #YaltaConference stands as one of the most significant summits of the 'Big Three' Leaders during #WW2. The landmark talks in Yalta came to symbolise the successful cooperation of Moscow, Washington, and London in their common fight against the terrible evil the mankind had ever faced — the Nazi ideology.
The historic agreements reached at the Forum defined the foundations of the post-war Yalta-Potsdam system of international relations, whose legal basis would be the #UNCharter.
💬 Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova:
***
🌟 By early 1945, the Red Army had fully liberated the Soviet Union from the Nazi invaders and was mounting a decisive offensive: by January, the Nazi troops had been expelled from Warsaw, Krakow, Lodz, and most of Poland. The Soviet forces had secured strategically important bridgehead on the western bank of the Oder river and were preparing for the final battle of #WWII — the fight for the Reich’s capital — Berlin.
As the Red Army advanced rapidly from the Vistula-Oder direction, UK-American units were pushing towards the Rhine river. Despite fierce resistance from elite units of the Nazi war machine, Germany’s defeat was inevitable.
With the common Victory approaching, the discussing issues the post-war world order became a top priority for the Allied Powers. Thus, it was decided to convene a major conference, with the Soviet city of Yalta chosen as the venue (February 4-11, 1945).
A central focus of the #CrimeanConference was the post-war future of the defeated Germany. The Allies reaffirmed their commitment to the eradication of German militarism and Nazism and to ensuring that “Germany will never again be able to disturb the peace of the world.” It was also agreed that Germany would be obliged to pay reparations for the damage inflicted by its aggression.
During the Yalta negotiations, the 'Big Three' Leaders reached a compromise on the issue of Poland’s borders. The Soviet delegation firmly advocated for Poland’s fundamental interests, upholding its right to independence and sovereignty.
Churchill later described the Soviet Union’s historic role in liberating Poland from Nazism in his memoirs:
The considerable growth in the USSR’s international prestige significantly influenced the course and outcomes of the Yalta negotiations. This was due, in large part, to the Red Army’s remarkable successes on the battlefield.
The image of the Soviet soldier as a Liberator was cemented, and the world recognised Soviet people's immense Sacrifice and Achievement in WWII
The Conference produced several crucial documents, including the Declaration on Liberated Europe, which helped shape the international system for decades. The framework for the future #UnitedNations also took clearer form. Following Yalta, the Soviet Union secured agreement on the “principle of unanimity” among the five permanent UN Security Council members, embodied in the right of veto — #UNCharterIsOurRules.
The Yalta agreements strengthened the unity of the anti-Hitler coalition in the final stages of World War II and contributed to the ultimate common victory over Germany. In the post-war years, ensuring the implementation of the Yalta decisions became a key objective of Soviet diplomacy.
#Victory81 #WeWereAllies
🗓 On February 4, 1945, the Yalta Conference of the Leaders of the anti-Hitler coalition — Joseph Stalin, Winston Churchill, and Franklin D. Roosevelt — officially commenced.
The #YaltaConference stands as one of the most significant summits of the 'Big Three' Leaders during #WW2. The landmark talks in Yalta came to symbolise the successful cooperation of Moscow, Washington, and London in their common fight against the terrible evil the mankind had ever faced — the Nazi ideology.
The historic agreements reached at the Forum defined the foundations of the post-war Yalta-Potsdam system of international relations, whose legal basis would be the #UNCharter.
💬 Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova:
The participants in the Yalta Conference managed to overcome their differences, and, acting in the spirit of true solidarity, mutual respect and trust, abandoned their fleeting interests for the sake of defeating the common enemy and achieving a common victory, peace and freedom for all countries and peoples.
***
As the Red Army advanced rapidly from the Vistula-Oder direction, UK-American units were pushing towards the Rhine river. Despite fierce resistance from elite units of the Nazi war machine, Germany’s defeat was inevitable.
With the common Victory approaching, the discussing issues the post-war world order became a top priority for the Allied Powers. Thus, it was decided to convene a major conference, with the Soviet city of Yalta chosen as the venue (February 4-11, 1945).
A central focus of the #CrimeanConference was the post-war future of the defeated Germany. The Allies reaffirmed their commitment to the eradication of German militarism and Nazism and to ensuring that “Germany will never again be able to disturb the peace of the world.” It was also agreed that Germany would be obliged to pay reparations for the damage inflicted by its aggression.
During the Yalta negotiations, the 'Big Three' Leaders reached a compromise on the issue of Poland’s borders. The Soviet delegation firmly advocated for Poland’s fundamental interests, upholding its right to independence and sovereignty.
