Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 President Vladimir Putin's answers to questions from the Moscow. Kremlin. Putin programme (December 17, 2023)
❓Question: You said that the US is pursuing an imperial policy, and that [US President] Biden claims that if Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, then that means Russia will attack NATO.
💬 This is complete nonsense, and I believe President Biden understands this as well. It is just a figure of speech to justify his misguided policy towards Russia. This policy is misguided because I don't think that the US is as interested today, in terms of global development, as it was 20 years ago, in inflicting, as they publicly claim, a “strategic defeat” on Russia. I don't think it aligns with the national interests of the US itself. That's the first point.
Secondly, the president of any major NATO country, especially sole NATO master (and the US is the master of NATO, and all of NATO is their backyard) cannot fail to realise that Russia has no reason, no interest – be it geopolitical, economic, political or military – to wage war against NATO countries. We have no territorial claims against each other, and we harbour no intentions to jeopardise our relations with them. We are interested in developing relations.
They [the US] dragged Finland into NATO. Did we have any disputes with Finland? All disputes, including territorial ones, were solved long ago, in the middle of the XX century. We enjoyed the most kind, cordial relations, including economic relations. Everything was developing. <...> There were no problems. And now there will be because we will create the Leningrad Military District and deploy certain military units there.
Do we have a problem with anyone? No we don't. It is they who artificially create problems with us, because they do not want to have Russia as their competitor. That is all.
❓Question: How can we find common ground when there are accusations from all sides?
💬 They will have to find common ground with us, because they will have to reckon with our perspective.
❓Question: You said that the US is pursuing an imperial policy, and that [US President] Biden claims that if Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, then that means Russia will attack NATO.
💬 This is complete nonsense, and I believe President Biden understands this as well. It is just a figure of speech to justify his misguided policy towards Russia. This policy is misguided because I don't think that the US is as interested today, in terms of global development, as it was 20 years ago, in inflicting, as they publicly claim, a “strategic defeat” on Russia. I don't think it aligns with the national interests of the US itself. That's the first point.
Secondly, the president of any major NATO country, especially sole NATO master (and the US is the master of NATO, and all of NATO is their backyard) cannot fail to realise that Russia has no reason, no interest – be it geopolitical, economic, political or military – to wage war against NATO countries. We have no territorial claims against each other, and we harbour no intentions to jeopardise our relations with them. We are interested in developing relations.
They [the US] dragged Finland into NATO. Did we have any disputes with Finland? All disputes, including territorial ones, were solved long ago, in the middle of the XX century. We enjoyed the most kind, cordial relations, including economic relations. Everything was developing. <...> There were no problems. And now there will be because we will create the Leningrad Military District and deploy certain military units there.
Do we have a problem with anyone? No we don't. It is they who artificially create problems with us, because they do not want to have Russia as their competitor. That is all.
❓Question: How can we find common ground when there are accusations from all sides?
💬 They will have to find common ground with us, because they will have to reckon with our perspective.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇪🇬✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of congratulations to President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on his re-election as President.
✍️ The message reads, in part:
“Your convincing victory in the election has become a prime example of the wide recognition of your efforts in addressing the current socioeconomic and foreign policy challenges facing Egypt.
It is hard to overestimate your personal contribution to building and strengthening the Russian-Egyptian strategic partnership. I would like to reaffirm our readiness to continue our constructive joint work to further develop the entire range of bilateral ties, as well as cooperation in international affairs, including within the #BRICS framework.”
✍️ The message reads, in part:
“Your convincing victory in the election has become a prime example of the wide recognition of your efforts in addressing the current socioeconomic and foreign policy challenges facing Egypt.
It is hard to overestimate your personal contribution to building and strengthening the Russian-Egyptian strategic partnership. I would like to reaffirm our readiness to continue our constructive joint work to further develop the entire range of bilateral ties, as well as cooperation in international affairs, including within the #BRICS framework.”
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
⚡️ Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s comment on the developments around #Essequibo
💬 We welcome the meeting between President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro and President of Guyana Irfaan Ali in Kingstown (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), during which they exchanged views on Essequibo.
🇻🇪🇬🇾 We consider it fundamentally important that the presidents personally demonstrated their willingness to display restraint and build up trust. They clearly expressed their commitment to searching for ways of settling differences and achieving mutually acceptable solutions at negotiations, in conformity with international law, including the Geneva agreement of February 17, 1966.
