🎙 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview to the newspaper "Arguments and Facts" (October 21, 2024)
Key Points:
#BRICS
• BRICS epitomises the shifts that have long been underway in the global economy. New centres of economic growth are emerging, and alongside them comes financial influence, which in turn brings political influence.
• BRICS is a consortium where no single nation leads or is led, devoid of the bureaucratic machinery akin to that observed in Brussels, where EU officials impose decisions that contravene the will and interests of several member states, failing to align with the aspirations of voters across many countries.
• BRICS does not stand in opposition to any entity, nor does it orchestrate operations or initiate projects. BRICS is committed to enhancing the combined potential of its nations and devising collaborative strategies for harnessing these potentials for mutual benefit.
• What makes BRICS and other World Majority or Global East associations that do not include Western countries stand out, is that they are not created for the purpose of struggling or fighting with anyone. They are established to collectively benefit from their competitive advantages such as geographical location, shared history, cultural and humanitarian proximity <...>.
#USA
• The US is unwilling to relinquish the reins of power that they have held since World War II through the Bretton Woods institutions and through the role assigned to the US dollar in the international monetary system, even after free exchange of US dollars for gold had been cancelled.
• The key goal of the US ruling class is to make sure no one can undermine their dominance. This goal is illusory. The historical process is objectively heading in a different direction, and this has to be reckoned with.
• We are ready to interact with any administration voted in by the American people, but only if such a dialogue is mutually respectful, and both parties listen and hear what the other party has to say.
#Ukraine
• On multiple occasions, European leaders from Brussels have repeatedly made it clear that they must support Ukraine for as long as it takes, because Ukraine is fighting for the European values.
• It turns out that European leaders are still willing to uphold Nazi values, which is why denazification is not just a motto, but an objective of utmost importance.
#UN
• The United Nations is not a valiant knight expected to “charge in and extinguish the fire” upon witnessing injustice. The UN is an assembly of its member states, each with established rules, including the Security Council's veto rights. The United States has effectively exercised this right five times over the past year, blocking a resolution proposed by several countries, including Russia, demanding an immediate ceasefire. <...> Presently, the United States is taking every measure to avoid antagonising Israel.
• Nations such as India, Brazil, and African representatives should have long held permanent seats on the Security Council. This is essential to ensure representation of the World Majority.
#Finland#Sweden#NATO
• The zeal that the Finns and Swedes are showing in NATO, advocating for defeating Russia, is not only rooted in their historical instincts. They are also eager to show their Big Brothers in the North Atlantic Alliance that they have brought added value <...>.
• I am confident that reasonable people in Europe, who have learned the lessons taught by history, see this too, including in Finland and Sweden.
#Europe
• To reiterate, the so-called right-wing conservatives are loyal to their countries and their people. We will engage with anyone who approaches us with a proposal to talk, to seek common ground, and to think about how we can jointly make the lives of our citizens better.
#EurasianSecurity
• We suggest discussing the Eurasian continent-wide security architecture, emphasising the fact that its doors will be open to everyone, including countries from the West of the Eurasian continent.
Read in full(Telegraph)
📝Piracy in Trend📝
What happens to captured Russian vessels?
News about seizures of so-called "shadow fleet" ships are not uncommon, but their fate often remains behind the scenes. The outcome varies - some are simply released after inspections, while others end up arrested.
🔻The numbers:
▪️In 9 cases, vessels were released after inspection, though this generates losses. 5 cases have unknown outcomes.
▪️8 ships remain under arrest to this day.
▪️Cargo confiscation is complex, with courts sometimes ruling against it.
▪️Crews often face criminal charges, though courts have rejected some.
▪️The USA, Sweden, and France lead in these seizures.
🖍Even when cargo is not confiscated, the delays generate costs.
🚩More countries are joining the crackdown on the "shadow fleet".
❗️Effective countermeasures may require military presence or "combat cargo ship" escorts.
📍High resolution map
📍English version
#Russia#USA#Finland#France#Sweden
✈RU | ✈EN | ✉MAX
✉VK | ✉RuTube | ✉
🎙Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova(Moscow, May 8, 2024)
• Victory Day
• BRICS events
• The Ukrainian crisis
• Situation in Moldova
• Aggressive remarks by the French President
• Situation in the Middle East
📰Read
📺Watch
***
#BRICS
Russia’s chairmanship of BRICS is picking up speed. Over 40 events across three main cooperation areas have already taken place, covering politics and security, the economy and finance, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
#Ukraine
Just a few days ago EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell admitted clearly once again that the Ukrainian conflict had had a quick peaceful solution since the very beginning, but he personally and on behalf of the European Union did not want the combat to cease. We have talked about this many times (citing Mr Borrell and other EU officials) pointing to the EU’s long-term investments in financing arms supplies to Ukraine, with which they expect to prolong the armed confrontation for at least several more years (in their own words).
This confirms the terrible reality: ordinary Ukrainians are just a tool that Vladimir Zelensky "sold" to the EU members in the name of his own enrichment and immorality, which is used to settle the West’s geopolitical scores with Russia.
