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🎙Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with Channel One’s Bolshaya Igra (Great Game) political talk show(September 18, 2025) Key points: • Unlike all other Western figures, whose actions and positions boiled down to the mantra that “Ukraine is right,” that Russia must suffer a “strategic defeat,” and that Ukraine’s sovereignty must be restored within its 1991 borders, Donald Trump and his team have repeatedly demonstrated, including publicly, an understanding of the need to address the root causes of the conflict. Donald Trump has stated publicly on multiple occasions that drawing Ukraine into NATO was a mistake. He made it abundantly clear that, to achieve a settlement, these aspirations must be set aside and security must be built on different principles. • We appreciated Donald Trump's openness and frankness back then and we do now. He doesn’t use underhand tactics, and he never conceals his thoughts. We appreciate his emphasis on results. He calls it making a deal in the broad sense of the word. • We would like to maintain the current dialogue between our Presidents, Foreign Ministers, national security aides, and special envoys of the two Presidents, as well as communication via other channels. We see that the American side wants this too. • All these Europeans made no secret of their previous and ongoing public efforts to dissuade US leadership from pursuing any constructive measures towards Russia within the context of the Ukrainian crisis. They seek to drag the United States back onto the treacherous path it followed under Joe Biden, when this was “Joe Biden’s war.” The Europeans are determined to make it “Donald Trump’s war” as well. They do not conceal this. • President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly made it clear that, ultimately, a sustainable agreement means a compromise. We are prepared to seek a compromise provided that our legitimate security interests and the legitimate interests of the Russian people in Ukraine are ensured just as the legitimate interests of other parties to such an agreement are. • The Trump administration recognises the importance of NATO-related issues. They’ve stated it publicly. There’s an understanding that the referenda in Crimea and other territories cannot be ignored. Any potential agreement must take the outcomes of these referenda into account. • Undoubtedly, they seek to impede any agreement – they oppose a settlement that would terminate their protracted endeavours to transform Ukraine into a perpetual irritant, if not an explicit threat, to the Russian Federation. That is obvious. • The war in Ukraine which the West has organised against us has proved that the Euro-Atlantic concepts have not lived up to the promises made during their creation. • President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated: we have never had, do not have, and will never have any plans to attack any NATO or EU country. Since 2008, we have tabled documents guaranteeing indivisible security and ensuring that no country enhances its security at the expense of others. This was endorsed by all parties within OSCE summits. • The new emerging economies continue to assert themselves. All forecasts point to this being a long-term and sustainable trend. <...> There is unity both within #BRICS and within the #SCO. We reject domination and diktat, and advocate for indivisible security across all regions. • We have our own military-political alliances, primarily the Union State of Russia and Belarus. The CSTO and the SCO also have a strong military-political dimension related to ensuring the security of member states. None of these formats ever sought to be hostile towards anyone. • President Putin advanced the initiative for creating a continental Eurasian security architecture in 2024, starting with joining the efforts and launching dialogue between subregional integration organisations and gradually moving towards a continental agreement. Read in full

🎙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.

🇷🇺🇱🇦 On June 25−29, Foreign Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) Thongsavanh Phomvihane arrives in Moscow on an official visit. He is to hold talks with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Minister of Construction and Utilities, Chair of the Russian chapter of the Russia-Laos Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation Irek Fayzullin. Rooted in years-old traditions of friendship and cooperation, Russia-Laos ties enjoy a high level of trust. Our country has proactively supported the people of Laos in their national liberation struggle, as well as their efforts to establish and develop the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. 🗓 October 7 will mark 65 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. On March 9, 1994, Russia and Lao PDR signed the Treaty on the Principles of Friendly Relations. In October 2011, they adopted a Declaration for Strategic Partnership between Russia and Laos in the Asia-Pacific Region. There has been positive momentum in the political dialogue between Russia and Laos, including at the highest level. <...> The two countries have also stepped up on the the parliamentary track, bolstering their ties. 🤝 Russia and Laos share close or converging views views on key international matters, which serves as a solid foundation for their effective cooperation within the leading international and regional structures. Vientiane has adopted a balanced position in the context of the Ukraine crisis and has demonstrated that it understood the causes which led to the special military operation. Laos has been supporting most of Russia’s initiatives at the UN General Assembly and has not joined the confrontational anti-Russian resolutions. The two countries have been working together within #ASEAN and other ASEAN-centric mechanisms in a constructive manner. Laos has expressed its readiness to take part in the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (#SCO) as a dialogue partner. <...> In his remarks at the #BRICS meeting in the outreach/BRICS+ format in October 2024 in Kazan, President of the Lao PDR Thongloun Sisoulith said that his country was interested in joining BRICS in the future. One of the priority areas of bilateral relations is the development of military and military-technical cooperation. Lao representatives consistently participate in international events organised by the Russian Ministry of Defence. <...> Our two nations are intensifying collaboration in security and law enforcement. 📈 Bilateral trade and economic relations continue to grow steadily. In 2024, trade turnover between Russia and Laos increased by 65 percent to $23.8 million. Cultural engagements thrive. Education remains a vital area of cooperation. Over 8'000 civilian and 2'000 military specialists for Laos have been trained in Russia.

🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks at the meeting with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Lao PDR Saleumxay Kommasith(Vientiane, July 25, 2024) 💬 I would like to thank our Lao and Chinese partners for agreeing to hold today's meeting in a trilateral format. This is an excellent opportunity for us to touch base on a wide range of issues aimed at promoting regional interconnectedness in Eurasia for the benefit of our peoples and all those who live on our continent. Additionally, we hope to discuss ways to address the challenges our countries face in strengthening food, energy and transportation security. 🇷🇺🇨🇳🇱🇦 Our three countries are united by common approaches to creating an extensive cooperation space on the continent, and strengthening cross-border transport, sales, production and logistics mechanisms. This meeting is taking place on the sidelines of high-level #ASEAN events. The Association is a vital component of the emerging more equitable multipolar world order. ASEAN has been and remains the core of region-wide efforts aimed at ensuring a stable and secure non-bloc development of the Asia-Pacific region. 🤝 We believe that the significant potentials of Russia and China, as well as their participation in such new multilateral associations as #BRICS and the #SCO, can have a positive impact on our interaction with the Association. This will also enhance our cooperation with individual Member States of ASEAN, helping us address global and regional issues based on the comprehensive and interconnected principles of the UN Charter.

📰 Russia's Ambassador to ASEAN Evgeny Zagaynov’s article “ASEAN–Russia Highway to a Shared Future” (The Antara News, 13 December 2025) 👉 Read in full: (The Antara News) (Telegraph) Key points: 🔹 This month marks 20 years since the first ASEAN–Russia Summit in Kuala Lumpur (13 December 2005), a milestone that set the foundations of today’s partnership. The ASEAN-Russia Joint Declaration on Progressive and Comprehensive Partnership that was adopted on that day defined the main goals and areas of our joint work for the years ahead and shaped the strategic trajectory of cooperation. 🔹 Russia’s engagement with ASEAN-led mechanisms took root in Kuala Lumpur, where President Vladimir Putin participated in the very first East Asia Summit. This paved the way for Russia’s full integration into ASEAN-centred regional architecture. 🔹 Over two decades, ASEAN–Russia relations have proven genuinely multidimensional, driven by mutual respect, shared principles, and practical cooperation across political–security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars. 🔹 The partnership continues to expand, with new mechanisms such as the ASEAN–Russia Consultations of High Representatives for Security Issues and the Dialogue on ICT Security. Russia has also become an ASEAN Digital Partner, and the first Senior Officials Meeting on digital technologies convened in Bangkok. 🔹 ASEAN–Russia trade reached record levels in 2024, growing by 13% despite an unfavourable global environment. 🔹 Cooperation in energy, biosafety, smart cities, and cutting-edge technologies is accelerating. A new MoU between the ASEAN Centre for Energy and Rosatom strengthens collaboration on peaceful nuclear energy, while the ASEAN–Russia Project on Capacity Building on Energy Statistics is underway. 🔹 People-to-people ties and expertise development remain priorities. Russia continues to expand training programmes for ASEAN specialists, with particular focus on youth cooperation. The Russian MGIMO University Master's program "Politics and Economics of the Russia-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership" saw its first graduating class in 2024. 🔹The ASEAN Centre in MGIMO has become the leading hub for expert dialogue, marking its 15th anniversary with a major international conference bringing together diplomats, scholars, analysts, and young researchers to explore new areas of cooperation. 🔹 ASEAN and Russia increasingly coordinate within wider regional and global frameworks, including #SCO, #EAEU, and #BRICS. Shared values and complementary agendas make these platforms natural spaces for deepening synergy. 🔹 Russia consistently supports ASEAN’s strategic autonomy, especially amid growing geopolitical pressures and unilateral tendencies. ASEAN’s independent voice strengthens the broader Global South and contributes to more balanced global governance. 🔹 Looking ahead, Russia and ASEAN reaffirm their commitment to a shared, prosperous future, building on two decades of cooperation and paving the way for deeper partnership in an emerging multipolar world.

