💬 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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✍️ On this day 85 years ago, the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom concluded the Anglo-Soviet Agreement on Joint Actions in the War Against Germany.
The document was signed in Moscow on 12 July 1941 by Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov and British Ambassador to Moscow Stafford Cripps, just weeks after Nazi Germany invaded the USSR. Both sides pledged to support each other in every possible way during the war and undertook not to negotiate or sign a separate peace with Germany.
The Agreement brought together two nations with profoundly different political systems in the face of a common enemy and laid the foundation for the Anti-Hitler Coalition. It was broadened the following year by the Anglo-Soviet Treaty signed in London in May 1942.
#Victory81
The document was signed in Moscow on 12 July 1941 by Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov and British Ambassador to Moscow Stafford Cripps, just weeks after Nazi Germany invaded the USSR. Both sides pledged to support each other in every possible way during the war and undertook not to negotiate or sign a separate peace with Germany.
The Agreement brought together two nations with profoundly different political systems in the face of a common enemy and laid the foundation for the Anti-Hitler Coalition. It was broadened the following year by the Anglo-Soviet Treaty signed in London in May 1942.
#Victory81
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Forwarded from Генеральное консульство России в Эдинбурге
🗓 On this day 230 years ago, Vladimir Nikolayevich Lermantov – a distinguished military engineer and hero of the Patriotic War of 1812 – was born.
Vladimir Lermantov was a scion of a Russian noble family founded by the Scotsman George (Yuri Andreyevich) Lermont – who had entered Russian military service in the early 17th century.
⚔️ At the age of 17, following Napoleon's invasion of Russia, Vladimir Lermantov volunteered for active duty, despite his father's objections. Serving with the Tula Infantry Regiment, he took part in the Russian army's victorious battles. He was wounded at the Battle of Kulm and decorated with the Order of St. Anna (3rd Class) for his heroism and fearlessness. Subsequently, the brave young man fought in the battles on the approaches to Paris and was wounded again during the assault on the fortified heights of Bellevue.
After the victory over Napoleon, Vladimir Lermantov continued his military career. In late 1828, he became Assistant Director of the Institute of the Corps of Engineers of Ways of Communication; in 1834, he was promoted to Major General; and in 1837, he helped oversee the construction of the Tsarskoye Selo Railway – the first public passenger railway in the Russian Empire. He later served as the head of the Military Engineering School until his retirement in 1848.
Following his death in 1872, Vladimir Lermantov was buried in St. Petersburg. A monument in the form of a marble pyramid was erected over his grave. Its faces are inscribed with the names of the battles in which he participated and depict his military decorations.
Vladimir Lermantov was a scion of a Russian noble family founded by the Scotsman George (Yuri Andreyevich) Lermont – who had entered Russian military service in the early 17th century.
⚔️ At the age of 17, following Napoleon's invasion of Russia, Vladimir Lermantov volunteered for active duty, despite his father's objections. Serving with the Tula Infantry Regiment, he took part in the Russian army's victorious battles. He was wounded at the Battle of Kulm and decorated with the Order of St. Anna (3rd Class) for his heroism and fearlessness. Subsequently, the brave young man fought in the battles on the approaches to Paris and was wounded again during the assault on the fortified heights of Bellevue.
After the victory over Napoleon, Vladimir Lermantov continued his military career. In late 1828, he became Assistant Director of the Institute of the Corps of Engineers of Ways of Communication; in 1834, he was promoted to Major General; and in 1837, he helped oversee the construction of the Tsarskoye Selo Railway – the first public passenger railway in the Russian Empire. He later served as the head of the Military Engineering School until his retirement in 1848.
Following his death in 1872, Vladimir Lermantov was buried in St. Petersburg. A monument in the form of a marble pyramid was erected over his grave. Its faces are inscribed with the names of the battles in which he participated and depict his military decorations.
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🗓 On July 10, Russia's Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik together with the Delegation of the Russian Federation to the Vienna Negotiations on Military Security and Arms Control headed by lulia Zhdanova hosted a fifth international video conference on Crimes of the Kiev Regime: Terror Against the Civilians of the Kherson Region.
