Russian Delegation to UNESCO
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The Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation to UNESCO

https://russianunesco.mid.ru/ru/

ВКонтакте: https://vk.com/russia_unesco
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🎙 Russia's President Vladimir Putin addressed the Plenary Session of the 10th #BRICS Parliamentary Forum (July 11, St Petersburg)

💬 President Vladimir Putin: The theme of this forum — The Role of Parliaments in Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security — is extremely important. It speaks for itself, highlighting the nature of the fundamental global transformations underway today.

Your open discussions, the face-to-face conversations between legislators representing their voters fully align with the principles that underpin BRICS philosophy. These include consideration of each other’s interests, reliance on democracy in international relations, respect for sovereignty of nations and their right to determine their own development trajectories.

<...>

🌐 We understand very well that formation of a world order that reflects the real balance of forces and the new geopolitical, economic and demographic reality is a complicated and, unfortunately, even painful process – mainly because the efforts of the BRICS members and other developing countries are facing fierce resistance from the ruling elites of the so-called “golden billion” states.

Acting contrary to historical logic and often to the detriment of the long-term interests of their own nations, they seek to cement a certain order based on their own so-called rules that nobody has ever seen, discussed or adopted. These rules are written or corrected every time anew, to suit every specific situation and in the interests of those who consider themselves exceptional and arrogated the right to dictate their will to others. This is classical colonialism at its best, a clear attempt to replace legitimate international law and monopolise the ultimate truth – and this monopoly is destructive.

The pressure on those who have their own stance is growing. Contrary to the principles of international law, they are using force and coercion, unilateral sanctions, selective application of trade rules, and blackmail.

We have seen attempts to restrict direct contacts between lawmakers, which goes against the principle of free interparliamentary cooperation and the sovereign right of official representatives of every state to protect their national interests.

That is why today the significance and relevance of collective work by people’s representatives on the constructive agenda of our association are rising dramatically.

🇷🇺 Let me remind you that the main goal of Russia’s BRICS Chairmanship this year is to create the most favourable conditions for consistent development of all its members. I am convinced that, by acting together in unity, we will be able to fulfill our countries’ potential in the economy, investment, technology, and human capital; to strengthen the positive impact of BRICS on global developments and make the world safer and more harmonious.

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🗓 On July 12, Moscow hosted consultations between heads of information departments / official spokespersons of Foreign Ministries of the BRICS countries, as part of Russia’s BRICS Chairmanship.

The participants held a substantive exchange of opinions on the entire range of issues of more profound collaboration in the information sphere for strengthening #BRICS’ international prestige and making the association more attractive. They noted the special topicality of practical coordination in forging the contours of a common safe media space of the BRICS countries amid aggressive information pressure by the collective West.

They discussed the use of digital diplomacy tools in foreign policy activities and charted AI interaction options at specialised multilateral platforms and the practical use of this advanced technology in the information sphere.

🤝 The participants emphasised the importance of elaborating collective mechanisms to counter the spread of misinformation and fakes, attempts to discredit the activities of BRICS and its participants in the eyes of the global public.

They voiced their interest in expanding equitable and mutually beneficial cooperation between media outlets, expert circles and professional journalist associations.

They also reviewed practical aspects of preparing for and holding of the BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 22-24, 2024, and facilitating its objective and comprehensive media coverage.

The participants held bilateral consultations regarding information issues on the sidelines of the meeting with Brazilian 🇧🇷, Egyptian 🇪🇬, Iranian 🇮🇷 and Chinese 🇨🇳 delegations.
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🎙 Statement by FM Sergey Lavrov during the UNSC meeting on multilateral cooperation in the interest of a more just, democratic and sustainable world order

📍 New York, July 16, 2024

💬 Today, the very foundations of the international legal order - strategic stability and the UN-centric system of international politics - are put to the test. We won’t be able to resolve the mounting conflicts unless we understand their root causes and restore faith in our ability to join forces for the common good and justice for all.

