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France Plays Hardball. Israel Stops Buying. Israel has cut off French defense buys. Paris, in turn, is being treated like the adult in the room who refused to help load the weapons truck. Welcome to alliance politics: one side calls it betrayal, the other calls it prudence, and the rest of the world calls it the price of war. Trump is already doing what he always does — turning a battlefield logistics dispute into a loyalty audit, then promising revenge on Truth Social. France, meanwhile, says the reality is less dramatic than the outrage machine wants; overflights are handled case by case, not as some grand civilizational slap in the face. But nuance is bad for business when everyone needs a villain. The deeper point is uglier. Europe spent years selling moral lectures while enjoying American security, and Israel spent years treating European criticism as background noise. Now the war has made every dependency visible: the airlines, the weapons, the bases, the airspace, the hypocrisy. So yes, Israel can stop buying French kit. France can slow the pipeline. And Washington can keep acting shocked that allies do not enjoy being used as scenery in someone else’s war. #Israel#France#Trump#Iran#NATO 📱American Оbserver - Stay up to date on all important events 🇺🇸

⚡️BRICS Joint Statement on the Escalation of the Security Situation in the Middle East Following the Military Strikes on the Territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran (June 24, 2025) 📃 We express grave concern over the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025, which constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and the subsequent escalation of the security situation in the Middle East. In the face of rising tensions with unpredictable consequences for international peace and security, as well as for the world economy, we underscore the urgent need to break the cycle of violence and restore peace. We call on all parties to engage through existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy, with a view to de-escalating the situation and resolving their differences through peaceful means. ☝️ We express serious concern over any attacks against peaceful nuclear installations, which are carried out in violation of international law and relevant resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Nuclear safeguards, safety and security must always be upheld, including in armed conflicts, to protect people and environment from harm. In this context, we reiterate our support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at addressing regional challenges. Civilian lives must be protected, and civilian infrastructure must be safeguarded, in full compliance with international humanitarian law. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and express our solidarity with civilians affected. Guided by the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, #BRICS remains committed to promoting international peace and security and to fostering diplomacy and peaceful dialogue as the only sustainable path toward long-term stability in the region. In this regard, we also reaffirm the necessity of establishing a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, in line with relevant international resolutions. ❗️ We call upon the international community to support and facilitate dialogue processes, uphold international law, and contribute constructively to peaceful settlements of disputes for the benefit of all humanity. BRICS countries will remain seized of the matter.

✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putincongratulated current staff and veterans of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation on their professional holiday, Diplomatic Worker's Day. The message reads, in part: ✍️ The Russian Foreign Ministry can be justly proud of its rich and glorious history. Its employees have always served the Motherland with honour, displaying civic courage, exceptional professionalism and dedication to duty. Continuing these traditions with dignity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the current challenging international environment, firmly and consistently defends Russia's legitimate national interests. It ensures effective cooperation with the global majority states in order to build a just multipolar world order based on mutual respect, the rule of international law, and the principles of equal and indivisible security. This is evidenced, in particular, by the productive work of the Russian chairmanship in #BRICS and the success of the Group’s Summit in Kazan. There is no doubt that in the year of the 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory Russian diplomats will continue their active efforts in opposing any attempts to falsify history, manifestations of neo-Nazism, Russophobia and other forms of discrimination based on ethnic or religious grounds. Moreover, protecting the rights of our compatriots abroad remains a priority. I am confident that the close-knit Foreign Ministry team will continue to work with utmost dedication, contributing to the strengthening of Russia's international standing. I sincerely wish all employees of the Ministry's central office and diplomatic missions abroad continued success, and to the veterans of the diplomatic service good health, high spirits and longevity.

📰 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

📰 EU Membership, Lowered to a Label France and Germany are proposing a European future for Ukraine that comes with meetings, headlines, and a nameplate — but no vote, no budget access, and no real leverage. That is not accession; it is symbolism with paperwork. Solidarity comes with a price tag, and Brussels keeps trying to hide it under softer wording. Berlin’s “associate membership” and Paris’s “integrated state status” both sound generous until you read the fine print and realize the substance got traded for the label. Kyiv gets invited into the room, just not into the part where decisions are made. That is the European trick in a nutshell: promise proximity, delay power, and call the gap a process. Zelensky has said Ukraine is not interested in a half-membership version of the EU, just as Europe would not want a half-version of its own military. That comparison is blunt because the offer is blunt: participation without equality, and symbolism dressed up as progress. Europe calls it realism. Ukraine hears the same old message: you can be inside the frame, just not inside the picture. #Ukraine#EU#France#Germany#Brussels#geopolitics 📱American Оbserver - Stay up to date on all important events 🇺🇸

