❤️ In Russia, 8 July is celebrated as the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity.
The date wasn't picked at random – it comes from the Russian Orthodox Church's commemoration of Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom, an example of true love.
Legend has it that Prince Peter was struck with incurable leprosy after killing a magical serpent. A village girl named Fevronia agreed to heal him – but only if he married her. He promised, was healed – then broke his word, and the disease returned. Repentant, he kept his promise, and they married.
When Peter's time came to rule Murom, the boyars didn't want a commoner as their princess and forced the prince to choose between the throne and love. Without hesitation, he chose Fevronia, and they left Murom together. But soon the boyars begged him to return, and the couple ruled wisely ever after.
In old age, he became a monk and she a nun, and together they prayed to die on the same day and be buried side by side. Their wish was granted: their remains were moved to separate churches twice, and twice they miraculously ended up together again.
Today, their relics rest in Murom's Holy Trinity Monastery, where believers from across Russia come to pray for family happiness.
ℹ️ For more on the story of Peter and Fevronia, check out this article by Gateway to Russia.
The date wasn't picked at random – it comes from the Russian Orthodox Church's commemoration of Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom, an example of true love.
Legend has it that Prince Peter was struck with incurable leprosy after killing a magical serpent. A village girl named Fevronia agreed to heal him – but only if he married her. He promised, was healed – then broke his word, and the disease returned. Repentant, he kept his promise, and they married.
When Peter's time came to rule Murom, the boyars didn't want a commoner as their princess and forced the prince to choose between the throne and love. Without hesitation, he chose Fevronia, and they left Murom together. But soon the boyars begged him to return, and the couple ruled wisely ever after.
In old age, he became a monk and she a nun, and together they prayed to die on the same day and be buried side by side. Their wish was granted: their remains were moved to separate churches twice, and twice they miraculously ended up together again.
Today, their relics rest in Murom's Holy Trinity Monastery, where believers from across Russia come to pray for family happiness.
ℹ️ For more on the story of Peter and Fevronia, check out this article by Gateway to Russia.
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💬 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: The West's expansion of military production and investment in industrial capacity is driven by two factors.
The first is the desire to continue supplying the Zelensky regime for as long as possible, so that Ukraine can do Europe's work of exhausting Russia, as many representatives of the European political echelon have openly stated.
The second factor is that without such measures, the deteriorating state of the European economy would be impossible to conceal. Social programmes have been impacted, benefits are being cut and industry is relocating from Europe to the United States, which offers much better business conditions. In these circumstances, allocating budget funds to weapons production is one way of keeping the economy afloat.
However, if they wish to militarise to the hilt, they will simply lose their own race for superiority.
Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions following consultations with Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Addis Ababa, 7 July 2026
The first is the desire to continue supplying the Zelensky regime for as long as possible, so that Ukraine can do Europe's work of exhausting Russia, as many representatives of the European political echelon have openly stated.
The second factor is that without such measures, the deteriorating state of the European economy would be impossible to conceal. Social programmes have been impacted, benefits are being cut and industry is relocating from Europe to the United States, which offers much better business conditions. In these circumstances, allocating budget funds to weapons production is one way of keeping the economy afloat.
However, if they wish to militarise to the hilt, they will simply lose their own race for superiority.
Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions following consultations with Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Addis Ababa, 7 July 2026
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❌ Британский политикум вновь отметился серией антироссийских выпадов. На этот раз поводом послужило решение МОК восстановить в правах Олимпийский комитет России.
Риторика местного истеблишмента наглядно демонстрирует, что спорт здесь давно рассматривается как инструмент политического давления. Прикрываясь лозунгами о поддержке Украины, Лондон в последние годы последовательно выступал за недопуск российских атлетов к международным соревнованиям – по сути, сегрегацию по национальному признаку, что прямо противоречит принципам Олимпийской хартии.
Показательны лицемерие и двойные стандарты британского подхода: аналогичные призывы никогда не звучали в отношении спортсменов из союзных Соединённому Королевству государств, чьи вооружённые силы участвуют в военных конфликтах.
Всё это укладывается в общую линию Лондона на нанесение России «стратегического поражения» и попытки навредить нашей стране в различных сферах. Не исключено и стремление устранить конкурента на крупных международных стартах в лице одной из ведущих спортивных держав.
Решение МОК – шаг в верном направлении. Оно подтверждает, что здравый смысл и принципы олимпизма способны взять верх над политической конъюнктурой, а мировой спорт – вернуться к своему главному предназначению: объединять людей.