We are satisfied that the mutual understanding reached by the presidents allowed them to reduce bilateral tensions and put the dialogue on a mutually acceptable track. The creation of a joint commission at foreign minister level will also be conducive to reaching these goals.
☝️ We consider it no less important that the leaders of Venezuela and Guyana, who met with the assistance of the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the heads of state of the CARICOM countries and the Brazilian President’s special aide on foreign affairs, emphasised that foreign interference in the affairs of the region is unacceptable.
We are urging all states to respect such an approach. We intend to act in this vein, proceeding from the premise that Latin American problems need Latin American solutions. We are convinced that the preservation of Latin America as a zone of peace, free from any conflicts, meets the interests of all states in the region and the world in general.
💬 We welcome the meeting between President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro and President of Guyana Irfaan Ali in Kingstown (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), during which they exchanged views on Essequibo.
🇻🇪🇬🇾 We consider it fundamentally important that the presidents personally demonstrated their willingness to display restraint and build up trust. They clearly expressed their commitment to searching for ways of settling differences and achieving mutually acceptable solutions at negotiations, in conformity with international law, including the Geneva agreement of February 17, 1966.
We are satisfied that the mutual understanding reached by the presidents allowed them to reduce bilateral tensions and put the dialogue on a mutually acceptable track. The creation of a joint commission at foreign minister level will also be conducive to reaching these goals.
☝️ We consider it no less important that the leaders of Venezuela and Guyana, who met with the assistance of the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the heads of state of the CARICOM countries and the Brazilian President’s special aide on foreign affairs, emphasised that foreign interference in the affairs of the region is unacceptable.
We are urging all states to respect such an approach. We intend to act in this vein, proceeding from the premise that Latin American problems need Latin American solutions. We are convinced that the preservation of Latin America as a zone of peace, free from any conflicts, meets the interests of all states in the region and the world in general.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🕯 Today marks seven years since outstanding Russian diplomat, the then Ambassador to Turkey (2013-2016) Andrey Karlov is no longer with us.
On December 19, 2016, he fell victim to a terrorist attack aimed at undermining Russian-Turkish relations and the peace process in Syria.
Andrey Karlov devoted his entire life to the diplomatic service. For many years he was stationed in DPRK, contributed to resolving nuclear tension on the Korean peninsula. As the Head of the Russian diplomatic mission in Ankara, he promoted improving bilateral relations with Turkey. He was posthumously awarded the title of the Hero of the Russian Federation.
Ambassador Karlov was attacked during the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition in Ankara. The verdict in the murder case was handed down in March 2021: the accused were sentenced to prison terms, while another five people faced life imprisonment.
💬 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Ambassador Andrey Karlov was a comrade, a close friend and one of our top diplomats... Andrey died in the line of duty. We will forever keep our memories of him alive.
#InMemoriam #ForeverInOurHearts
On December 19, 2016, he fell victim to a terrorist attack aimed at undermining Russian-Turkish relations and the peace process in Syria.
Andrey Karlov devoted his entire life to the diplomatic service. For many years he was stationed in DPRK, contributed to resolving nuclear tension on the Korean peninsula. As the Head of the Russian diplomatic mission in Ankara, he promoted improving bilateral relations with Turkey. He was posthumously awarded the title of the Hero of the Russian Federation.
Ambassador Karlov was attacked during the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition in Ankara. The verdict in the murder case was handed down in March 2021: the accused were sentenced to prison terms, while another five people faced life imprisonment.
💬 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Ambassador Andrey Karlov was a comrade, a close friend and one of our top diplomats... Andrey died in the line of duty. We will forever keep our memories of him alive.
#InMemoriam #ForeverInOurHearts
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Excerpts from President Vladimir Putin's speech at an expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board (December 19, 2023)
💬 The year of 2023 was a tense one for the Russian Armed Forces, and I want to say at once that our soldiers and officers, commanders at all levels courageously and professionally carried out tasks during special military operation, ensuring the country's sovereignty at the global level, nuclear missile parity and Russia's strategic security.
