🎙 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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#Outcomes2024

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks and answers to media questions during a news conference on the outcomes of Russian diplomacy in 2024 (January 14, 2025)

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💬 FM Sergey #Lavrov: We are living in a historical era or confrontation between those who uphold the fundamental principles of international law <...> which have been formulated, set out and put forth in the most important international document – the UN Charter – and those who are not satisfied with that document, who decided <...> that they could not live in accordance with the wishes of the “political West”, <...> those who oppose multipolarity.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin has repeatedly explained the true root causes of the special military operation in Ukraine. We had to begin to repel an attack, a war waged against us by the collective West with the main goal of suppressing competition when Russia re-emerged as its strong rival on the international arena.

Their main goal was to weaken our country geopolitically, creating direct military threats to us right on our borders, on Russia’s native territories, <...> in an attempt to slash our strategic potential and devalue it as much as possible.

The second reason also has to do with the history of the region, only it was more about the people who have lived on that land for centuries. <...> These people were labelled ‘terrorists’ by the current Ukrainian regime, which came to power through a coup d'etat. And when they refused to accept it, that regime launched an all-out offensive against all things Russian. <...>

There has been a revival in efforts to oppose the Western diktat, with emerging economies and new centres of financial power in China, India, ASEAN, the Arab world, and CELAC. This group also includes a resurgent Russia together with its allies from the EAEU, the CIS, and CSTO. This also includes the SCO and #BRICS.

The United States does not want to have any competitors anywhere, starting with the energy sector. <...> The United States and its allies have placed sanctions policies at the core of what they do on the international stage, including regarding Russia. This demonstrates their refusal to engage in fair economic competition and their commitment to using unfair, aggressive practices for suppressing their opponents.

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#CollectiveWest

The West is intoxicated by its perceived “greatness,” its impunity, and its self-endowed authority to dictate the destinies of peoples worldwide. This reflects arrogance and a disdainful attitude towards the rest of the world. It is yet another brazen assertion that when we speak of “democracy,” it signifies merely one thing – “we do as we please.” <...> It is sheer hypocrisy, dictatorial behaviour, disrespect for the populace.

#UN

UN Security Council reform is needed. Not all countries that bear special responsibility in the global economy, finance, politics, and military affairs are represented in the UN Security Council. It has been pointed out repeatedly that countries such as India and Brazil have long earned permanent Security Council membership on all counts, as has Africa.

#RussiaChina

Russia-China partnership is among the key factors stabilising modern international life and the ongoing processes that are used, among other things, to escalate confrontation and hostility in international affairs, which is what our neighbours from NATO engage in under US guidance.

#USA #Ukraine

As soon as Donald Trump assumes the presidency and articulates his final stance on Ukrainian matters, we will examine it. <...> The increasing reference to the realities “on the ground” is a development likely to be welcomed.

#RussiaSerbia

Our relations with Serbia are grounded solely in the interests of the Serbian and Russian peoples, as well as our respective states. Our interests align on the vast majority of issues. These relations are rich with specific agreements and projects, including those in the energy sector, approved by our heads of state, governments, and companies.

🎙 Russia’s President Vladimir Putin's statement and answers to media questions following talks with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko (Moscow, March 13, 2025)

💬 President Putin: Belarus and Russia are not only close neighbours, but also reliable allies, truly strategic partners and true friends. Our cooperation is underpinned by the inviolable principles of mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests, as well as a centuries-old shared history, the ties of close kinship between many Russians and Belarusians, and commitment to shared moral and spiritual values. <...>

We exchanged views on current international and regional matters. A substantial package of interstate and interdepartmental documents was signed. Our joint statement with the President of Belarus explicitly reaffirmed our commitment to intensifying multifaceted Russian-Belarusian relations. <...>

📈 As Belarus’ principal economic partner, Russia accounts for approximately 60% of its foreign trade turnover. By the close of last year, bilateral trade surpassed $50 billion. <...>

Russia has invested approximately $4.5 billion into the Belarusian economy, with more than 2'000 Russian companies operational in the Republic. Collaborative initiatives focus on import substitution and the development of competitive, high-value-added goods. <...>

Energy is a priority area of Russia-Belorussia cooperation as well. Our country has traditionally supplied oil and gas to Belorussia on favourable terms, which is a serious help for the Belorussian economy. <...>

🎓 Extensive scientific and educational exchanges are carried out between Russia and Belorussia, with about 12'000 Belorussian students enrolled in Russian educational institutions. <...>

Given the tense global and European security environment, including near our shared borders, the negotiations included detailed discussions on establishing a unified defence space. A joint regional group of forces has been deployed in Belarus, alongside advanced Russian defence systems and tactical nuclear weapons. <...>

The talks also addressed further coordination of actions in the international arena. Our states share aligned positions on most global and regional challenges, cooperate effectively within the CIS and CSTO, and provide mutual support across various multilateral platforms, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where Belarus became a full member in July last year with Russia’s assistance. Russia also fully facilitated Belarus’ attainment of #BRICS partner status.

Excerpts from the news conference:

💬 President Putin: We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities [in Ukraine] but proceed from the assumption that this cessation must be of the kind that should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of this crisis. <...>

What would that mean if we cease fire for 30 days? Does this mean that everyone who is in there will just walk out without a fight? Do we have to let them go after they committed numerous heinous crimes against civilians? How would these 30 days be used? For forced mobilisation to continue in Ukraine? For more weapons to be supplied there? Who will be held responsible for violating the ceasefire? All these issues must be meticulously worked upon.

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#RussiaBelarus #UnionState

🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi (Moscow, April 1, 2025)

💬 Esteemed Mr Minister,

Dear Friend,

Friends, colleagues,

We are pleased to welcome Mr Wang Yi to Moscow on an official visit, the objective of which is to prepare for the upcoming Russia-China summit in May.

Meetings between President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping consistently provide a powerful impetus for the further advancement of our relations, which, under the leadership of our two heads of state, have reached an unprecedented level and continue to develop dynamically across all dimensions.

This year holds particular significance. The Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, and the entire international community mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War in Europe and the East, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, in which our two nations play a leading role in upholding the fundamental principles of its Charter.

Today, the task of constructing a reliable barrier against the resurgence of fascist, Nazi, and militarist ideologies – as well as all forces seeking to revive these unacceptable phenomena – remains critically urgent.

🤝 Russia and China are united not only by a historical brotherhood in arms and shared extensive borders but also by centuries-old traditions of good-neighbourliness and a broad alignment of national interests.

We noted with interest your recent remarks, Mr Wang Yi, during a media briefing in Beijing, where you emphasised that the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between our nations constitute a constant, not a variable. This is precisely the guidance provided by our leaders, President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping.

Recently, during their engagement via videoconference – preceded by a telephone conversation – they reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the consistent strengthening of the Russia-China partnership. We will spare no effort to ensure the effective implementation of these agreements.

We underscore the responsibility of Moscow and Beijing to maintain close coordination on the international stage. In this era of complex global political developments, the countries of the Global Majority regard our collaboration as the most significant stabilising factor.

I am confident that today we will reach consensus on advancing our bilateral relations in the context of preparations for high-level meetings, as well as on further coordination within the United Nations, its Security Council, the #SCO, #BRICS, the G20, #ASEAN frameworks, and other multilateral platforms with a view to establishing a more just and democratic multipolar world order.

🇷🇺🇨🇳 #RussiaChina