#France#NATO#EU
We noted the recent aggressive remarks from the French leadership, which seem to be increasingly frequent. <…> It is noteworthy that the belligerent stance of the occupant of the Elysee Palace is not only met with disapproval among many EU and NATO allies but, crucially, among the majority of French citizens, too.
#Sweden, national parliament election:
S (S&D) is largest in all constituencies but two in Scania where SD (ECR) leads.
SD, M (EPP), KD (EPP), L (RE) are together stronger in the South.
S, C (RE), V (LEFT), MP (G/EFA) together do best in the North and the three largest cities.
➤ europeelects.eu/sweden
📝Europe's Immobility📝
In Brussels, the obvious has been acknowledged - roads and railways are completely unsuitable for the lightning-fast deployment of tanks and heavy equipment to the borders with Russia.
EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tsitsikostasstated: tanks weighing up to 70 tons get stuck in tunnels and on narrow bridges, and the journey from Western Europe to the potential theater of operations could take weeks, if not months.
In general, who would have thought that infrastructure built without military needs in mind would suddenly become the main stumbling block for attempts at aggressive militarization?
🖍The lack of modern roads and platforms capable of withstanding the necessary loads will cost the European authorities at least €17 billion to modernize the network of facilities. It is possible that they will be taken from EU funds, intended for farmers or pensioners.
🚩Another paradox of modern Europe is revealed: the corrupt interests of arms manufacturers, who are increasing their budget appetites under deliberately unrealistic plans, are much higher than the real needs of the population.
❗️And the irony is that this military weakness benefits those who profit from extreme circumstances - the same arms lobbyists and EU bureaucrats who are striving to justify hundreds of billions in spending.
#Europe#NATO
⭐️@rybar in collaboration with @pl_syrenka
💸Support usOriginal msg
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during expanded-format talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Sergey Aleinik(Minsk, June 24, 2024)
💬Sergey Lavrov: It is always a pleasure to be among friends on the hospitable Belarusian land in Minsk.
In addition to excellent conditions for joint work (we have a lot on our agenda), Minsk offers excellent opportunity to communicate with old acquaintances and comrades as well.
Thank you for expressing condolences in connection with yesterday’s terrorist attack in Sevastopol. There was another terrorist attack with casualties in Dagestan. The relevant competent authorities are doing their best to swiftly identify the perpetrators and those who ordered the attack.
We have no doubt that the United States and its Ukrainian underlings are involved in it. The weapons supplied by Washington to the Ukrainian regime were used in the attack. These weapons cannot be used without the direct involvement of the US military, including their satellite capabilities.
You have emphasised the importance of preserving historical memory no matter what. This applies to the terrorist threat which does not subside on the ground, including with regard to our respective countries, and the memory of the Great Patriotic War, which has come under attack from numerous angles. Attempts are being made to rewrite history, and to equate the victor and the aggressor. Monuments are being torn down, and Nazi criminals are being glorified.
Key talking points:
• During the recent “summit on peace in Ukraine” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shouted out Nazi slogans, and no one, including “neutral” Swiss hosts, dared to call him to order.
• Our interaction is more valuable than ever given the circumstances. In recent years, it has reached unprecedented heights.
• This is my third trip to Minsk and our sixth meeting this year. We know there will be more this year. I appreciate the invitation to attend the second Minsk Conference on Eurasian Security, which will be held on October 31-November 1. We will definitely be there.
#RussiaBelarus
#EurasianSecurity
🎙 Russia's FM Sergey Lavrov’s remarks & answers to media questions at a meeting with lecturers and students of the Academy of Public Administration under the aegis of the President of the Republic of Belarus (Minsk, June 25, 2024)
Key talking points:
• The Union State continues to develop steadily. To date, we have approved 28 Union programmes in accordance with the presidents’ instructions. This has been legally formalised through a resolution passed by parliaments of Russia and Belarus. Today, we've also approved 31 high priority guidelines, which encompass approximately 300 events and projects. These guidelines represent a specific plan for deepening our integration processes, aiming to achieve maximum economic effectiveness and improve the social sphere.
• We [with Belarus] maintain close diplomatic collaboration. We support each other at the #UN and the #OSCE, although I'd add as an aside that the latter organisation is digging its own grave as it has completely discredited its initial lofty ideals, which were the basis of its establishment during the signing the Helsinki Final Act.
• One of our essential foreign policy tasks is certainly to uphold the truth about the Great Patriotic War & to prevent any attempts to rewrite history & glorify Nazi criminals.
• No matter how the situation develops, it's of the essence to provide reliable security for all citizens of the Union State – for you and me, for all Belarusians and Russians.
• Eurasia has tremendous competitive advantages compared to other regions. Eurasia is the fastest growing region, primarily its eastern part. Western European economics have been sagging lately, largely because the US wanted it that way. Along with instigating anti-Russia bias in Ukraine, turning Ukraine against Russia, they've also eliminated competition by weakening Europe.