• The events of this year have confirmed that the West continues to wage hybrid warfare against Russia, actively providing the Kiev regime with real-time intelligence, sending military advisers, transferring modern weapons systems, including highly mobile multiple rocket launchers, long-range missile systems, cluster munitions and a large number of new UAVs. As we know, the West also planning to hand over F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine: pilots are being trained in the West.
📈 The activity of the NATO military bloc as a whole has also increased dramatically recently. Significant forces from the US, including aircraft, have been moved to our borders. The number of Alliance's troops in Eastern and Central Europe has increased. Finland, as we know, has already been drawn into NATO, and Sweden is planning to join. In fact, this means another stage in the alliance's approach to our borders.
❗️ The West is not abandoning its strategy to deter Russia and its aggressive goals in Ukraine. Well, we are not going to give up our goals of a special military operation either.
• Assessing the current situation on the ground, on the line of contact, we can say with confidence that our troops have the initiative. <...> The enemy is suffering heavy losses and has largely squandered its reserves. Incidentally, the myth of the invulnerability of Western military equipment has also collapsed.
☝️ All attempts, as they said in the West, to inflict on us a military defeat, a strategic defeat, crashed against the courage and fortitude of our soldiers.
💬 The year of 2023 was a tense one for the Russian Armed Forces, and I want to say at once that our soldiers and officers, commanders at all levels courageously and professionally carried out tasks during special military operation, ensuring the country's sovereignty at the global level, nuclear missile parity and Russia's strategic security.
• The events of this year have confirmed that the West continues to wage hybrid warfare against Russia, actively providing the Kiev regime with real-time intelligence, sending military advisers, transferring modern weapons systems, including highly mobile multiple rocket launchers, long-range missile systems, cluster munitions and a large number of new UAVs. As we know, the West also planning to hand over F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine: pilots are being trained in the West.
📈 The activity of the NATO military bloc as a whole has also increased dramatically recently. Significant forces from the US, including aircraft, have been moved to our borders. The number of Alliance's troops in Eastern and Central Europe has increased. Finland, as we know, has already been drawn into NATO, and Sweden is planning to join. In fact, this means another stage in the alliance's approach to our borders.
❗️ The West is not abandoning its strategy to deter Russia and its aggressive goals in Ukraine. Well, we are not going to give up our goals of a special military operation either.
• Assessing the current situation on the ground, on the line of contact, we can say with confidence that our troops have the initiative. <...> The enemy is suffering heavy losses and has largely squandered its reserves. Incidentally, the myth of the invulnerability of Western military equipment has also collapsed.
☝️ All attempts, as they said in the West, to inflict on us a military defeat, a strategic defeat, crashed against the courage and fortitude of our soldiers.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Statement by Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu at an expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board (December 19, 2023)
Key talking points:
• Russian Groups of Forces have liberated an area five times larger than that of the Lugansk and Donetsk people's republics before the special military operation began.
💰 To date, Ukraine has received $203 billion from external sources, which is $30 billion more than its GDP. In fact, it is a bankrupt country. A significant part of these funds are loans that have to be repaid.
• In total, 5,220 tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and armoured personnel carriers, 28 airplanes, 87 helicopters, 23,000 unmanned aerial vehicles, over 1,300 artillery systems, including 494 M777, Caesar, Paladin, and Krab howitzers, as well as 2,650,000 155-mm and 122-mm shells were delivered to Kiev.
• NATO military personnel have direct control over air defence systems, operational-tactical missiles, and multiple launch rocket systems. <...> A total of 410 military and dual-purpose spacecraft from NATO countries are working in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
❗️ Since the special operation began, the AFU's losses have exceeded 383,000 troops killed and wounded, 14,000 tanks, IFVs, and APCs, 553 airplanes and 259 helicopters, 8,500 field artillery guns and MLRS vehicles.
• The mercenaries who have been actively involved since the beginning of the special military operation have been eliminated for the most part. More than 5,800 militants were neutralised, including 1,427 from Poland, 466 from the US, and 344 from the UK.
☝️ Every day, more than 1,500 people [in Russia] apply for military service. This year alone, about 490,000 contract servicemen and volunteers have been recruited.
• The number of foreign volunteers willing to fight in favour of the truth has increased seven times. In the Ukrainian army, the opposite trend is observed. The number of foreign mercenaries has decreased six times.
