1️⃣8️⃣0️⃣ years ago, the Russian Geographical Society (RGS) was founded by the imperial decree.
One of the world's oldest learned societies, it has helped shape how we see the planet. From charting Siberia's endless wilderness to expeditions across Central Asia, the Caucasus, Iran, India, New Guinea and the polar frontiers, its explorers pushed the boundaries of knowledge and imagination.
Over the years, its ranks have included legendary scientists, statesmen, adventurers and even monarchs – Pyotr Semyonov-Tyan-Shansky, who revealed the Tien Shan to the world; Nikolai Vavilov, the visionary geneticist who mapped the origins of cultivated plants; Vladimir Vernadsky, father of biogeochemistry; and Vladimir Dahl, lexicographer of the Russian language. The story stretches far beyond Russia too, with Roald Amundsen, Fridtjof Nansen and Thor Heyerdahl counted among its members.
That spirit of discovery lives on today – in Arctic clean-ups and Amur tiger protection, in youth expeditions, film archives, photo contests and cultural projects. With Europe's largest geographical library at its heart in St Petersburg and more than 27,000 members worldwide, the RGS continues to inspire travellers, scientists and dreamers alike.
🗺 For 180 years it has reminded us: the map is never finished – there is always more to learn, more to protect, more to explore.
One of the world's oldest learned societies, it has helped shape how we see the planet. From charting Siberia's endless wilderness to expeditions across Central Asia, the Caucasus, Iran, India, New Guinea and the polar frontiers, its explorers pushed the boundaries of knowledge and imagination.
Over the years, its ranks have included legendary scientists, statesmen, adventurers and even monarchs – Pyotr Semyonov-Tyan-Shansky, who revealed the Tien Shan to the world; Nikolai Vavilov, the visionary geneticist who mapped the origins of cultivated plants; Vladimir Vernadsky, father of biogeochemistry; and Vladimir Dahl, lexicographer of the Russian language. The story stretches far beyond Russia too, with Roald Amundsen, Fridtjof Nansen and Thor Heyerdahl counted among its members.
That spirit of discovery lives on today – in Arctic clean-ups and Amur tiger protection, in youth expeditions, film archives, photo contests and cultural projects. With Europe's largest geographical library at its heart in St Petersburg and more than 27,000 members worldwide, the RGS continues to inspire travellers, scientists and dreamers alike.
🗺 For 180 years it has reminded us: the map is never finished – there is always more to learn, more to protect, more to explore.
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💬 Russian MFA Spox Maria Zakharova: Against the backdrop of the genuine commitment demonstrated by the leadership of Russia and the United States in Anchorage to achieve a comprehensive, just, and sustainable solution to the Ukraine conflict – including the eradication of its root causes – London continues to issue statements that not only clash with the efforts of Moscow and Washington but are patently designed to undermine them.
For instance, in a joint statement dated 17 August, following yet another online meeting of the so-called "coalition of the willing" chaired by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, the participants revived a demonstrably unviable proposal to deploy Western military contingents in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement be reached. Earlier, on 15 August, British Defence Secretary John Healey explicitly declared London's readiness to equip military personnel for deployment in Ukraine to enforce a ceasefire once it takes effect.
Britain's role in fanning the flames of the Ukrainian conflict is well-documented. Even before the start of the special military operation, London made no secret of viewing Ukraine solely as a geopolitical instrument aimed against Russia.
For years, the UK has strained to assert leadership in propping up Kiev's puppet regime and rallying foreign aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. By emboldening their protégés in Kiev, the British steadfastly keep them on a Euro-Atlantic and anti-Russian trajectory, one that is ruinous for the Ukrainian people.
❌ London remains obsessed with relentlessly escalating the conflict, pushing its NATO allies towards a dangerous threshold beyond which a renewed global confrontation looms.
We reiterate our long-standing position of unequivocally rejecting any scenarios involving the deployment of NATO military contingents in Ukraine, as this risks uncontrollable escalation with unpredictable consequences. Statements to this effect by certain European nations, including Britain, lay bare their overtly provocative and predatory ambitions in the Ukrainian theatre.