The event brought together the Russia's Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova, the Governor of the Kherson Region Vladimir Saldo, members of the International Red Cross Committee, political and public figures, diplomats, experts and journalists from at least 80 States.
For the first time ever, the event featured compiled evidence revealing the crimes committed by Ukraine's armed forces (AFU) against the civilian population in the Kherson region, statistics, striking examples crimes committed by the Kiev regime, firsthand accounts from victims and eyewitnesses who shared with the international community what they had gone through.
Today, the Kherson region accounts for about a quarter of all Ukrainian attacks on the Russian civilian infrastructure. In June alone, the region was targeted by over 6'500 shells. As a result, more than 10'500 private homes and apartment buildings have been damaged or destroyed, along with at least 112 medical and educational facilities, not to mention energy, transport and other social infrastructure.
The contact line runs across the Kherson land which has enabled the Zelensky regime to unleash full-scale terror against civilians. It rendered life unbearable for those within reach of Ukrainian artillery and trampled the rights of the locals living in the areas under temporary control of the Ukrainian armed groups.
❗️ In total, from February 2022 to June 2026, 4'400 civilians in the Kherson region were killed or injured, including 130 children. These people suffered from the weapons supplied to Kiev by NATO and EU member states.
The participants noted that the Ukrainian and Western propaganda is hushing up the crimes of the Ukrainian armed formations in the Kherson region. This only highlights the need for delivering to the international community and the relevant humanitarian organizations the complete and reliable information about the crimes committed by the Kiev regime.
They also insisted that the developments in the Kherson region need an urgent impartial international legal evaluation.
The event brought together the Russia's Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova, the Governor of the Kherson Region Vladimir Saldo, members of the International Red Cross Committee, political and public figures, diplomats, experts and journalists from at least 80 States.
For the first time ever, the event featured compiled evidence revealing the crimes committed by Ukraine's armed forces (AFU) against the civilian population in the Kherson region, statistics, striking examples crimes committed by the Kiev regime, firsthand accounts from victims and eyewitnesses who shared with the international community what they had gone through.
Today, the Kherson region accounts for about a quarter of all Ukrainian attacks on the Russian civilian infrastructure. In June alone, the region was targeted by over 6'500 shells. As a result, more than 10'500 private homes and apartment buildings have been damaged or destroyed, along with at least 112 medical and educational facilities, not to mention energy, transport and other social infrastructure.
The contact line runs across the Kherson land which has enabled the Zelensky regime to unleash full-scale terror against civilians. It rendered life unbearable for those within reach of Ukrainian artillery and trampled the rights of the locals living in the areas under temporary control of the Ukrainian armed groups.
❗️ In total, from February 2022 to June 2026, 4'400 civilians in the Kherson region were killed or injured, including 130 children. These people suffered from the weapons supplied to Kiev by NATO and EU member states.
The participants noted that the Ukrainian and Western propaganda is hushing up the crimes of the Ukrainian armed formations in the Kherson region. This only highlights the need for delivering to the international community and the relevant humanitarian organizations the complete and reliable information about the crimes committed by the Kiev regime.
They also insisted that the developments in the Kherson region need an urgent impartial international legal evaluation.
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🤦 Правительство Британии в очередной раз разродилось незаконными односторонними ограничениями против России, которые оно оправдывает необоснованными обвинениями в хакерских атаках, дезинформационных кампаниях и вмешательстве в политпроцессы других стран.
Нынешний набор мер указывает на то, что пропаганда в Британии и ЕС не вполне справляется с поставленными задачами по искусственному нагнетанию «российской угрозы». Пришла пора припугнуть обывателя и киберугрозами.
Особое лицемерие в том, что именно нас обвиняют во вмешательстве в выборы в Молдавии и Армении, которые сопровождались масштабным нарушением демократических принципов и электоральных процедур со стороны действующих властей этих стран при активной поддержке Запада.