Key talking points:
• Russian Groups of Forces have liberated an area five times larger than that of the Lugansk and Donetsk people's republics before the special military operation began.
💰 To date, Ukraine has received $203 billion from external sources, which is $30 billion more than its GDP. In fact, it is a bankrupt country. A significant part of these funds are loans that have to be repaid.
• In total, 5,220 tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and armoured personnel carriers, 28 airplanes, 87 helicopters, 23,000 unmanned aerial vehicles, over 1,300 artillery systems, including 494 M777, Caesar, Paladin, and Krab howitzers, as well as 2,650,000 155-mm and 122-mm shells were delivered to Kiev.
• NATO military personnel have direct control over air defence systems, operational-tactical missiles, and multiple launch rocket systems. <...> A total of 410 military and dual-purpose spacecraft from NATO countries are working in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
❗️ Since the special operation began, the AFU's losses have exceeded 383,000 troops killed and wounded, 14,000 tanks, IFVs, and APCs, 553 airplanes and 259 helicopters, 8,500 field artillery guns and MLRS vehicles.
• The mercenaries who have been actively involved since the beginning of the special military operation have been eliminated for the most part. More than 5,800 militants were neutralised, including 1,427 from Poland, 466 from the US, and 344 from the UK.
☝️ Every day, more than 1,500 people [in Russia] apply for military service. This year alone, about 490,000 contract servicemen and volunteers have been recruited.
• The number of foreign volunteers willing to fight in favour of the truth has increased seven times. In the Ukrainian army, the opposite trend is observed. The number of foreign mercenaries has decreased six times.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with Channel One’s Bolshaya Igra (Great Game) political talk show (Moscow, December 18, 2023)
📰 Read in full
📺 Watch
Key talking points:
▫️ We are well aware of the fact (as we made it clear many years ago) that all of this is not about Ukraine but about containing Russia. Kiev was used as a tool to pose permanent military threats to the Russian Federation and to eradicate our influence to the extent of destroying Russian traditions, language, culture, and even ethnic Russians physically.
▫️ Every day we hear assertions (repeated by several Western countries) that the Americans are not taking part in the hostilities but are only “supporting” Ukraine, which is waging a “just” war for its sovereignty, territorial integrity and European values. There are many facts, including on video, about mercenaries from Poland and other European states. Some are even from the Middle East where the Americans still have the Al-Tanf military base in Syria, where ISIS commandos feel at ease. Some of them have been seen in Ukraine.
▫️ The new version of Russia’s Foreign Policy Concept uses a novel term describing Russia as a state and a civilisation at one and the same time. This involves much responsibility. The concept states the objective fact that Russia is a civilisation in its own right
▫️ We have no territorial disputes with NATO countries. In general, we no longer have any territorial disputes with anyone. Territorial disputes even with Japan have been settled. They understand this perfectly well.
▫️ Again, to put this in perspective: Europe, and the US are leaving no stone unturned in the Middle East as they urge the Lebanese, Iranians, Iraqis, and Syrians to do their best to prevent the war in Gaza from spreading to contiguous territories. Perhaps, they should act with the same amount of zeal to prevent this from happening in Ukraine.
📰 Read in full
📺 Watch
Key talking points:
▫️ We are well aware of the fact (as we made it clear many years ago) that all of this is not about Ukraine but about containing Russia. Kiev was used as a tool to pose permanent military threats to the Russian Federation and to eradicate our influence to the extent of destroying Russian traditions, language, culture, and even ethnic Russians physically.
▫️ Every day we hear assertions (repeated by several Western countries) that the Americans are not taking part in the hostilities but are only “supporting” Ukraine, which is waging a “just” war for its sovereignty, territorial integrity and European values. There are many facts, including on video, about mercenaries from Poland and other European states. Some are even from the Middle East where the Americans still have the Al-Tanf military base in Syria, where ISIS commandos feel at ease. Some of them have been seen in Ukraine.
▫️ The new version of Russia’s Foreign Policy Concept uses a novel term describing Russia as a state and a civilisation at one and the same time. This involves much responsibility. The concept states the objective fact that Russia is a civilisation in its own right
▫️ We have no territorial disputes with NATO countries. In general, we no longer have any territorial disputes with anyone. Territorial disputes even with Japan have been settled. They understand this perfectly well.