🇷🇺🇨🇳 On April 28, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yiheld a meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Council meeting in Rio de Janeiro. The Parties praised the current state of bilateral relations, which are developing amidst ongoing global turbulence. They also discussed the progress in implementing the agreements reached by President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping, including current issues of practical cooperation. Special focus was placed on the preparations for the Chinese President’s upcoming official visit to Russia to attend the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The Ministers noted the key importance of the leaders’ diplomacy for further deepening the relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between the two countries, including coordination in the international arena. An in-depth discussion took place on the current state and development prospects of BRICS, with the Parties noting the Group’s growing international authority and its role in developing a constructive dialogue regarding the global agenda. Additionally, the Sides reaffirmed mutual intention to further step up coordination in the UN, #SCO, #BRICS, and other major international organisations and multilateral formats. 💬Sergey Lavrov: Together with China, our BRICS and SCO partners, and other allies, we are active participants in this transformation and stand at the forefront of the movement for justice and equality. This imposes a special responsibility on us, especially in fulfilling the objectives set by the leaders of our countries. (excerpt from Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks at the meeting with Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi) The conversation took place in an atmosphere of trust typical of Russia-China dialogue. #RussiaChina

📄 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin’s Article for People’s Daily Newspaper, «Russia and China: A Future-Bound Partnership»🇷🇺🇨🇳 March 19, 2023 READ IN FULL (original on Kremlin.ru) 💬 I am glad to seize this opportunity to address the friendly Chinese people in one of the largest and most authoritative world media in advance of the state visit of President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping to Russia. This landmark event reaffirms the special nature of the Russia-China partnership, which has always been built on mutual trust, respect for each other's sovereignty and interests. We have high expectations for the upcoming talks. We have no doubt that they will give a new powerful impetus to our bilateral cooperation in its entirety. This is also a great opportunity for me to meet with my good old friend with whom we enjoy the warmest relationship. <...> 🤝 The firm friendship between Russia and China is consistently growing stronger for the benefit and in the interest of our countries and peoples. The progress made in the development of bilateral ties is impressive. The Russia-China relations have reached the highest level in their history and are gaining even more strength; they surpass Cold War-time military-political alliances in their quality, with no one to constantly order and no one to constantly obey, without limitations or taboos. We have reached an unprecedented level of trust in our political dialogue, our strategic cooperation has become truly comprehensive in nature and is standing on the brink of a new era. President Xi Jinping and I have met about 40 times and have always found time and opportunity to talk in a variety of official formats as well as at no‑tie events. <...> Unlike some countries claiming hegemony and bringing discord to the global harmony, Russia and China are literally and figuratively building bridges. Last year our border regions were connected by two new bridge crossings over the Amur river, which has been a ”river of friendship“ since time immemorial. Amidst the ”waves and winds“ that sweep the planet, we closely cooperate in international affairs and effectively coordinate our foreign policy positions, counter common threats, and respond to current challenges, standing shoulder to shoulder as a ”rock amid a fast flowing stream.“ We actively promote democratic multilateral structures such as the #SCO and #BRICS, which become more and more authoritative and influential and attract new partners and friends. The work aimed at coordinating the development of the Eurasian Economic Union with the One Belt, One Road Initiative also goes in this vein. ❗️ Our countries, together with like-minded actors, have consistently advocated the shaping of a more just multipolar world order based on international law rather than certain ”rules“ serving the needs of the ”golden billion.“ Russia and China have consistently worked to create an equitable, open and inclusive regional and global security system that is not directed against third countries. In this regard, we note the constructive role of China's Global Security Initiative, which is in line with the Russian approaches in this area. We can feel the geopolitical landscape in the outside world change dramatically. Sticking more stubbornly than ever to its obsolete dogmata and vanishing dominance, the ”Collective West“ is gambling on the fates of entire states and peoples. The US's policy of simultaneously deterring Russia and China, as well as all those who do not bend to the American dictation, is getting ever more fierce and aggressive. The international security and cooperation architecture is being dismantled. Russia has been labelled an ”immediate threat“ and China a ”strategic competitor.“ <...> 🇷🇺🇨🇳 I am convinced that our friendship and partnership based on the strategic choice of the peoples of the two countries will further grow and gain strength for the well-being and prosperity of Russia and China. This visit of the President of the PRC to Russia will undoubtedly contribute to that. #RussiaChina