Let’s face it: not all countries represented in this chamber recognise the key principle of the UN Charter which is the sovereign equality of all states. Speaking through its presidents, the US has long declared its exceptionalism. This applies to Washington’s attitude towards its allies, whom it demands to be unquestioningly obedient even to the detriment of their national interests.

👉 Rule, America! This is the thrust of the notorious “rules-based order” which presents a direct threat to multilateralism and international peace.

The most important components of international law - the UN Charter and the resolutions of our Council - are interpreted by the collective West in a perverse and selective manner, depending on the instructions coming from the White House.

Key talking points:

Washington’s hegemonistic policy has been the same for decades. Absolutely all schemes of Euro-Atlantic security were based on America’s domination, including the subjugation of Europe and the “containment” of Russia. The main role in this was assigned to NATO, which has ultimately tramped down the European Union that had been created to serve Europeans. The alliance has unceremoniously privatised OSCE bodies in brazen violation of the Helsinki Final Act.

• The unrestrained enlargement of NATO, which went on for years contrary to Moscow’s warnings, has also provoked the Ukraine crisis that began with the state coup organised by Washington in February 2014 to seize full control of Ukraine and use the neo-Nazi regime they brought to power to prepare an attack on Russia.

• NATO’s military infrastructure is moving into the Pacific with the obvious aim of undermining the ASEAN-centric architecture, which has for many decades been built on the principles of equality, mutual interests and consensus.

• Where are the free market attributes that the US and its allies have been telling everyone to follow for so many years? Market economy, fair competition, inviolability of private property, presumption of innocence, freedom of movement of people, goods, capital and services - all of these have been scrapped.

• The pivotal element of the reform of the UN should be the reshuffle of the UN Security Council, <...> which clearly has too many representatives of the collective West. A badly needed step is to reach the broadest accord possible on the concrete parameters of the reform, which should increase the representation of Asia, Africa and Latin America.

• The personnel policy of the UN Secretariat should be changed as well to eliminate the domination of Western citizens and subjects in the administrative UN bodies. The UN Secretary-General and his staff must faithfully and with no exceptions comply with the principles of impartiality and neutrality.

#BRICS and the #SCO are playing an increasing role in the development of a just multilateral world based on the principles of the UN Charter. Their member states represent different regions and civilisations whose interaction is based on equality, mutual respect, consensus and mutually accepted compromises, which is the golden standard of multilateral cooperation involving great powers.

❗️ The UN will be able to overcome current disagreements and to reach consensus on most issues if everyone, without exception, honours its letter and spirit. “The end of history” has failed to materialise. Let us work together in the interests of launching the history of genuine multilateralism that reflects the entire wealth of cultural and civilisational diversity of the world’s nations.
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🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks and answers to media questions following his visit to the United States within the framework of Russia’s UN Security Council Presidency

📍 New York, July 17, 2024

💬 I came to New York for two key events – open debates – that were held yesterday and today within the framework of Russia’s UN Security Council Presidency. Not only members of the Security Council but all other delegations could attend them. You saw how many of them did so.

The first issue we proposed for discussion yesterday concerned the conceptual framework of international relations, multilateralism and multipolarity. We pointed out the gradual erosion of system that was created after the Second World War on the basis of the central role of the UN.

I hope that you listened to my statement and to the statements made by other participants. We did not expect to come to agreement on the majority of issues, considering the current tensions on the international stage and the state of relations between the collective West and the Global Majority.

☝️ Although we had no big illusions, I believe that it was a useful discussion. At the very least, the overwhelming majority of participants agreed that we have problems. Many of them expressed opinions that coincide with our vision of the objective development of a multipolar world order, which I presented in my statement.

Another conclusion is that this discussion will most certainly be continued. There is an apparent interest for this, and it is growing. We will actively keep it up, and we will organise additional discussions on this issue not only at the UN but also at other multilateral platforms, including at the Group of Twenty, at associations such as #BRICS and the #SCO, as well as in the framework of our contacts with the regional organisations of Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The restoration of trust is the top priority now, as the representative of Guyana pointed out yesterday. So far, there was no hint of dialogue. Another important statement he made was that trust could only be rebuilt if all parties without exception comply with the agreements reached. This is not the case so far. Examples of that were provided yesterday in my statement and in the statements of other participants.