▫️ Again, to put this in perspective: Europe, and the US are leaving no stone unturned in the Middle East as they urge the Lebanese, Iranians, Iraqis, and Syrians to do their best to prevent the war in Gaza from spreading to contiguous territories. Perhaps, they should act with the same amount of zeal to prevent this from happening in Ukraine.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇰🇼 President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to Emir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on the occasion of his enthronement.
✉️ Relations between Russia and Kuwait are traditionally friendly. I am confident that these relations will continue to develop productively in various areas for the benefit of our peoples and in the interests of strengthening peace and security in the Middle East.
✉️ Relations between Russia and Kuwait are traditionally friendly. I am confident that these relations will continue to develop productively in various areas for the benefit of our peoples and in the interests of strengthening peace and security in the Middle East.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🗓 On December 20, Marrakesh, the Kingdom of Morocco, hosted the 6th Session of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum (RACF) at the ministerial level.
The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco Nasser Bourita. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and the Foreign Ministers of Bahrain, the Comoros, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Qatar, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen took part via video conference.
👉 The participants in the RACF session unanimously agreed that the domestic political problems of the countries in the region, no matter how challenging, should be resolved by peaceful means through a wide-ranging national dialogue embracing all political forces and walks of life.
At the same time, it was stressed that any outside interference in the internal affairs of independent states was unacceptable. The participants reaffirmed that the principle of respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity in conformity with international law and the UN Charter remained immutable.
🌐 These fundamental postulates served as the basis for a detailed analysis of a number of current regional problems with a focus on an unprecedented escalation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone.
🤝 A number of specific steps were coordinated to invigorate the entire range of cooperation between Russia and the Arab countries, including trade, the economy, research, culture, and the humanitarian area.
The RACF concluded with its participants approving a joint Statement and a Plan of Action to implement the Forum’s principles, goals and tasks for 2024-2026. It was agreed that the 7th RACF session would be held in Moscow in 2024.
Read in full
The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco Nasser Bourita. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and the Foreign Ministers of Bahrain, the Comoros, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Qatar, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen took part via video conference.
👉 The participants in the RACF session unanimously agreed that the domestic political problems of the countries in the region, no matter how challenging, should be resolved by peaceful means through a wide-ranging national dialogue embracing all political forces and walks of life.
At the same time, it was stressed that any outside interference in the internal affairs of independent states was unacceptable. The participants reaffirmed that the principle of respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity in conformity with international law and the UN Charter remained immutable.
🌐 These fundamental postulates served as the basis for a detailed analysis of a number of current regional problems with a focus on an unprecedented escalation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone.
🤝 A number of specific steps were coordinated to invigorate the entire range of cooperation between Russia and the Arab countries, including trade, the economy, research, culture, and the humanitarian area.
The RACF concluded with its participants approving a joint Statement and a Plan of Action to implement the Forum’s principles, goals and tasks for 2024-2026. It was agreed that the 7th RACF session would be held in Moscow in 2024.
Read in full
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇲🇦 On December 20, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was on a working visit to Morocco to attend the sixth Session of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum in Marrakesh where he held talks with Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
✔️ Mr Lavrov and Mr Bourita discussed the package of current issues on the steady development of traditionally friendly bilateral relations between Russia and Morocco.
✔️ During the exchange of views on current international issues, the focus was on the developments in the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahara-Sahel zone.
✔️ The Ministers reaffirmed Moscow and Rabat’s intention to deepen their dialogue and coordinate efforts to settle regional issues through political and diplomatic methods with reliance on the fundamental principles and standards of international law with the UN central role.
During his stay in Morocco, Sergey Lavrov awarded the Foreign Ministry honorary badges “For Interaction” to honorary consul of Russia in Marrakesh Rabai Hafid and honorary consul of Russia in Agadir Abdellatif Abid for their efforts at strengthening Russian-Moroccan ties.
Read in full
✔️ Mr Lavrov and Mr Bourita discussed the package of current issues on the steady development of traditionally friendly bilateral relations between Russia and Morocco.
✔️ During the exchange of views on current international issues, the focus was on the developments in the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahara-Sahel zone.