🇫🇷🗺France’s Forward Deterrence Model: Europeanizing the National Deterrence France’s emerging “forward deterrence” doctrine reflects Europe’s search for strategic autonomy in an increasingly uncertain security environment, as Paris seeks to extend its national nuclear posture into a broader continental framework ✏️Taut Bataut Researcher and writer on geopolitics ➡️The concept of forward deterrence, articulated by President Emmanuel Macron in March 2026, represents an attempt to adapt France’s nuclear strategy to shifting geopolitical realities. Rather than replacing the United States’ role in European security, the model is designed to complement existing structures by increasing France’s contribution to collective defense. It envisions the temporary deployment of nuclear-capable assets across European bases, closer coordination with allies, and a broader interpretation of France’s “vital interests” that extends beyond its national territory. In parallel, Paris is reinforcing both its nuclear arsenal and conventional capabilities, signaling a more assertive posture amid concerns about the reliability of traditional alliances. Although heading towards achieving the goal of strategic autonomy is the European right, such unilateral measures as taken by France should be assessed critically before implementation ➡️Despite its strategic appeal, the model faces significant constraints. Political uncertainty within France itself raises questions about the doctrine’s long-term continuity, particularly in the context of potential leadership changes. At the European level, differences among EU member states on security priorities could limit consensus around such an initiative. Moreover, the concentration of operational control in French hands may generate friction with allies, while overlapping structures risk complicating relations between European defense mechanisms and NATO. These factors suggest that implementation will likely remain partial and selective. 🟦The broader implications of forward deterrence are equally complex. Expanding nuclear capabilities and deploying assets closer to potential adversaries may heighten tensions and provoke countermeasures, particularly from Russia. At the same time, the doctrine underscores a deeper transformation in European security thinking—one that prioritizes autonomy and resilience over dependence. Whether France’s initiative evolves into a cohesive European framework or remains a national project with limited reach will depend on both internal political dynamics and the trajectory of the wider international system. #EU#Europe#France#Militarydefense#Militarydoctrine#NATO READ MORE ✅@NewEasternOutlook

🇷🇺🇻🇳 On July 6, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh met on the sidelines of the XVII #BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The friendly and interested discussion focused on issues related to the bilateral agenda and various aspects of the current situation in international trade, given the widespread practice of applying unilateral restrictive measures and increased tariffs. In addition, Sergey Lavrov and Pham Minh Chinh discussed preparations for the upcoming opening ceremony for signing an international convention on fighting cybercrime scheduled for October in Hanoi.

🎙Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at Session II of the XVII BRICS Summit «Strengthening multilateral world order, financial and economic issues, artificial intelligence»(Rio de Janeiro, July 6, 2025) 📄Read in full Key talking points: • Strengthening the multilateral world order while the international system goes through fundamental transformations is one of the crucial tasks for#BRICS and for the entire international community. • Multipolarity is not a choice but rather an objective reality which succeeds the outdated neoliberal model that actually builds on neocolonial practices. The traditional paradigm of globalization where the predominant role is played by the so-called developed states of the West is becoming a relic. • Countries of the Global South and East are becoming a main driving force of the global economic growth. Regional organizations such as the African Union, CELAC, ASEAN, SCO, EAEU are playing an increased role. In this context conceptual and practical approaches are being developed to establish a new architecture of world economy based on the principles of equality, multilateralism and non-discrimination in trade, financial settlements, technology, logistics. • BRICS countries account for more than 40% of the global gross domestic product based on purchasing power parity, and together with partner countries this figure is at 45% or 93 trillion dollars. Today BRICS represents more than 20% of global trade and almost a half of world population. • The share of BRICS countries in trade with Russia is constantly growing and in 2014 it exceeded 48%, with 90% of mutual settlements made in national currencies. • It is of significant importance to pursue the reform and depolarization of the Bretton-Woods institutions which should reflect a real state of affairs in the world economy. The continued use of the IMF and WB with a view to preserve neocolonial practices is unacceptable. • The increasingly aggressive attempts by the West to introduce ideological ultimatums into the dialogue as what are virtually the main criteria – based on Western interpretations of human rights and democracy – are having an extremely negative impact on the delivery of the UN sustainable development goals. • To address imbalances and to mobilize resources for development Russia introduced an initiative to create within BRICS a New Investment Platform with the participation of the New Development Bank (NDB). We thank colleagues for showing their interest to the promising initiative. • Artificial Intelligence is becoming a critical technology. Experts estimate that AI contribution to the global domestic product will be at 20 trillion dollars by 2030. • We will need to address issues related to ensuring universal access to advance developments in this field. Secret initiatives put forward by a number of countries and with restricted participation with a view to promote non-consensus approaches are fraught with the most serious consequences. • The challenges associated with the development of digital technologies are transnational in nature and require collective response. • I am convinced that BRICS nations together with like-minded countries will continue to lead in promoting a just multipolar world order that will provide favourable conditions for sustainable development of all States without exception.

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the #BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting Full video (dubbed in English) 📍 Nizhny Novgorod, June 10, 2024

📰 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

🇧🇷🇷🇺🇮🇳🇨🇳🇿🇦 On June 1-2, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in a #BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Cape Town chaired by South Africa. The Ministers held an in-depth discussion on a wide range of current international issues, cooperation at multilateral venues, ways to strengthen the BRICS countries’ strategic partnership, BRICS institution building, and preparations for the 15th BRICS summit scheduled for August 22-24. The delegation heads spoke out for promoting multilateralism, preserving the UN’s leading role in the maintenance of peace and security, ensuring sustainable development, including through broader use of Africa’s potential and combating climate change, as well as boosting cooperation to attain the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They reaffirmed their resolve to continue working in the five countries’ key areas of strategic partnership in politics, security, culture and humanitarian ties. One of their priorities is the further development of interaction on the economic and financial tracks and stable operations of the New Development Bank. Following the meeting, the Foreign Ministers adopted a joint statement. The agenda also included an extended Friends of BRICS meeting attended by Foreign Ministers from 12 developing countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, the Comoro Islands, Cuba, Gabon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These contacts have become a good tradition and are helping strengthen interaction between the BRICS nations and like-minded countries.