• The process is underway; the dollar has discredited itself, just like all the other principles underlying the Western globalisation model despite lip service to fair competition, the presumption of innocence, equal market conditions for all, and many other principles. All of them were cancelled when they decided to “punish” Russia and several other countries. They're grossly overusing this method. Therefore, the de-dollarisation trend in global economic relations is a fitting response.
• As for Western Europe, they must decide if they want to continue to pull Uncle Sam’s chestnuts out of the fire or will opt for upholding their own interests.
• The Nord Stream pipelines were sabotaged, and Germany just had to accept it. I'm confident that no one will ever show us any investigation result. Sweden and Denmark have already closed their investigations, saying they had no results to show. The Germans continue to evade our official requests. Given that the pipelines are our property, keeping us in the dark about what they are discussing among themselves, while their alleged investigation progress is both beyond the bounds of decency and beyond the legal framework.
• Russia's President Vladimir Putin has set forth our proposals (that are by no means the first ones). <...> President Putin expressed our opinion on June 14, 2024 at the Russia's MFA: under the Constitution, territories recognised as part of the Russian Federation must be liberated completely, and the threat to the security of the Russian Federation must be eliminated. Ukraine must assume a non-aligned, peaceful and demilitarised status, and the rights of the Russian and Russian-speaking population must be reinstated. So far, many of these people are still on Ukrainian territories that are not part of the Russian Federation. Their rights have been violated in the rudest possible manner.
• But #BRICS and other members of the Global Majority are aware of their responsibility as well as of the objective course of history, and will adjust their mutual communication toolkit to avoid dependence on the former hegemon’s attempts to perpetuate its hegemony whatever it takes. These attempts are doomed, however, the process will take time.
Read in full
@RusEmbMalta Press release:
🎙️ Russian Foreign Minister Sergey #Lavrov's interview to the newspaper "Arguments and Facts" (October 21, 2024)
Key points:
🔹BRICS epitomises the shifts that have long been underway in the global economy. New centres of economic growth are emerging, and alongside them comes financial influence, which in turn brings political influence.
🔹BRICS is a consortium where no single nation leads or is led, devoid of the bureaucratic machinery akin to that observed in Brussels, where EU officials impose decisions that contravene the will and interests of several member states.
🔹 Nations such as India, Brazil, and African representatives should have long held permanent seats on the Security Council. This is essential to ensure representation of the World Majority.
🔹 We suggest discussing the Eurasian continent-wide security architecture, emphasising the fact that its doors will be open to everyone.
Read in full here.
#BRICS2024#EurasianSecurity
📰 Aide to the President of Russia for Foreign Policy Yuri Ushakov's interview with TASS(March 5, 2024)
Key talking points:
💬 Cooperation within #BRICS is undoubtedly one of the key features of Russia's long-term foreign policy.
• Russia, as the current president of the organization, has a special responsibility to ensure the fastest and smoothest integration of the new members into the operation of all BRICS mechanisms. This is undoubtedly a cornerstone and high priority task of our Presidency.
• In the relatively short period of its existence, the BRICS association has rapidly developed and transformed into an extensive multi-level mechanism of interaction on a wide range of issues on the global agenda.
🌐 Many perceive BRICS as a prototype of multipolarity, a structure uniting the Global South and East on the principles of equality, sovereignty and mutual respect.
• Support for the principles of multipolarity and a greater role of developing countries in global governance, as well as the fundamental values of the BRICS group, such as the spirit of equality, mutual respect, openness, inclusiveness and constructive cooperation, is an indispensable condition [for joining BRICS].
• We see increasing the role of BRICS counties in the international currency and financial system as a specific task for this year. <...> We believe that creating an independent BRICS payment system is an important goal for the future.
• There has never been a military aspect to cooperation within our group. <...> BRICS does not have plans to build such cooperation, including military drills.
☝️ Russia has never set BRICS in opposition to other international platforms, be it the Group of 20 or the Group of Seven. We believe that the association is unique.
• The recipe for BRICS’ attractiveness and success is based on the absence of a confrontational or “hidden” agenda. I will repeat that it brings together like-minded countries.
Read in full
@RusEmbMalta Press release:
President Vladimir #Putin on the Kiev regime strikes deep inside Russia using Western long-range weapons
(St. Petersburg, September 12, 2024)
📄 Key points:
🔹The Ukrainian army is not capable of using cutting-edge high-precision long-range systems supplied by the West. These weapons are impossible to employ without intelligence data from satellites which #Ukraine does not have.
🔹 It is about deciding whether #NATO countries become directly involved in the military conflict or not.
🔹 If this decision is made, it will mean nothing short of direct involvement – it will mean that NATO countries, the United States, and European countries are parties to the war in Ukraine.
🔹 This will mean that NATO countries – the United States and European countries – are at war with Russia. And if this is the case, then, bearing in mind the change in the essence of the conflict, we will make appropriate decisions in response to the threats that will be posed to us.
Read in full here.