These bellicose tirades – which amount, de facto, to cynical incitement to prolong hostilities – merely confirm that London has no interest in resolving the situation and is doing everything possible to prolong the bloodshed. Through its policies, Britain is effectively denying Kiev any chance of exiting the conflict through negotiations, arrogantly and self-assuredly prolonging the suffering of the Ukrainian people as a matter of habit.
It is highly doubtful that the authorities of the UK, which has long since departed from the "premier league" of global politics, are capable of grasping the full weight of responsibility they have unilaterally assumed, along with the potentially catastrophic repercussions of their chosen destructive policies for international and regional security.
❗️ In this regard, we call upon London to abandon its reckless and poorly conceived geopolitical gambits and, at the very least, refrain from obstructing the painstaking efforts of Russian and American negotiators.
For instance, in a joint statement dated 17 August, following yet another online meeting of the so-called "coalition of the willing" chaired by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, the participants revived a demonstrably unviable proposal to deploy Western military contingents in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement be reached. Earlier, on 15 August, British Defence Secretary John Healey explicitly declared London's readiness to equip military personnel for deployment in Ukraine to enforce a ceasefire once it takes effect.
Britain's role in fanning the flames of the Ukrainian conflict is well-documented. Even before the start of the special military operation, London made no secret of viewing Ukraine solely as a geopolitical instrument aimed against Russia.
For years, the UK has strained to assert leadership in propping up Kiev's puppet regime and rallying foreign aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. By emboldening their protégés in Kiev, the British steadfastly keep them on a Euro-Atlantic and anti-Russian trajectory, one that is ruinous for the Ukrainian people.
❌ London remains obsessed with relentlessly escalating the conflict, pushing its NATO allies towards a dangerous threshold beyond which a renewed global confrontation looms.
We reiterate our long-standing position of unequivocally rejecting any scenarios involving the deployment of NATO military contingents in Ukraine, as this risks uncontrollable escalation with unpredictable consequences. Statements to this effect by certain European nations, including Britain, lay bare their overtly provocative and predatory ambitions in the Ukrainian theatre.
These bellicose tirades – which amount, de facto, to cynical incitement to prolong hostilities – merely confirm that London has no interest in resolving the situation and is doing everything possible to prolong the bloodshed. Through its policies, Britain is effectively denying Kiev any chance of exiting the conflict through negotiations, arrogantly and self-assuredly prolonging the suffering of the Ukrainian people as a matter of habit.
It is highly doubtful that the authorities of the UK, which has long since departed from the "premier league" of global politics, are capable of grasping the full weight of responsibility they have unilaterally assumed, along with the potentially catastrophic repercussions of their chosen destructive policies for international and regional security.
❗️ In this regard, we call upon London to abandon its reckless and poorly conceived geopolitical gambits and, at the very least, refrain from obstructing the painstaking efforts of Russian and American negotiators.
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🎙 Russian MFA Spox Maria Zakharova's comment on the third anniversary of the assassination of Darya Dugina
💬 Three years ago, a terrorist act orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence agencies cut short the life of Russian journalist, political commentator and public figure Darya Dugina (Platonova).
Neither Western pseudo-democracies nor the international organisations obedient to them deigned to react to this treacherous murder, just as they turned a blind eye to other bloody crimes committed by Ukrainian neo-Nazis against journalists and war correspondents.
Under the patronage of their handlers, the Kiev regime continues to methodically eradicate any dissent, waging nothing short of a hunt against representatives of the Russian media sphere. We honour the sacrifice of all media workers who have perished in the line of duty, and we will do everything in our power to hold those responsible for these atrocities to account.
The tragic fate of Darya Dugina has become, for millions, a symbol of selfless devotion to the Motherland, unwavering dedication and loyalty to one's ideals. <...>
☝️ The crime against Darya Dugina knows no statute of limitations. Those guilty of committing it will be found and will face inevitable punishment.
Read in full
💬 Three years ago, a terrorist act orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence agencies cut short the life of Russian journalist, political commentator and public figure Darya Dugina (Platonova).