Churchill later described the Soviet Union’s historic role in liberating Poland from Nazism in his memoirs:
But for the prodigious exertions and sacrifices of Russia,
Poland was doomed to utter destruction
at the hands of the Germans.
Not only Poland as a State and as a nation, but the
Poles as a race were doomed by Hitler to be destroyed
or reduced to a servile station
The considerable growth in the USSR’s international prestige significantly influenced the course and outcomes of the Yalta negotiations. This was due, in large part, to the Red Army’s remarkable successes on the battlefield.
The image of the Soviet soldier as a Liberator was cemented, and the world recognised Soviet people's immense Sacrifice and Achievement in WWII
The Conference produced several crucial documents, including the Declaration on Liberated Europe, which helped shape the international system for decades. The framework for the future #UnitedNations also took clearer form. Following Yalta, the Soviet Union secured agreement on the “principle of unanimity” among the five permanent UN Security Council members, embodied in the right of veto — #UNCharterIsOurRules.
The Yalta agreements strengthened the unity of the anti-Hitler coalition in the final stages of World War II and contributed to the ultimate common victory over Germany. In the post-war years, ensuring the implementation of the Yalta decisions became a key objective of Soviet diplomacy.
#Victory81 #WeWereAllies
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#HistoryOfDiplomacy #DiplomatsDay
🌐 Ahead of Russia's Diplomatic Workers’ Day, a new section dedicated to the history of Russian diplomacy has been launched on the MFA Russia website.
Russia's Foreign Ministry continues its efforts to preserve the memory and legacy of the heads of Russia’s foreign service.
The in-depth historical overview covers the key milestones and guiding principles that have shaped – and continue to shape – Russian foreign policy, as well as historical figures who guided its evolution. This is not merely a history of negotiations, but a reflection of Russia’s millennia-long path as an independent and distinct civilization
By preserving its traditions, Russia’s diplomatic service consistently explains Russia’s stance on the international stage, counters the West’s aggressive campaign and contributes to forming an objective picture of the world.
The publication of such materials holds a special importance today, when the countries of the so-called “collective West” are using every possible means to downplay the contribution of Russian diplomats to the geopolitical transformation of the world. Achievements are rewritten, outcomes and key facts distorted – all for short-term gain.
❗️ We proudly remember our history. And we will continue to stand up for the truth.
👉 We invite everyone to explore the history of Russian diplomacy in greater detail.
🌐 Ahead of Russia's Diplomatic Workers’ Day, a new section dedicated to the history of Russian diplomacy has been launched on the MFA Russia website.
Russia's Foreign Ministry continues its efforts to preserve the memory and legacy of the heads of Russia’s foreign service.
The in-depth historical overview covers the key milestones and guiding principles that have shaped – and continue to shape – Russian foreign policy, as well as historical figures who guided its evolution. This is not merely a history of negotiations, but a reflection of Russia’s millennia-long path as an independent and distinct civilization
By preserving its traditions, Russia’s diplomatic service consistently explains Russia’s stance on the international stage, counters the West’s aggressive campaign and contributes to forming an objective picture of the world.
The publication of such materials holds a special importance today, when the countries of the so-called “collective West” are using every possible means to downplay the contribution of Russian diplomats to the geopolitical transformation of the world. Achievements are rewritten, outcomes and key facts distorted – all for short-term gain.
❗️ We proudly remember our history. And we will continue to stand up for the truth.
👉 We invite everyone to explore the history of Russian diplomacy in greater detail.
👍1
⚡️ Comment by Aide to the President Yury Ushakov following President Vladimir Putin’s videoconference with President of China Xi Jinping (February 4, 2026)
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💬 Yury Ushakov: Friends, I would like to brief you on the substantive negotiations between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, held via videoconference. <...>
The Leaders, in a friendly and trusting manner, summarised the outcomes of the past year and thoroughly discussed plans for the development of Russia-China relations in the current year. <...>
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping agreed that it is necessary to maintain permanent bilateral consultation mechanisms across all channels – the security councils, foreign ministries, and defence agencies – to complement their personal communication. This pertains to the swift alignment and coordination of approaches on current matters, including sensitive ones, to ensure timely responses to emerging challenges and threats. <...>
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping once again noted that the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between our two countries are at an unprecedented level, are based on equality and mutual benefit, are not directed against any third parties, and are not subject to short-term political considerations. <...>
📄 On July 16, Russia and China will mark an important date: the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. This foundational document for international relations, which remains fully relevant and in tune with the spirit of the times, has been automatically extended for a further five-year period.