Несостоятельны и попытки Лондона выставить Россию главной угрозой в цифровом пространстве. Наша страна последовательно выступает за коллективную выработку универсальных норм и стандартов по борьбе с преступностью в сфере информационно-коммуникационных технологий (ИКТ). В 2024 году Генассамблея ООН одобрила разработанную по инициативе России Конвенцию против киберпреступности. Однако Британия своими санкциями подрывает многостороннее сотрудничество по борьбе с ИКТ-криминалом. Тем самым только играет на руку интернет-мошенникам.
❗️ Призываем Лондон отказаться от использования кибердосье в конъюнктурных целях, в том числе как повод для введения неправомерных односторонних рестрикций. Подобная политика обречена на провал, никакое санкционное давление не изменит курс Российской Федерации.
Нынешний набор мер указывает на то, что пропаганда в Британии и ЕС не вполне справляется с поставленными задачами по искусственному нагнетанию «российской угрозы». Пришла пора припугнуть обывателя и киберугрозами.
Особое лицемерие в том, что именно нас обвиняют во вмешательстве в выборы в Молдавии и Армении, которые сопровождались масштабным нарушением демократических принципов и электоральных процедур со стороны действующих властей этих стран при активной поддержке Запада.
Несостоятельны и попытки Лондона выставить Россию главной угрозой в цифровом пространстве. Наша страна последовательно выступает за коллективную выработку универсальных норм и стандартов по борьбе с преступностью в сфере информационно-коммуникационных технологий (ИКТ). В 2024 году Генассамблея ООН одобрила разработанную по инициативе России Конвенцию против киберпреступности. Однако Британия своими санкциями подрывает многостороннее сотрудничество по борьбе с ИКТ-криминалом. Тем самым только играет на руку интернет-мошенникам.
❗️ Призываем Лондон отказаться от использования кибердосье в конъюнктурных целях, в том числе как повод для введения неправомерных односторонних рестрикций. Подобная политика обречена на провал, никакое санкционное давление не изменит курс Российской Федерации.
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🤦 The UK government has once again introduced unlawful unilateral restrictive measures against Russia, justifying them with unsubstantiated allegations of cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and interference in other nations' political processes.
This latest package of measures suggests that propaganda efforts in the UK and the EU are no longer proving entirely effective in fuelling the artificial narrative of the so-called “Russian threat”. It now seems that they also need to alarm the public with alleged cyber threats.
It is particularly hypocritical to accuse Russia of interfering in the Moldovan and Armenian elections, both of which were marred by widespread violations of democratic principles and electoral procedures by the incumbent authorities, with the active support of the West.
London's attempts to portray Russia as the principal threat in cyberspace are equally unfounded. The Russian Federation has consistently advocated the collective development of universal norms and standards to combat cybercrime.
In 2024, the UN General Assembly approved the Convention against Cybercrime, which was drafted at Russia's initiative. However, by imposing its sanctions, the UK is undermining multilateral cooperation in combating digital crime and thus only benefiting online fraudsters.
❗️ We urge London to refrain from exploiting cyber-related allegations for political purposes, including as a pretext for imposing unlawful unilateral restrictive measures. Such a policy is doomed to fail. No amount of sanctions will alter the course pursued by the Russian Federation.
This latest package of measures suggests that propaganda efforts in the UK and the EU are no longer proving entirely effective in fuelling the artificial narrative of the so-called “Russian threat”. It now seems that they also need to alarm the public with alleged cyber threats.
It is particularly hypocritical to accuse Russia of interfering in the Moldovan and Armenian elections, both of which were marred by widespread violations of democratic principles and electoral procedures by the incumbent authorities, with the active support of the West.
London's attempts to portray Russia as the principal threat in cyberspace are equally unfounded. The Russian Federation has consistently advocated the collective development of universal norms and standards to combat cybercrime.
In 2024, the UN General Assembly approved the Convention against Cybercrime, which was drafted at Russia's initiative. However, by imposing its sanctions, the UK is undermining multilateral cooperation in combating digital crime and thus only benefiting online fraudsters.
❗️ We urge London to refrain from exploiting cyber-related allegations for political purposes, including as a pretext for imposing unlawful unilateral restrictive measures. Such a policy is doomed to fail. No amount of sanctions will alter the course pursued by the Russian Federation.