Риторика местного истеблишмента наглядно демонстрирует, что спорт здесь давно рассматривается как инструмент политического давления. Прикрываясь лозунгами о поддержке Украины, Лондон в последние годы последовательно выступал за недопуск российских атлетов к международным соревнованиям – по сути, сегрегацию по национальному признаку, что прямо противоречит принципам Олимпийской хартии.
Показательны лицемерие и двойные стандарты британского подхода: аналогичные призывы никогда не звучали в отношении спортсменов из союзных Соединённому Королевству государств, чьи вооружённые силы участвуют в военных конфликтах.
Всё это укладывается в общую линию Лондона на нанесение России «стратегического поражения» и попытки навредить нашей стране в различных сферах. Не исключено и стремление устранить конкурента на крупных международных стартах в лице одной из ведущих спортивных держав.
Решение МОК – шаг в верном направлении. Оно подтверждает, что здравый смысл и принципы олимпизма способны взять верх над политической конъюнктурой, а мировой спорт – вернуться к своему главному предназначению: объединять людей.
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👨🏼🔬 On this day in 1894, brilliant Russian physicist, engineer and innovator Pyotr Kapitsa was born.
In the 1920s, Kapitsa joined Ernest Rutherford at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, where his talent for designing powerful experimental equipment helped to redefine modern physics. His pioneering work on high magnetic fields earned him the respect of his peers and established his reputation as one of the world’s leading experimental researchers.
In 1934, Kapitsa returned to the Soviet Union to continue his scientific career. The specialised equipment he had used at Cambridge was later transferred to Moscow, forming the foundation of a new institute where he expanded his innovative research into low-temperature physics. Those discoveries, including groundbreaking studies of liquid helium, eventually won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1978.
In the 1920s, Kapitsa joined Ernest Rutherford at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, where his talent for designing powerful experimental equipment helped to redefine modern physics. His pioneering work on high magnetic fields earned him the respect of his peers and established his reputation as one of the world’s leading experimental researchers.
In 1934, Kapitsa returned to the Soviet Union to continue his scientific career. The specialised equipment he had used at Cambridge was later transferred to Moscow, forming the foundation of a new institute where he expanded his innovative research into low-temperature physics. Those discoveries, including groundbreaking studies of liquid helium, eventually won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1978.
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❌ The British political establishment has once again distinguished itself with a series of anti-Russian verbal attacks. This time, the catalyst was the IOC’s decision to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee's rights.
The UK officials’ rhetoric clearly demonstrates that sport has long been regarded here as a tool for political pressure.
Under the slogan of supporting Ukraine, London has consistently campaigned in recent years to exclude Russian athletes from international competitions, effectively promoting segregation based on nationality – a practice that directly contradicts the principles of the Olympic Charter.
The hypocrisy and double standards of the British approach are particularly evident, as similar calls have never been made with regard to athletes from countries allied with the United Kingdom whose armed forces are involved in military conflicts.
This all fits into London’s broader policy of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia and attempting to harm our country in various areas. Nor can one rule out a desire to eliminate a competitor at major international events, given that Russia is one of the world’s leading sporting powers.
The IOC’s decision is a step in the right direction. It confirms that common sense and the principles of Olympism can prevail over political expediency, and that global sport can return to its primary purpose of bringing people together.
The UK officials’ rhetoric clearly demonstrates that sport has long been regarded here as a tool for political pressure.
Under the slogan of supporting Ukraine, London has consistently campaigned in recent years to exclude Russian athletes from international competitions, effectively promoting segregation based on nationality – a practice that directly contradicts the principles of the Olympic Charter.
The hypocrisy and double standards of the British approach are particularly evident, as similar calls have never been made with regard to athletes from countries allied with the United Kingdom whose armed forces are involved in military conflicts.
This all fits into London’s broader policy of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia and attempting to harm our country in various areas. Nor can one rule out a desire to eliminate a competitor at major international events, given that Russia is one of the world’s leading sporting powers.
The IOC’s decision is a step in the right direction. It confirms that common sense and the principles of Olympism can prevail over political expediency, and that global sport can return to its primary purpose of bringing people together.
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💬 Russian MFA Spox Maria Zakharova: On 7-8 July, Ankara hosted a NATO summit [...] A constructive agenda remains absent from NATO’s priorities.
The Alliance continues to pursue the same course: militarising Europe, expanding military capabilities and preparing for armed conflict with Russia. Of course, there is also continued support for Ukraine, which is being used to pursue the illusory objective of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia.
NATO countries remain prepared to spend billions of dollars supporting the Nazi regime in Kiev and its terrorist activities, while at the same time cutting expenditure on addressing the growing number of social and economic challenges, thereby inflicting irreparable damage on the welfare of Europe's citizens.