Overwhelming evidence of that was also provided during today’s open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. The overwhelming majority of the UN resolutions on Palestine have not been implemented. The second debate I have mentioned is not over yet. Many speakers have called for taking resolute steps. We hold a similar view. The first steps must include the termination of hostilities, a permanent ceasefire, the settlement of critical humanitarian problems and, of course, the termination of Israel’s actions to create illegal settlements. We hope that if or when this is done, this will create conditions for resuming negotiations on the implementation of UN decisions on the establishment of the Palestinian state that would live in peace and security with Israel.

<...>

🤝 I have held a series of bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Arab countries, with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto, and with Head of the Federal Department (Minister) of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis.

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🎙 Statement of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Pankin at the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting on «Ensuring Access to Water and Sanitation» (Rio de Janeiro, July 22, 2024)

💬 We are thankful to our Brazilian partners for their hospitality and substantive discussions on access to water and sanitation issues, which are of paramount importance for sustainable development and an indispensable condition for overcoming present challenges. Efficient water management creates a solid foundation for eradicating poverty and hunger, addressing inequalities, improving health care and quality of life, and reducing environmental risks.

We share the views of the Brazilian presidency regarding insufficient progress in the implementation of SDG 6. A quarter of the world's population still lacks water. Increasing urbanization and inequality may bring the situation to a critical point. It is important that the G20 reaffirm commitment to constructive changes in the area.

☝️ Naturally, positive dynamics in the water sector will rely on the efforts to expand the economic, scientific and technological potential, including through international exchanges and support. The work should focus, first and foremost, on practical aspects of ensuring access to water and on building up implementation tools that have proved effective in the countries in need. <...>

Existing barriers to achieving SDG 6 include inadequate development funding. Amounts allocated are scarce and pale in comparison to the money and weapons «pumped» into burning conflicts. The Global South is facing persistent credit shortages, high interest rates, and the flow of borrowed funds into the Western sovereign debt.

Another challenge for developing countries is that many technologies from developed countries are patent-protected and come at prohibitive prices, which hampers their adoption where they are most needed.

🌐 This sensitive issue was discussed in detail with African partners at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June (the Russian-African conference entitled «Water: More Precious than Gold» was held). Russia reaffirmed its readiness to supply affordable modern equipment, share R&D and experience in searching and exploiting groundwater deposits, improving the quality of water supply, and rational water use.

Cooperation in this field has already been established with a number of African states. We are traditionally intensely working with neighbor partners from Central Asia. The BRICS Clean Rivers Programme initiated by Russia, which seeks to ensure cleaner rivers and prevent pollution of water resources in the #BRICS countries, is being successfully implemented.

<...>

🇷🇺 Russia has unique water reserves that offer unrivalled opportunities for numerous economic sectors. <...> We have gained vast experience and practices in improving the quality of water supply. Russian President Vladimir Putin has set the target of constructing and modernizing at least two thousand drinking water supply and water treatment facilities by 2030. A unified digital inventory of the relevant infrastructure is expected to be launched in 2025.

In 2025, Russia will launch a new integrated federal water project. It will be twice as extensive as the previous ones and will improve living conditions for 22 million people by 2030.

🤝 We will actively participate in global efforts, including in the #G20, aimed at providing universal access to water and sanitation infrastructure.

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🎙 Statement by Aleksandr Pankin, deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, at the #G20 Development Ministerial Meeting on “Fighting Inequalities” (Rio de Janeiro, July 23, 2024)

💬 In recent decades, we have seen tangible progress in reducing inequality levels in certain areas. Last year, for example, the #BRICS countries were well ahead of the G7 in terms of global GDP share (35 percent against 30 percent, respectively). Still, additional steps are needed to remedy the situation. The creation of the G20 has greatly contributed to the democratization of global governance. The African Union's recent joining the G20 as a new member has been another significant achievement.