Neither Western pseudo-democracies nor the international organisations obedient to them deigned to react to this treacherous murder, just as they turned a blind eye to other bloody crimes committed by Ukrainian neo-Nazis against journalists and war correspondents.
Under the patronage of their handlers, the Kiev regime continues to methodically eradicate any dissent, waging nothing short of a hunt against representatives of the Russian media sphere. We honour the sacrifice of all media workers who have perished in the line of duty, and we will do everything in our power to hold those responsible for these atrocities to account.
The tragic fate of Darya Dugina has become, for millions, a symbol of selfless devotion to the Motherland, unwavering dedication and loyalty to one's ideals. <...>
☝️ The crime against Darya Dugina knows no statute of limitations. Those guilty of committing it will be found and will face inevitable punishment.
Read in full
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🎙 Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with VGTRK (Moscow, 19 August 2025)
💬 [The Russia-US summit in Alaska] showed beyond doubt that the US leader and his team are sincere in their commitment to achieving tangible, lasting and sustainable results. 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, while continuing to supply weapons to Ukraine even after it is declared. [...]
One of the root causes [of the Ukraine conflict] lies in Russia's security concerns. They have arisen from decades of systematic violations of commitments made to Russia regarding NATO's eastward expansion. [...]
When these [European] delegates in Washington insisted that efforts must begin with formulating security guarantees for Ukraine — and, as emphasised by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, for Europe too — not once did they mention Russia's security concerns. [...]
The patronising disregard for international law, for pledges often made deceitfully and formalised on paper, remains evident in these officials' approach to the Ukraine crisis. 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, as 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 ensuring this crisis never recurs, guaranteeing the lawful rights of all states and peoples in the region, rather than rearming Ukraine for war as occurred after the Minsk agreements.
Read in full
💬 [The Russia-US summit in Alaska] showed beyond doubt that the US leader and his team are sincere in their commitment to achieving tangible, lasting and sustainable results. 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, while continuing to supply weapons to Ukraine even after it is declared. [...]
One of the root causes [of the Ukraine conflict] lies in Russia's security concerns. They have arisen from decades of systematic violations of commitments made to Russia regarding NATO's eastward expansion. [...]
When these [European] delegates in Washington insisted that efforts must begin with formulating security guarantees for Ukraine — and, as emphasised by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, for Europe too — not once did they mention Russia's security concerns. [...]
The patronising disregard for international law, for pledges often made deceitfully and formalised on paper, remains evident in these officials' approach to the Ukraine crisis. 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, as 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 ensuring this crisis never recurs, guaranteeing the lawful rights of all states and peoples in the region, rather than rearming Ukraine for war as occurred after the Minsk agreements.
Read in full
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⚛️ In 2025, Russia marks 80 years since the birth of its nuclear industry — a journey that began on 20 August 1945 with the creation of a Special Committee to oversee the development of atomic energy.
What started as a response to global challenges soon evolved into a story not just of defence, but of discovery, innovation and peaceful ambition.
Our country became a pioneer in unlocking the atom's potential for humanity. The first nuclear power plant in Obninsk opened the door to clean energy, the first nuclear-powered icebreaker pushed the boundaries of Arctic exploration, and the first tokamak set the stage for fusion research.
These milestones, forged by visionary scientists and engineers like Igor Kurchatov and Yulii Khariton, transformed atomic energy from a symbol of fear into one of progress and possibility.
Today, Rosatom carries that legacy forward as a global leader in nuclear technology. With projects in over 60 countries — from large-scale power plants to the world's first export project for small modular reactors — the corporation is shaping the future of energy, medicine, advanced materials and quantum innovation.
It is a story of pride, inspiration and ambition, but also one with a very human dream at its heart: a longer, healthier life for people everywhere, powered by safe and sustainable atomic energy.
What started as a response to global challenges soon evolved into a story not just of defence, but of discovery, innovation and peaceful ambition.