✔️ The Ministers reaffirmed Moscow and Rabat’s intention to deepen their dialogue and coordinate efforts to settle regional issues through political and diplomatic methods with reliance on the fundamental principles and standards of international law with the UN central role.
During his stay in Morocco, Sergey Lavrov awarded the Foreign Ministry honorary badges “For Interaction” to honorary consul of Russia in Marrakesh Rabai Hafid and honorary consul of Russia in Agadir Abdellatif Abid for their efforts at strengthening Russian-Moroccan ties.
Read in full
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (Moscow, December 20, 2023)
🔹 FM Sergey Lavrov’s schedule
🔹 Ukrainian crisis
🔹 The UNGA’s approval of a Russian resolution on preventing the glorification of Nazism
🔹 No response from the UN Secretary-General and the UN Secretariat to the repeated Russian requests for them to obtain a list of victims of the Bucha provocation from Kiev
🔹 The outcome of the EU summit
🔹 OSCE/ODIHR releases fourth interim report on violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Ukraine
🔹 Situation in Moldova
🔹 Anti-Russia sanctions
🔹 Completing the evacuation from the Gaza Strip
📰 Read in full
📺 Watch
#Ukraine
• On December 15, 2023, EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn told Reuters that last spring the US urged the EU to launch a long-term EUR 50 billion funding programme for Ukraine, so that the Biden administration would use it to pressure Congress into allocating additional funds for the Kiev regime.
Washington is cynically trying to shift the multibillion-dollar burden of the Ukrainian crisis it has unleashed onto the EU, forcing the Europeans to bankroll the corrupt and criminal Zelensky regime.
#Moldova
• On December 15, the pro-Western majority in the country’s parliament pushed through the draft of a new National Security Strategy, in which Russia is absolutely unfairly labelled ‘the most dangerous and constant source of threat <...> to the statehood, democracy and prosperity of Moldova.”
Conversely, Moldova’s time apart from Russia saw a dismantling of industry, degradation of agriculture, impoverishment of the population and depopulation – all of which we observe today. These are “serious threats to the state, democracy and prosperity of the country.”
And those who are responsible for severing Moldova’s ties with Russia or other countries that it benefited from, are responsible for this situation.
🔹 FM Sergey Lavrov’s schedule
🔹 Ukrainian crisis
🔹 The UNGA’s approval of a Russian resolution on preventing the glorification of Nazism
🔹 No response from the UN Secretary-General and the UN Secretariat to the repeated Russian requests for them to obtain a list of victims of the Bucha provocation from Kiev
🔹 The outcome of the EU summit
🔹 OSCE/ODIHR releases fourth interim report on violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Ukraine
🔹 Situation in Moldova
🔹 Anti-Russia sanctions
🔹 Completing the evacuation from the Gaza Strip
📰 Read in full
📺 Watch
#Ukraine
• On December 15, 2023, EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn told Reuters that last spring the US urged the EU to launch a long-term EUR 50 billion funding programme for Ukraine, so that the Biden administration would use it to pressure Congress into allocating additional funds for the Kiev regime.
Washington is cynically trying to shift the multibillion-dollar burden of the Ukrainian crisis it has unleashed onto the EU, forcing the Europeans to bankroll the corrupt and criminal Zelensky regime.
#Moldova
• On December 15, the pro-Western majority in the country’s parliament pushed through the draft of a new National Security Strategy, in which Russia is absolutely unfairly labelled ‘the most dangerous and constant source of threat <...> to the statehood, democracy and prosperity of Moldova.”
Conversely, Moldova’s time apart from Russia saw a dismantling of industry, degradation of agriculture, impoverishment of the population and depopulation – all of which we observe today. These are “serious threats to the state, democracy and prosperity of the country.”
And those who are responsible for severing Moldova’s ties with Russia or other countries that it benefited from, are responsible for this situation.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answers to media questions following his visit to the Republic of Tunisia (Tunis, December 21, 2023)
❓It has recently come to light that the Prosecutor’s Office of Germany is seeking the seizure of Russian assets in favour of Germany’s own budget. Was this expected? How can we retaliate? Could you comment on this, please?