At the summit, NATO promised to provide Kiev with 70 billion euros in military assistance this year, maintaining the same level of support in 2027.
Once again, Western leaders have ignored the interests of ordinary Europeans, showing little concern for the fate of Ukrainians and viewing them merely as expendable material in pursuit of their own geopolitical ambitions.
Read in full
The Alliance continues to pursue the same course: militarising Europe, expanding military capabilities and preparing for armed conflict with Russia. Of course, there is also continued support for Ukraine, which is being used to pursue the illusory objective of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on Russia.
NATO countries remain prepared to spend billions of dollars supporting the Nazi regime in Kiev and its terrorist activities, while at the same time cutting expenditure on addressing the growing number of social and economic challenges, thereby inflicting irreparable damage on the welfare of Europe's citizens.
At the summit, NATO promised to provide Kiev with 70 billion euros in military assistance this year, maintaining the same level of support in 2027.
Once again, Western leaders have ignored the interests of ordinary Europeans, showing little concern for the fate of Ukrainians and viewing them merely as expendable material in pursuit of their own geopolitical ambitions.
Read in full
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💬 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Although most African nations have gained political independence, there are still territories on the continent under colonial rule, despite multiple UN General Assembly resolutions demanding the completion of decolonisation. This process is still unfinished.
Another important phenomenon is taking place these days. Having gained political independence, many African countries have realised that they are still dependent on former metropoles economically and financially.
I would describe this as Africa’s second awakening, as the continent now wants not only to be politically independent, but also to have international legal standing, manage its own natural resources, and prevent them from being exported to other countries where most of the added value is produced and appropriated. This added value must be created on the African continent.
Russia is ready to provide active assistance. Since the days of the Soviet Union, we have played a significant role in developing state-owned industrial capacities and other economic sectors to help our African partners lay the groundwork for their own economic independence.
Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answers to media questions following the second Russia-Confederation of Sahel States ministerial meeting, Niamey, 8 July 2026
Another important phenomenon is taking place these days. Having gained political independence, many African countries have realised that they are still dependent on former metropoles economically and financially.
I would describe this as Africa’s second awakening, as the continent now wants not only to be politically independent, but also to have international legal standing, manage its own natural resources, and prevent them from being exported to other countries where most of the added value is produced and appropriated. This added value must be created on the African continent.
Russia is ready to provide active assistance. Since the days of the Soviet Union, we have played a significant role in developing state-owned industrial capacities and other economic sectors to help our African partners lay the groundwork for their own economic independence.
Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answers to media questions following the second Russia-Confederation of Sahel States ministerial meeting, Niamey, 8 July 2026
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🎙 Russian MFA Spox Maria Zakharova's comment on the detention of RT producer James Scott in the UK
💬 Several days ago, RT producer James Scott was detained and questioned at Manchester Airport on a contrived pretext [...]
The UK authorities are deliberately, consistently, and creatively putting pressure on those who openly and lawfully seek to engage with Russia, or who, at the very least, believe in the possibility of normal relations between our countries.
The outrageous case of James Scott is just one example of the British intelligence services using their excessive powers under the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 against their own citizens with any connection to Russia [...]
The UK authorities' intentions are clear: through intimidation, they seek to deter British citizens and organisations from engaging with Russia and to silence those capable of countering the British elites’ attempts to falsely demonise Russia.
This is about fuelling anti-Russia hysteria and an attempt to turn a country that once boasted of its "democratic" traditions into a centralised, markedly impoverished military camp, brandishing its readiness for direct military confrontation with Russia [...]
☝️ The UK is laying a pseudo-legal foundation for stamping out rights and freedoms of every kind and curtailing democracy under the pretext of combating a phantom Russian threat. Methods are being trialled that could be extended to anyone deemed undesirable.
Read in full
💬 Several days ago, RT producer James Scott was detained and questioned at Manchester Airport on a contrived pretext [...]
The UK authorities are deliberately, consistently, and creatively putting pressure on those who openly and lawfully seek to engage with Russia, or who, at the very least, believe in the possibility of normal relations between our countries.
The outrageous case of James Scott is just one example of the British intelligence services using their excessive powers under the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 against their own citizens with any connection to Russia [...]
The UK authorities' intentions are clear: through intimidation, they seek to deter British citizens and organisations from engaging with Russia and to silence those capable of countering the British elites’ attempts to falsely demonise Russia.
This is about fuelling anti-Russia hysteria and an attempt to turn a country that once boasted of its "democratic" traditions into a centralised, markedly impoverished military camp, brandishing its readiness for direct military confrontation with Russia [...]