📰Article by Russia' Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ‘The Helsinki Act’s 50th anniversary: Expectations, reality, and future’ Published in Rossiyskaya Gazeta on August 1, 2025 ✍️ Marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and WWII in 2025 serves as an occasion for us to recall and reaffirm the importance of peace which came at such a high cost for our forefathers. We must also be mindful of how fragile this peace architecture is. In fact, its integrity hinges upon the ability of countries and their people to engage in coordinated collective action. Back in 1945, the year of Victory, major powers realised the need to overcome their differences for the sake of the humankind as a whole. This paved the way for establishing the United Nations as one of the key derivatives of this vision. In fact, the purposes and principles set out in the UN Charter remain relevant to this day and are in step with the reality of an emerging multipolar world order. But there is another international event which happened precisely 50 years ago and is worth commemorating. This is when the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) was signed. It became a landmark event in consolidating the post-war architecture based on the framework resulting from the Yalta and Potsdam conferences. ☝️ Those camping on unfriendly positions towards Russia seek to diminish and sweep under the carpet the fact that our country, which was the USSR at that time, played a leading role in the Helsinki process, while also distorting the objectives the Soviet leaders were pursuing. We are facing groundless and unappealing accusations of undermining the European security framework, and politicians in the EU and NATO have made no secret of their intention to re-write the outcomes of WWII and do not shy away from concocting barbaric fakes for that purpose. Key points: • Western countries have breached all the OSCE agreements on arms control and confidence-building measures. Russia has appealed to the conscience of Western elites more than once, inviting them to coordinate reliable security guarantees based on fundamental commitment adopted within the OSCE. • Europe is deeply immersed in Russophobia, and its militarisation is essentially becoming uncontrollable. There are more than enough facts of this. <...> This brings historical events to mind: with their current leaders, modern Germany and the rest of Europe are transforming into a Fourth Reich. • In recent years, the West has openly shown absolute contempt for the OSCE’s principles & embarked on the path of suppressing rivals through economic pressure, including unlawful unilateral measures against Russia, Belarus and any other country that strives to defend its legitimate national interests. The OSCE marked a decisive end to practical cooperation between the East and the West. • The scale of accumulated OSCE problems is immense. Burdened by them, the Organisation has been side-lined in international affairs. The Vienna platform no longer offers space for cooperation or security. The architects of the Helsinki Final Act did not envisage such a future for the pan-European process. It is high time to consider whether such an Organisation has any reason to persist. • Today, the ideas of sovereign equality of states and their mutually respectful dialogue – strangled in the OSCE – are being realised through multilateral cooperation projects within the CSTO, the CIS, #SCO, and other regional frameworks across Eurasia. • As a strategic objective, Russia envisions forming a flexible and resilient architecture of equal & indivisible security and cooperation in Eurasia, capable of addressing contemporary challenges. • There will be no future for the OSCE if NATO and EU countries do away with the consensus rule and continue using this platform with its headquarters in Vienna as their private mouthpiece for spreading shameless propaganda campaigns to demonise Russia & any other parties who break ranks, while backing their underlings in Kiev. Read in full

🇷🇺🇮🇳 The President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putinpresented the Order of St Andrew the Apostle to Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. The ceremony was held in St Andrew’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. 💬 Vladimir Putin: It is a great honour for me to present the highest order of the Russian Federation, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, to Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi. 🎖 It is the oldest order instituted more than three centuries ago by Russian Emperor Peter the Great. According to the statute, the order is awarded to outstanding Russian politicians and public figures as well as foreign leaders for distinguished service. <...> By presenting the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, we express sincere gratitude for the contribution you have made to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between our countries and nations. You have always been a strong advocate of expanding contacts with Russia. Back when you were the chief minister of the state of Gujarat, you proposed establishing sister ties with Russian regions, in particular, with the Astrakhan Region. 🤝 As the head of the Indian government for the past ten years, you have made tangible efforts to ensure that Russia-India relations become a specially privileged strategic partnership. It is with your direct support that largest Russia-India projects have been implemented successfully in trade and the economy, in the military-technical industry, nuclear and hydrogen energy, in high technology and space development. It is hard to overestimate your contribution to shaping a steady foundation for Russia-India cooperation in the international arena, where both our countries protect the principles of multipolarity and strict compliance with international law. 🌐 Russia and India work together to ensure stability and global and regional security, and closely cooperate at #BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (#SCO). Read in full #RussiaIndia

🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin's speech at the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Heads of State Council. 💬 President Putin: We believe it is important that all members of the association share their approaches to the situation in global politics, security, the social and economic spheres. At the same time, our organisation is strongly committed to creating a truly just and multipolar world order, an order based on international law and common principles of mutually respectful cooperation between sovereign states with the central, coordinating role of the United Nations. Our organisation plays an increasingly important role in international affairs and brings a substantial contribution to maintaining peace and stability, ensuring sustainable economic growth of its member states and developing ties between peoples. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues in the #SCO member states who have expressed their support for the Russian leadership in defending the constitutional order, lives and security of its citizens. We greatly appreciate this. Russia has been in favour of strengthening cooperation between the member states in investment, banking and finance, as well as in industry, energy, transport and logistics, agriculture, telecommunications, digitalisation and high tech. Counterterrorism, countering extremism and religious radicalism, curbing drug trafficking and other types of smuggling, combating militant formations must remain a priority of the SCO. It is a matter of satisfaction that the authority and influence of our association continue to improve, and other countries and international structures show interest in its activity. They trust us and want to be friends and work together. Read in full