Other positive developments are also taking place. Today, the G20 is increasingly relying on universal mechanisms, such as the UN, rather than on behind-the-scenes West-driven arrangements, standards and club formats. This is how, for example, work on the thematic tracks on Tax Cooperation and Combatting Corruption is being carried out.

Russia has been consistently gaining ground in the global economic system. According to the World Bank, we have ranked among the top five largest economies, become a high-income country and one of the ten most profitable exporters. We are continuously improving the Russian manufacturing sector. We are enhancing our technological sovereignty, increasing the output of high value added products, and developing unique professional competencies.

We guarantee a reliable supply of energy, food and fertilizers to foreign consumers and offer them digital services, programmes and engineering solutions that are unaffected by political fluctuations. We intend to expand the range of supplies of knowledge-intensive and complex goods.

<...>

Strengthening the production capacities and human resources of developing countries and increasing gains is of crucial importance. This would allow to put an end to the situation, when, according to the Africans themselves, for ages the continent has been supplying raw materials and agricultural stuff to the West, which has been profiting from it. A vivid example by one African leader: Africa gets less than 6 percent of the USD 46 billion from global sales of African grown coffee.

It is high time to put an end to these neo-colonial practices. We should focus efforts on strengthening the industrial sector of the Global South and East, increasing the funding of their healthcare and education, digitalization, and expanding university and student exchanges. We have actively advocated these ideas within BRICS partners as well as in the #RussiaAfrica format. Developed countries, according to their own pledges, are expected to allocate at least 0.7 percent of GDP to development assistance, which has been stagnating.

<...>

Geopolitical games played by the West may lead to an irreparable fragmentation of the world economy and further fuel inequality. Our societies will thus be doomed to utter impoverishment and radicalization. The G20 can and must put a firm stop to that, bringing us back on the path of multilateralism. The key to our success is to reaffirm adherence to the UN Charter, international law and mutually beneficial cooperation.

📄 Full statement
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🎙 Briefing by MFA Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (July 24, 2024)

🔹 FM Sergey Lavrov’s schedule
🔹 Ukrainian crisis
🔹 Situation in Moldova
🔹 Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity
🔹 Pentagon’s updated Arctic strategy
🔹 30th anniversary of the Association of Caribbean States
🔹 Tenth #BRICS Youth Summit
🔹 Paris refuses to accredit certain Russian journalists for covering the Olympic Games
🔹 Preparation for signing a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia
🔹 The use of anti-Russian agenda in domestic political struggle in the US

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#Ukraine #KievRegimeCrimes

🕯 On July 27, the Donetsk People’s Republic will mark a tragic date, Day of Remembrance for Child Victims of the War, established on July 11, 2022 by an executive order of the Head of the Republic.

• The number of underage children, killed by Kiev-controlled military formations, continues to increase in Donbass and elsewhere. On this day, we also remember innocent victims from the Belgorod, Kursk, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, including those killed or wounded by militants of the Kiev regime.

• Unfortunately, it is impossible to bring back the deceased children and to provide closure for their parents and relatives. However, it is necessary to expose their murderers who will be severely punished. Russian investigative agencies will take care of this. There cannot be, nor will there be, any statute of limitations for these barbaric crimes.

#Moldova

⚠️ Reprisals against Moldovan citizens who support ties with Russia and call for expanded bilateral relations in all spheres have already broken all world records in terms of their dynamics in Moldova under the regime of Maia Sandu.

• Despite active official anti-Russia propaganda, most Moldovans do not see Russia as a threat and suggest expanding bilateral relations.

🤝 We completely share this mood. The people of Moldova have always been and still are our friends. I believe that they are well aware of this.
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#Announcement

⚡️ The deadline for submitting applications for the BRICS Solutions Awards competition has been extended until August 30, 2024.