☝️ The UK is laying a pseudo-legal foundation for stamping out rights and freedoms of every kind and curtailing democracy under the pretext of combating a phantom Russian threat. Methods are being trialled that could be extended to anyone deemed undesirable.
Read in full
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🎨 History isn't only written in chronicles and documents - it also lives on in art. In this new series, we'll explore Russia through the eyes of painters who captured its defining moments on canvas.
We begin with Medieval Russia, following its story through ten remarkable paintings.
🖼 Viktor Vasnetsov, The Calling of the Varangians (1909)
According to one of the founding legends, the Viking prince Rurik was invited to rule and bring peace to the feuding tribes, marking the beginning of Russian statehood.
🖼 Viktor Vasnetsov, Oleg the Prophet's Farewell to His Horse (1899)
Prince Oleg, who united Novgorod and Kiev, is shown alongside the legendary prophecy that foretold his death from his beloved horse.
🖼 Ivan Akimov, The Baptism of Princess Olga (1792)
Princess Olga became the first ruler of Old Russia to embrace Christianity, long before it became the country's official faith.
🖼 Henryk Siemiradzki, Funeral Feast of Svyatoslav's Warriors after the Battle of Dorostol (1884)
The painting commemorates Prince Svyatoslav's warriors after the dramatic siege of Dorostol in 971.
🖼 Ivan Eggink, Grand Prince Vladimir Chooses a Faith (1822)
According to tradition, Prince Vladimir considered several religions before choosing Byzantine Christianity, a decision that shaped Russia's future.
🖼 Pavel Ryzhenko, Kalka (1996)
The devastating Battle of the Kalka River in 1223 became the first major clash with the Mongols and ended in a crushing defeat.
🖼 Nikolai Kulandin, Prince Vasilko (1975)
Captured during the Mongol invasion, Prince Vasilko refused to submit to the khan and was executed, later becoming a revered martyr.
🖼 Pimen Orlov, Farewell of Grand Duke Mikhail of Tver (1847)
The tragic fate of Mikhail of Tver reflects the fierce rivalry between medieval Russian principalities under Mongol rule.
🖼 Alexander Bubnov, Morning on Kulikovo Field (1943–1947)
The victory of Prince Dmitry Donskoy over Mamai in 1380 marked a turning point in the struggle against Mongol domination.
🖼 Nikolai Shustov, Ivan III Overthrows the Tatar Yoke (1862)
Ivan III's defiance of the Great Horde and the Great Stand on the Ugra River in 1480 symbolized the end of Mongol rule over Russian lands.
© Gateway to Russia
We begin with Medieval Russia, following its story through ten remarkable paintings.
🖼 Viktor Vasnetsov, The Calling of the Varangians (1909)
According to one of the founding legends, the Viking prince Rurik was invited to rule and bring peace to the feuding tribes, marking the beginning of Russian statehood.
🖼 Viktor Vasnetsov, Oleg the Prophet's Farewell to His Horse (1899)
Prince Oleg, who united Novgorod and Kiev, is shown alongside the legendary prophecy that foretold his death from his beloved horse.
🖼 Ivan Akimov, The Baptism of Princess Olga (1792)
Princess Olga became the first ruler of Old Russia to embrace Christianity, long before it became the country's official faith.
🖼 Henryk Siemiradzki, Funeral Feast of Svyatoslav's Warriors after the Battle of Dorostol (1884)
The painting commemorates Prince Svyatoslav's warriors after the dramatic siege of Dorostol in 971.
🖼 Ivan Eggink, Grand Prince Vladimir Chooses a Faith (1822)
According to tradition, Prince Vladimir considered several religions before choosing Byzantine Christianity, a decision that shaped Russia's future.
🖼 Pavel Ryzhenko, Kalka (1996)
The devastating Battle of the Kalka River in 1223 became the first major clash with the Mongols and ended in a crushing defeat.
🖼 Nikolai Kulandin, Prince Vasilko (1975)
Captured during the Mongol invasion, Prince Vasilko refused to submit to the khan and was executed, later becoming a revered martyr.
🖼 Pimen Orlov, Farewell of Grand Duke Mikhail of Tver (1847)
The tragic fate of Mikhail of Tver reflects the fierce rivalry between medieval Russian principalities under Mongol rule.
🖼 Alexander Bubnov, Morning on Kulikovo Field (1943–1947)
The victory of Prince Dmitry Donskoy over Mamai in 1380 marked a turning point in the struggle against Mongol domination.
🖼 Nikolai Shustov, Ivan III Overthrows the Tatar Yoke (1862)
Ivan III's defiance of the Great Horde and the Great Stand on the Ugra River in 1480 symbolized the end of Mongol rule over Russian lands.
© Gateway to Russia
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