During the conversation, President Xi Jinping invited Vladimir Putin to pay an official visit to China in the first half of this year. The invitation was accepted with gratitude, and the dates and details will be agreed separately.
The Chinese Leader also invited the President of Russia to take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting, to be held in November in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. Russia supports the work of China’s APEC chairmanship, and our President will, of course, be ready to attend the meeting in Shenzhen. <...>
📈 The Leaders paid considerable attention to trade and economic cooperation. It was also mentioned that despite a minor decline due to a number of objective and subjective factors, bilateral trade has been considerably above $200 billion for three years in a row. It is common knowledge that China remains our leading foreign trade partner. <...>
Regarding foreign policy issues, the President of Russia and the President of China emphasised the importance of Russian-Chinese cooperation at multilateral platforms, such as the #UN, the #SCO, #BRICS, #APEC and #G20.
The Sides reaffirmed the common course for creating a just multilateral world order based on international law.
Overall, Moscow and Beijing have been working in coordination with each other on the international stage. It was pointed out that the sides’ positions on the overwhelming majority of international issues are similar or fully coincide. Of course, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping also exchanged views on their countries’ relations with the US. Their approaches almost fully coincide, which is evident from their attitude to the US President’s initiative for creating the Board of Peace.
Regarding the contacts our countries had with the Donald Trump administration — the Leaders believe that there is a window of opportunity in this regard. In particular, the President of China voiced his support for the ongoing talks in Abu Dhabi within the trilateral working group on security matters. <...>
☝️Cooperation between Moscow and Beijing operates as a powerful, constructive and stabilising factor in the world, while the Russia-China nexus effectively enhances global security, and benefits the Global Majority, as well as the people of both Russia and China.
#RussiaChina
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💬 Yury Ushakov: Friends, I would like to brief you on the substantive negotiations between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, held via videoconference. <...>
The Leaders, in a friendly and trusting manner, summarised the outcomes of the past year and thoroughly discussed plans for the development of Russia-China relations in the current year. <...>
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping agreed that it is necessary to maintain permanent bilateral consultation mechanisms across all channels – the security councils, foreign ministries, and defence agencies – to complement their personal communication. This pertains to the swift alignment and coordination of approaches on current matters, including sensitive ones, to ensure timely responses to emerging challenges and threats. <...>
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping once again noted that the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between our two countries are at an unprecedented level, are based on equality and mutual benefit, are not directed against any third parties, and are not subject to short-term political considerations. <...>
📄 On July 16, Russia and China will mark an important date: the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. This foundational document for international relations, which remains fully relevant and in tune with the spirit of the times, has been automatically extended for a further five-year period.
During the conversation, President Xi Jinping invited Vladimir Putin to pay an official visit to China in the first half of this year. The invitation was accepted with gratitude, and the dates and details will be agreed separately.
The Chinese Leader also invited the President of Russia to take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting, to be held in November in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. Russia supports the work of China’s APEC chairmanship, and our President will, of course, be ready to attend the meeting in Shenzhen. <...>
📈 The Leaders paid considerable attention to trade and economic cooperation. It was also mentioned that despite a minor decline due to a number of objective and subjective factors, bilateral trade has been considerably above $200 billion for three years in a row. It is common knowledge that China remains our leading foreign trade partner. <...>
Regarding foreign policy issues, the President of Russia and the President of China emphasised the importance of Russian-Chinese cooperation at multilateral platforms, such as the #UN, the #SCO, #BRICS, #APEC and #G20.
The Sides reaffirmed the common course for creating a just multilateral world order based on international law.
Overall, Moscow and Beijing have been working in coordination with each other on the international stage. It was pointed out that the sides’ positions on the overwhelming majority of international issues are similar or fully coincide. Of course, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping also exchanged views on their countries’ relations with the US. Their approaches almost fully coincide, which is evident from their attitude to the US President’s initiative for creating the Board of Peace.
Regarding the contacts our countries had with the Donald Trump administration — the Leaders believe that there is a window of opportunity in this regard. In particular, the President of China voiced his support for the ongoing talks in Abu Dhabi within the trilateral working group on security matters. <...>
☝️Cooperation between Moscow and Beijing operates as a powerful, constructive and stabilising factor in the world, while the Russia-China nexus effectively enhances global security, and benefits the Global Majority, as well as the people of both Russia and China.
#RussiaChina
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