Our country became a pioneer in unlocking the atom's potential for humanity. The first nuclear power plant in Obninsk opened the door to clean energy, the first nuclear-powered icebreaker pushed the boundaries of Arctic exploration, and the first tokamak set the stage for fusion research.
These milestones, forged by visionary scientists and engineers like Igor Kurchatov and Yulii Khariton, transformed atomic energy from a symbol of fear into one of progress and possibility.
Today, Rosatom carries that legacy forward as a global leader in nuclear technology. With projects in over 60 countries — from large-scale power plants to the world's first export project for small modular reactors — the corporation is shaping the future of energy, medicine, advanced materials and quantum innovation.
It is a story of pride, inspiration and ambition, but also one with a very human dream at its heart: a longer, healthier life for people everywhere, powered by safe and sustainable atomic energy.
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⚡️ Russian Foreign Ministry statement on retaliatory personal sanctions against representatives of the UK media, NGOs, consulting agencies and expert community
❗️ In response to London's continued confrontational course, including its efforts to demonise Russia, actively fabricate anti-Russian narratives to diminish Moscow's international influence, as well as its ongoing supply of weapons to the neo-Nazi Kiev regime, it has been decided to add several British representatives of the media, non-governmental organisations, consulting agencies, and the expert community, to Russia's "stop list".
This list includes individuals engaged in spreading disinformation and levelling unfounded accusations against Russia in relation to the special military operation. They are also involved in hostile lobbying activities, such as advocating for a tougher anti-Russia policy from the West and increased support for the Kiev regime.
The actions of these British propagandists are irresponsible. They contribute to the destabilisation of global energy markets and divert Western resources from international development to fuelling Kiev's militaristic ambitions and subsidising the Western defence industry.
This, in turn, negatively impacts nations in the Global South, which already bear the historical burden of colonialism and imperialism and are now the target of Western neocolonial pursuits.
London and its allies appear unbothered by this "collateral damage", even as they posture as defenders of universal values in the Ukrainian conflict.
❌ Shortly after Russia began its special military operation, the British government ramped up its anti-Russia propaganda campaign. This approach, which involves attacking other nations, shows that the same propaganda tactics could be used against any country whose actions are considered to go against the interests of the West.
Full sanctions list
❗️ In response to London's continued confrontational course, including its efforts to demonise Russia, actively fabricate anti-Russian narratives to diminish Moscow's international influence, as well as its ongoing supply of weapons to the neo-Nazi Kiev regime, it has been decided to add several British representatives of the media, non-governmental organisations, consulting agencies, and the expert community, to Russia's "stop list".
This list includes individuals engaged in spreading disinformation and levelling unfounded accusations against Russia in relation to the special military operation. They are also involved in hostile lobbying activities, such as advocating for a tougher anti-Russia policy from the West and increased support for the Kiev regime.
The actions of these British propagandists are irresponsible. They contribute to the destabilisation of global energy markets and divert Western resources from international development to fuelling Kiev's militaristic ambitions and subsidising the Western defence industry.
This, in turn, negatively impacts nations in the Global South, which already bear the historical burden of colonialism and imperialism and are now the target of Western neocolonial pursuits.
London and its allies appear unbothered by this "collateral damage", even as they posture as defenders of universal values in the Ukrainian conflict.
❌ Shortly after Russia began its special military operation, the British government ramped up its anti-Russia propaganda campaign. This approach, which involves attacking other nations, shows that the same propaganda tactics could be used against any country whose actions are considered to go against the interests of the West.
Full sanctions list
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🎙 Key takeaways from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister of Jordan Ayman Safadi (Moscow, 20 August)
• We cannot accept the current proposal to address collective security issues without the Russian Federation. This approach is simply unworkable. We have repeatedly made it clear that while Russia does not overstate its interests, we will uphold our legitimate rights firmly and resolutely. I am certain that the West, particularly the US, understands that any serious discussion of security without Russia is utopian. It is, quite frankly, a road to nowhere.
• We see EU's awkward and unethical attempts to influence the position of the Trump administration and personally the US President [...] The Europeans appear primarily concerned with keeping the US engaged in the Ukraine conflict, increasingly unsuccessfully, while at the same time ensuring a continued supply of arms to Kiev.
• EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that the EU would not trust any agreements reached with Russia, so it intends to continue supporting the Ukrainian armed forces and to promote new sanctions against Russia, regardless of any agreements that may be achieved, since they do not believe in them. This is not diplomacy. It is degradation of foreign policy into little more than sanctions and, in some cases, outright appropriation of others' assets.
• We remain open to any formats [with Ukraine]. However, when it comes to high-level meetings, they must be meticulously prepared at every stage to ensure that summits do not worsen the situation, but instead serve as a definitive conclusion to the negotiations we are prepared to continue.
Read in full
• We cannot accept the current proposal to address collective security issues without the Russian Federation. This approach is simply unworkable. We have repeatedly made it clear that while Russia does not overstate its interests, we will uphold our legitimate rights firmly and resolutely. I am certain that the West, particularly the US, understands that any serious discussion of security without Russia is utopian. It is, quite frankly, a road to nowhere.
• We see EU's awkward and unethical attempts to influence the position of the Trump administration and personally the US President [...] The Europeans appear primarily concerned with keeping the US engaged in the Ukraine conflict, increasingly unsuccessfully, while at the same time ensuring a continued supply of arms to Kiev.
• EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that the EU would not trust any agreements reached with Russia, so it intends to continue supporting the Ukrainian armed forces and to promote new sanctions against Russia, regardless of any agreements that may be achieved, since they do not believe in them. This is not diplomacy. It is degradation of foreign policy into little more than sanctions and, in some cases, outright appropriation of others' assets.
• We remain open to any formats [with Ukraine]. However, when it comes to high-level meetings, they must be meticulously prepared at every stage to ensure that summits do not worsen the situation, but instead serve as a definitive conclusion to the negotiations we are prepared to continue.
Read in full
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🇷🇺 On 22 August, Russia celebrates National Flag Day.
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The white-blue-red tricolour, which today flutters above city squares and government buildings, traces its origins back to the 17th century and the reign of Tsar Aleksey Mikhailovich. Its first known appearance is linked with Russia's naval ambitions, when the frigate Oryol, the nation's first warship, set sail under the new banner.
However, it was his son, Peter the Great, who gave the flag its lasting form. Known for his fascination with the sea and European heraldry, the young tsar personally sketched the design that would one day become a national emblem.
Over the centuries, the tricolour has been many things: a merchant's ensign, a rallying symbol for Slavic unity, an emblem of émigré resistance, and, since 1991, the recognised flag of modern Russia. Though its hues have no official interpretation, they are often thought to symbolise nobility, loyalty and courage.
Today, the Russian flag is far more than a mark of statehood. It is a thread binding past and present, a reminder of a long and complex history, and of an enduring sense of unity.
Here in London, as in many capitals around the globe, the tricolour proudly flies above the Russian diplomatic mission — a vivid sign of national identity abroad and a timeless symbol that unites generations.
📸 RIA Novosti
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The white-blue-red tricolour, which today flutters above city squares and government buildings, traces its origins back to the 17th century and the reign of Tsar Aleksey Mikhailovich. Its first known appearance is linked with Russia's naval ambitions, when the frigate Oryol, the nation's first warship, set sail under the new banner.
However, it was his son, Peter the Great, who gave the flag its lasting form. Known for his fascination with the sea and European heraldry, the young tsar personally sketched the design that would one day become a national emblem.
Over the centuries, the tricolour has been many things: a merchant's ensign, a rallying symbol for Slavic unity, an emblem of émigré resistance, and, since 1991, the recognised flag of modern Russia. Though its hues have no official interpretation, they are often thought to symbolise nobility, loyalty and courage.
Today, the Russian flag is far more than a mark of statehood. It is a thread binding past and present, a reminder of a long and complex history, and of an enduring sense of unity.
Here in London, as in many capitals around the globe, the tricolour proudly flies above the Russian diplomatic mission — a vivid sign of national identity abroad and a timeless symbol that unites generations.
📸 RIA Novosti
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