Within the framework of the BRICS Solutions Awards contest, the participants are encouraged to share their projects and ideas under the following eight categories:

• New Industry and Energy;
• Biotechnology and National Health;
• Sky, Space and Communication Technologies;
• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Services;
• Climate and Environmental Technologies;
• Platforms and End-to-End Solutions for Government and Public Administration;
• Competences and Staff Development;
• Cognitive Technologies and Creative Economy.

Applications have already been received from 🇮🇳 India, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇨🇳 China, 🇪🇬 Egypt and 🇪🇹 Ethiopia. Most of the projects were received in the nomination "New Industry and Energy", in the second place — "Platforms and integrated solutions for government and public administration".

Applications will be accepted at the official website. The BRICS Solutions Awards will conclude with a solemn award ceremony at the BRICS Business Forum in Moscow in October 2024.

📖 For reference:

The BRICS Solutions Awards was first held in 2020 during Russia's BRICS Chairmanship at the initiative of the Autonomous Nonprofit Organization "Agency for Strategic Initiatives to Promote New Projects" and with the support of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Since then, it has been held every year in a BRICS chairing country. In 2021 and 2022 India and China hosted the event.

#BRICS
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🗓 On September 26-28, 2024, Moscow hosts the Russian Energy Week International Forum, a major event in the energy sector and a key international platform for discussing topical issues of fuel and energy industry development.

The Forum is aimed at demonstrating the prospects of the Russian fuel and energy industry and unlocking the potential of international cooperation in the energy sector. The event is attended by representatives of federal authorities, heads of specialised foreign agencies, energy experts, heads of Russian and foreign energy companies, scientists, and media representatives.

📄 The architecture of the Forum business programme includes more than 30 events divided into thematic blocks:
- International Agenda: Cooperation for Development;
- Sustainable Energy Development;
- Technology and Data as the Foundation of Leadership;
- Development of Russia’s Fuel and Energy Industry Sectors: Strategy and Regulation;
- Socially Oriented Fuel and Energy Industry.

The Russian Energy Week will also host a meeting of #BRICS Energy Ministers and the annual meeting of the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform. Special focus will be given to cooperation between Russia and Africa in the energy sector.

ℹ️ In 2023, the Russian Energy Week Forum was attended by over 5,000 people, including about 1,200 representatives of Russian and foreign businesses from 84 countries and territories, 250 companies, 21 foreign ministers, and 36 heads of diplomatic missions.

#RussianEnergyWeek #REW2024
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🌐 On September 26, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in a traditional #BRICS Ministerial meeting held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Ministers had an in-depth exchange of views on a broad range of international issues, including items on the agenda of the 79th UN General Assembly session. Discussions focused on peace and security, global economic stability, and sustainable development. The participants reiterated their commitment to enhancing coordination within BRICS on international platforms.

As part of preparations for the upcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 22-24, the ministers reviewed pressing BRICS cooperation-related issues, including the establishment of a partner country category. The Brazilian delegation provided an outline of its BRICS chairmanship in 2025.

#UNGA79
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🌐 On September 26, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in a traditional #BRICS Ministerial meeting held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Ministers had an in-depth exchange of views on a broad range of international issues, including items on the agenda of the 79th UN General Assembly session. Discussions focused on peace and security, global economic stability, and sustainable development. The participants reiterated their commitment to enhancing coordination within BRICS on international platforms.

As part of preparations for the upcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 22-24, the ministers reviewed pressing BRICS cooperation-related issues, including the establishment of a partner country category. The Brazilian delegation provided an outline of its BRICS chairmanship in 2025.

#UNGA79
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🤩🤩🤩 #BRICS2024

The XVI #BRICS Summit is a go!

On #Day1 President of Russia Vladimir Putin held bilaterals with President of China Xi Jinping, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff.

🎼 In the evening the Heads of delegation attended a concert and an informal dinner in honour of the Leaders of the #BRICS countries.

📹 #VideoOfTheDay
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#BRICS2024

🗓 On 22 October, ahead of the #BRICS Summit, a gala concert of soloists from BRICS countries was held in the Column Hall of the Kazan City Hall.