💬 They are a thievish kind of people. We realised this long ago. Earlier, they were thievish politically (in the sense of going back on commitments and trying to cheat), but now we can use this word, thievish, literally. They are scampering to find some legal avenues to confiscate Russian assets. Or, as a first step, they plan to confiscate the profits derived from these assets and send them to Ukraine.
The Americans are secretly advising them on how to change their laws so that they can ultimately steal these funds. We will wait and see.
Finance Minister of Russia Anton Siluanov said that if such confiscation were to take place, we would retaliate by confiscating their assets in Russia.
❓ This agricultural year, Russian grain supplies to Tunisia have increased fivefold (some say even more). From what I understand, the Tunisian side wants to receive this grain at a discount, on favourable terms. Have there been any agreements reached regarding the price? Is the increase in supplies a long-term trend or is it due to the current poor harvest?
💬 I cannot speak on behalf of the United Grain Company, which is in negotiations with the Tunisian side. It is not the Foreign Ministry that determines the prices; that responsibility lies with those who sign contracts.
But the interest in expanding the supplies of Russian grain is evident. <...> We are ready for this, thanks to the hard work of our farmers and favourable weather conditions. We have had bumper harvests for three consecutive years. While this year’s intake may not be as high as in 2022, it still allows us to export almost the same record amount of grain as last year.
Read in full
❓It has recently come to light that the Prosecutor’s Office of Germany is seeking the seizure of Russian assets in favour of Germany’s own budget. Was this expected? How can we retaliate? Could you comment on this, please?
💬 They are a thievish kind of people. We realised this long ago. Earlier, they were thievish politically (in the sense of going back on commitments and trying to cheat), but now we can use this word, thievish, literally. They are scampering to find some legal avenues to confiscate Russian assets. Or, as a first step, they plan to confiscate the profits derived from these assets and send them to Ukraine.
The Americans are secretly advising them on how to change their laws so that they can ultimately steal these funds. We will wait and see.
Finance Minister of Russia Anton Siluanov said that if such confiscation were to take place, we would retaliate by confiscating their assets in Russia.
❓ This agricultural year, Russian grain supplies to Tunisia have increased fivefold (some say even more). From what I understand, the Tunisian side wants to receive this grain at a discount, on favourable terms. Have there been any agreements reached regarding the price? Is the increase in supplies a long-term trend or is it due to the current poor harvest?
💬 I cannot speak on behalf of the United Grain Company, which is in negotiations with the Tunisian side. It is not the Foreign Ministry that determines the prices; that responsibility lies with those who sign contracts.
But the interest in expanding the supplies of Russian grain is evident. <...> We are ready for this, thanks to the hard work of our farmers and favourable weather conditions. We have had bumper harvests for three consecutive years. While this year’s intake may not be as high as in 2022, it still allows us to export almost the same record amount of grain as last year.
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇻🇪📞 President Vladimir Putin spoke over the phone with President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro.
The Presidents discussed current issues of Russian-Venezuelan cooperation in energy, trade, investment and the cultural and humanitarian areas. Russia continues to assist Venezuela’s leaders in their effort to strengthen their national economy and sovereignty.
🤝 During the exchange of views on international issues, the presidents emphasised their common approaches to the creation of a fair multipolar world order and the rejection of unlawful sanctions and interference in the domestic affairs of states.
Nicolas Maduro told Vladimir Putin about his talks with the President of Guyana on the developments in Essequibo. Vladimir Putin advocated a settlement of the territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana through political and diplomatic means.
The Leaders exchanged acknowledgements of the upcoming New Year and Christmas holidays and agreed to keep in touch. The President of Venezuela received confirmation of his invitation to visit Russia next year.
The Presidents discussed current issues of Russian-Venezuelan cooperation in energy, trade, investment and the cultural and humanitarian areas. Russia continues to assist Venezuela’s leaders in their effort to strengthen their national economy and sovereignty.
🤝 During the exchange of views on international issues, the presidents emphasised their common approaches to the creation of a fair multipolar world order and the rejection of unlawful sanctions and interference in the domestic affairs of states.
Nicolas Maduro told Vladimir Putin about his talks with the President of Guyana on the developments in Essequibo. Vladimir Putin advocated a settlement of the territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana through political and diplomatic means.