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Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova:
💬 We are working to reunite 12 children currently in European countries with their families in Russia.
I discussed these cases at a roundtable event hosted by the Russian Permanent Mission to the OSCE and dedicated to protecting children's rights in the context of armed conflict. Each of these children has close relatives in Russia who are ready to take them home. Reuniting these families requires cooperation of the countries where the children are currently located – Germany, Poland, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
I recalled that, on the instruction of President Vladimir Putin, our institution has been carrying out systematic and transparent work to reunite families. Each case is considered individually, taking into account all circumstances and the best interests of the child.
Since the start of the special military operation, 30 children have been reunited with relatives in Russia with our assistance, and a further 141 children have been reunited with families in Ukraine and in third countries.
Over these years, we have established a clear working procedure. We cooperate with US First Lady Melania Trump, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Vatican, and maintain direct contact with the Ukrainian side.
This mechanism enables us to regularly exchange up-to-date information, establish the circumstances of each case, and find solutions even in the most difficult situations.
I also addressed other important issues, such as violations of children's rights abroad and crimes committed against civilians, including minors, and the myths that Western countries have been spreading about our work since the onset of the special military operation.
☝️ We work from a humanitarian standpoint and believe it is important not to politicise this issue.
When the fate of children and families is at stake, I am convinced that direct dialogue, substantive cooperation and a shared willingness to seek solutions are essential. These are the principles on which our work is based and will continue to be based.
💬 We are working to reunite 12 children currently in European countries with their families in Russia.
I discussed these cases at a roundtable event hosted by the Russian Permanent Mission to the OSCE and dedicated to protecting children's rights in the context of armed conflict. Each of these children has close relatives in Russia who are ready to take them home. Reuniting these families requires cooperation of the countries where the children are currently located – Germany, Poland, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
I recalled that, on the instruction of President Vladimir Putin, our institution has been carrying out systematic and transparent work to reunite families. Each case is considered individually, taking into account all circumstances and the best interests of the child.
Since the start of the special military operation, 30 children have been reunited with relatives in Russia with our assistance, and a further 141 children have been reunited with families in Ukraine and in third countries.
Over these years, we have established a clear working procedure. We cooperate with US First Lady Melania Trump, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Vatican, and maintain direct contact with the Ukrainian side.
This mechanism enables us to regularly exchange up-to-date information, establish the circumstances of each case, and find solutions even in the most difficult situations.
I also addressed other important issues, such as violations of children's rights abroad and crimes committed against civilians, including minors, and the myths that Western countries have been spreading about our work since the onset of the special military operation.
☝️ We work from a humanitarian standpoint and believe it is important not to politicise this issue.
When the fate of children and families is at stake, I am convinced that direct dialogue, substantive cooperation and a shared willingness to seek solutions are essential. These are the principles on which our work is based and will continue to be based.
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💬 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: The actions of the Ukrainian regime go beyond piracy.
At least pirates plunder for their own benefit. Here, however, it benefits no one. The sole purpose is to cause damage and spread fear. This pure terrorism manifests itself not only in the Sea of Azov, but also in the Black Sea and Africa.
Wherever the Ukrainians see an opportunity to damage what they perceive to be the interests of the Russian Federation, they will align themselves with anyone – including African extremists seeking to overthrow legitimate governments – to achieve it.
Either way, we will continue to fulfil all our commitments regarding food supplies to our African friends, both under commercial contracts and as part of humanitarian efforts, in accordance with their requests. This is what we have always done and will continue to do.
Here’s an example that illustrates this vividly. When the special military operation began, 200,000 tonnes of Russian wheat were seized at EU ports. President Putin and the companies that owned the wheat announced that it would be given free of charge to African countries in need. Yet the EU, despite its "deep concern" for human rights, spent more than a year preventing the wheat from being released and sent to those African countries that needed it.
☝️ We know these neighbours well. We know their ways, and how determined they are to thwart Russia’s cooperation with African countries. Ultimately, they want to restore the old order, when former colonial powers dominated the continent.
Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement and answers to media questions following talks with Foreign Minister of Chad Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, Moscow, 14 July 2026
At least pirates plunder for their own benefit. Here, however, it benefits no one. The sole purpose is to cause damage and spread fear. This pure terrorism manifests itself not only in the Sea of Azov, but also in the Black Sea and Africa.
Wherever the Ukrainians see an opportunity to damage what they perceive to be the interests of the Russian Federation, they will align themselves with anyone – including African extremists seeking to overthrow legitimate governments – to achieve it.
Either way, we will continue to fulfil all our commitments regarding food supplies to our African friends, both under commercial contracts and as part of humanitarian efforts, in accordance with their requests. This is what we have always done and will continue to do.
Here’s an example that illustrates this vividly. When the special military operation began, 200,000 tonnes of Russian wheat were seized at EU ports. President Putin and the companies that owned the wheat announced that it would be given free of charge to African countries in need. Yet the EU, despite its "deep concern" for human rights, spent more than a year preventing the wheat from being released and sent to those African countries that needed it.
☝️ We know these neighbours well. We know their ways, and how determined they are to thwart Russia’s cooperation with African countries. Ultimately, they want to restore the old order, when former colonial powers dominated the continent.
Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement and answers to media questions following talks with Foreign Minister of Chad Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, Moscow, 14 July 2026
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
⚡️ Statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry on the killing of the Chief Engineer of the Zaporozhskaya NPP Alexander Yakovlev by the armed forces of Ukraine (July 15, 2026)
On July 15, Ukraine committed yet another gruesome crime.
A deliberate Ukrainian UAV strike on a Zaporozhskaya Nuclear Power Plant (#ZNPP) service vehicle tragically killed the plant’s Chief Engineer Alexander Yakovlev, whose professional duties were directly related to ensuring nuclear safety and nuclear security of the facility, which is regularly subjected to Ukrainian attacks and provocations.
◾️ The driver was also killed in the attack. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed.
This criminal act by Kiev is yet another attempt to threaten the safe operation of the ZNPP and intimidate its personnel.
The Nazi–Bandera regime is under the illusion that it can pressure our country in this way, while simultaneously blackmailing its Western patrons into providing ever more money and weapons. For their part, Western countries remain prepared to encourage the Ukrainian authorities, regardless of how reckless their actions become, thereby making themselves complicit in the crimes of the Kiev junta.
❗️ The extreme danger posed by the presence of the Ukrainian armed forces near the ZNPP is now more evident than ever.
Against this backdrop, the accusations levelled against Russia over the deployment of the necessary security forces at the ZNPP, including in relevant reports by the IAEA Director General, sound particularly cynical.
Russia will continue to act in pursuit of the objective of protecting the ZNPP from Ukrainian attacks, in accordance with its national legislation and international obligations.
#KievRegimeCrimes
On July 15, Ukraine committed yet another gruesome crime.
A deliberate Ukrainian UAV strike on a Zaporozhskaya Nuclear Power Plant (#ZNPP) service vehicle tragically killed the plant’s Chief Engineer Alexander Yakovlev, whose professional duties were directly related to ensuring nuclear safety and nuclear security of the facility, which is regularly subjected to Ukrainian attacks and provocations.
◾️ The driver was also killed in the attack. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed.
This criminal act by Kiev is yet another attempt to threaten the safe operation of the ZNPP and intimidate its personnel.
The Nazi–Bandera regime is under the illusion that it can pressure our country in this way, while simultaneously blackmailing its Western patrons into providing ever more money and weapons. For their part, Western countries remain prepared to encourage the Ukrainian authorities, regardless of how reckless their actions become, thereby making themselves complicit in the crimes of the Kiev junta.
❗️ The extreme danger posed by the presence of the Ukrainian armed forces near the ZNPP is now more evident than ever.
Against this backdrop, the accusations levelled against Russia over the deployment of the necessary security forces at the ZNPP, including in relevant reports by the IAEA Director General, sound particularly cynical.
Russia will continue to act in pursuit of the objective of protecting the ZNPP from Ukrainian attacks, in accordance with its national legislation and international obligations.
#KievRegimeCrimes
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