🎼 Laureates of international and Russian competitions, singers of leading theatres and creative groups of the BRICS countries, accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra of Musa Jalil Tatar Academic State Opera and Ballet Theatre, performed for the leaders of the BRICS countries.

Among the performers:

🇷🇺 Pavel Milyukov
🇨🇳 Zhang Mengwen
🇮🇳 Anando Mukerjee
🇧🇷 José Gallisa
🇿🇦 Siyabulela Ntlale

📸 BRICS Summit Photo Bank
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🤩🤩🤩 #BRICS2024

It's a wrap!

🤝 The XVI #BRICS Summit (October 22-24) — one of the most important international events of the year — has successfully concluded in Kazan under the Russia's Chairship.

Watch our event recap video and relive the best moments from the Summit 👆

📹 #ICYMI
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🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin summed up the results of the year and answered questions from journalists and the people of Russia in a live broadcast (December 19, 2024)

#Sovereignty

• Russia has become significantly stronger. We are becoming a truly sovereign country. We are capable of firmly standing on our feet when it comes to the economy. We are strengthening our defence capability.

• Sovereignty is extremely important. It comes from within, should be embedded in the heart itself.

#RussianEconomy

• The situation in Russian economy is stable and solid. We are growing in spite of any external threats or attempts at outside influence.

• International financial and economic institutions ranked Russia as Europe’s biggest economy in terms of volume, in terms of purchasing power parity, and the world’s 4th largest economy.

#UkrainianCrisis

• If one were to look at the situation in 2022, knowing what is happening now, I would think the early 2022 decision [to start the special military operation] should have been made sooner.

• We are ready to engage in dialogue without any preconditions. However, as I have mentioned numerous times before, based on the agreements that we reached during the negotiation process in Istanbul at the end of 2022 and proceeding from the current realities on the ground.

• There is no indication in the Ukrainian constitution that the president's powers сould be extended. If one takes part in elections and becomes legitimate, then we will talk to that person, even if it's Zelensky.

#Syria

• Our position firmly aligns with international law and the sovereignty of all nations, including respect for Syria’s territorial integrity. This extends to supporting the stance of the current authorities governing the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic.

• The main beneficiary of the developments in Syria is Israel. Russia condemns the seizure of Syrian territories. Our position on this matter is clear and unchanging.

#NuclearDoctrine

• [In the new Basic Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence] we are talking about some new military hazards that may grow into military threats.

• If non-nuclear states threaten our existence, participate in an aggression against the Russian Federation alongside the countries that have nuclear weapons, we consider ourselves entitled to use nuclear weapons vs them.

• If similar threats are posed to Belarus, our ally and member of the Union State, the Russian Federation will consider these threats as threats to Russia. And we will do everything to ensure the security of Belarus.

#Oreshnik

• Medium-range Oreshnik missile system is a modern, a brand new weapon which can strike targets located up to 5'500 km away.

• Our missile needs a few seconds to start dispensing warheads There is no chance of shooting down these missiles.

#BRICS

BRICS is not a tool for countering the West. We focus on our own interests and the interests of the group’s member countries.

• Ensuring reciprocity, mutual respect and respecting each other’s interests have been our core guiding principles in this effort. We adopt all decisions by consensus.

#RussiaChina

• Everything [Russia and China] do in relation to each other and how we do it is based on absolute trust to policies of both Sides. We engage in nothing that contradicts our interests, and we do much that benefits both the Chinese people and the peoples of the Russian Federation. <...> The bilateral trade volume is estimated at $220-240 billion, and it continues to grow.

#RussiaUSA

• I don’t know when we will meet [with Donald Trump]. I haven't spoken to him for more than four years. I’m ready to talk any time and will be ready to meet with him.

#Victory80

• We will be happy to see all those who wish to visit our country to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Victory over Nazism.

• The losses of the US and Britain in World War II are incomparable to those of the Soviet Union. Their contribution varied, yet we all the same cherish their participation.

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