The Leaders exchanged acknowledgements of the upcoming New Year and Christmas holidays and agreed to keep in touch. The President of Venezuela received confirmation of his invitation to visit Russia next year.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇮🇷📞 On December 22, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke over the phone with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
The Ministers discussed a number of topical issues on the regional and bilateral agenda in the context of implementing agreements reached during the highest-level talks in Moscow on December 7. Additionally, the Ministers coordinated the schedule of future contacts.
#RussiaIran
The Ministers discussed a number of topical issues on the regional and bilateral agenda in the context of implementing agreements reached during the highest-level talks in Moscow on December 7. Additionally, the Ministers coordinated the schedule of future contacts.
#RussiaIran
Ambassador Oleg Stepanov: Deeply saddened by the news of the untimely passing of H.E. Frank Hans Dannenberg Castellanos, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Canada. He will be remembered as a good friend and a professional. I offer my sincerest condolences to the Dominican Embassy in Canada and his family.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
⚔️ December 24th is the Day of Military Glory in Russia, established in honour of the capture of the Ottoman fortress of Izmail by Russian troops in 1790.
This victory was the high point of the Russo-Turkish war of 1787-1791 and a true testament to Alexander Suvorov's military genius.
This was one of several conflicts between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, this time sparked by the latter’s attempt to regain Crimea and other territories that had been acquired by Russia in the previous war. Despite a series of brilliant victories by the Russian forces, the Ottoman Empire was still reluctant to accept the peace terms proposed by the Russian Empire.
🏰 In order to finally defeat the enemy, Russian commanders decided to capture the fortress of Izmail, the stronghold of Turkish rule on the Danube that was considered impregnable in Europe. The Russian army, consisting of 31,000 men, faced a garrison of 35,000 defenders, half of whom were Janissaries, the Sultan’s elite infantry.
✉️ Suvorov sought to avoid bloodshed and sent two messages to the fortress defenders, offering honourable terms of surrender. “Rather would the Danube stop flowing and the sky fall to the ground than Izmail surrender,” was the reply.
Early in the morning of December 22, Russian troops launched a simultaneous assault on the fortress from three directions, disorienting the enemy. By 8 am, they had captured most of the outer fortifications and began pushing the enemy towards the centre of the city. By 4 pm, Izmail had fallen. Suvorov's disciple Mikhail Kutuzov was appointed the commandant for displaying exceptional special courage during the battle.
☝️ The capture of Izmail had a decisive impact on the course of the war. In January 1792, the Treaty of Jassy was signed, solidifying the incorporation of Crimea into Russia. The entire Northern coast of the Black Sea, from the Dniester to the Kuban, was assigned to the Russian Empire, while Izmail itself was returned to Turkey.
#HistoryOfRussia
This victory was the high point of the Russo-Turkish war of 1787-1791 and a true testament to Alexander Suvorov's military genius.
This was one of several conflicts between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, this time sparked by the latter’s attempt to regain Crimea and other territories that had been acquired by Russia in the previous war. Despite a series of brilliant victories by the Russian forces, the Ottoman Empire was still reluctant to accept the peace terms proposed by the Russian Empire.
🏰 In order to finally defeat the enemy, Russian commanders decided to capture the fortress of Izmail, the stronghold of Turkish rule on the Danube that was considered impregnable in Europe. The Russian army, consisting of 31,000 men, faced a garrison of 35,000 defenders, half of whom were Janissaries, the Sultan’s elite infantry.
✉️ Suvorov sought to avoid bloodshed and sent two messages to the fortress defenders, offering honourable terms of surrender. “Rather would the Danube stop flowing and the sky fall to the ground than Izmail surrender,” was the reply.
Early in the morning of December 22, Russian troops launched a simultaneous assault on the fortress from three directions, disorienting the enemy. By 8 am, they had captured most of the outer fortifications and began pushing the enemy towards the centre of the city. By 4 pm, Izmail had fallen. Suvorov's disciple Mikhail Kutuzov was appointed the commandant for displaying exceptional special courage during the battle.
☝️ The capture of Izmail had a decisive impact on the course of the war. In January 1792, the Treaty of Jassy was signed, solidifying the incorporation of Crimea into Russia. The entire Northern coast of the Black Sea, from the Dniester to the Kuban, was assigned to the Russian Empire, while Izmail itself was returned to Turkey.
#HistoryOfRussia