Russian Consulate in Cape Town

🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦Cultural Cooperation: New Horizons The Consul General of Russia in Cape Town Ruslan Golubovskiy held a series of meetings with the leadership of the city’s key cultural institutions — the Castle of Good Hope and the Robben Island Museum. The discussions focused on prospects for expanding humanitarian cooperation, including the organization of exhibitions, educational programmes and commemorative events. Particular attention was given to preserving historical memory and promoting cultural heritage through an open dialogue between Russia and South Africa. As a result of the meetings, the sides agreed to foster new initiatives, opening a new chapter in the cultural dialogue between our countries. 🇷🇺🇿🇦 #RussiaSouthAfrica#russianMFA

🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦Культурное сотрудничество: новые горизонты Генеральный консул России в Кейптауне Руслан Голубовский провёл ряд встреч с руководством ключевых культурных центров города — Замка Доброй Надежды и Музея Роббен-Айленд. Стороны обсудили перспективы расширения гуманитарного взаимодействия: организация выставок, образовательных программ и мемориальных мероприятий. Особое внимание уделено вопросам сохранения исторической памяти и продвижения культурного наследия в формате открытого диалога между Россией и Южной Африкой. По итогам встреч намечено дальнейшее развитие совместных инициатив, открывающих новую страницу культурного диалога между нашими странами. 🇷🇺🇿🇦 #RussiaSouthAfrica#russianMFA

Встретил делегацию из ЮАР под руководством Премьер-министра провинции Северный Кейп доктора Замани Саула. Коллеги из ЮАР впервые посещают Карелию. Визит международных представителей направлен на укрепление взаимовыгодного сотрудничества. В ходе визита обсудим вопросы увеличения экспорта продукции карельских производителей - бумаги, картона, древесины и изделий из нее, поставкам пожарных роботов, спортивных тренажеров в ЮАР. Будет также подписан Меморандум о взаимопонимании. Для демонстрации экономических возможностей Карелии для южноафриканских партнёров подготовлена насыщенная программа посещения ведущих предприятий региона.

A delegation of the Government of the Northern Cape Province arrived in the Republic of Karelia On 28 August 2025, a delegation of the Government of the Northern Cape Province, which is part of the consular district of the Consulate General of Russia in Cape Town, headed by Premier Zamani Saul, arrived in the Republic of Karelia to discuss the prospects for comprehensive bilateral cooperation. 🤝As part of the visit, the signing of an interregional Memorandum of Understanding is envisaged, which will become the first official agreement of the Republic of Karelia with representatives of the African continent. The programme also includes visits to industrial enterprises of mutual interest and a cultural agenda aimed at strengthening humanitarian ties. 🌎The forthcoming signing of the Memorandum marks a new chapter in the development of Russia–Africa interregional relations, laying the groundwork for practical cooperation in the fields of economy, education and culture. #RussiaSouthAfrica#russianMFA

Делегация Правительства провинции Северный Кейп во главе с Премьером Замани Саулом прибыла в Республику Карелия 28 августа делегация Правительства провинции Северный Кейп, входящей в состав консульского округа Генерального консульства России в Кейптауне, во главе с Премьером Замани Саулом прибыла в Республику Карелия (г. Петрозаводск) для обсуждения перспектив всеобъемлющего двустороннего сотрудничества. 🤝 В рамках визита запланировано подписание межрегионального Меморандума о взаимопонимании — первого официального соглашения Республики Карелия с представителями Африканского континента. Программа предусматривает посещение промышленных предприятий, представляющих взаимный интерес, а также участие в культурных мероприятиях, направленных на укрепление гуманитарных связей. 🌍 Подписание Меморандума станет новой страницей в развитии российско-африканских межрегиональных контактов, открывая путь к практическому взаимодействию в сферах экономики, образования и культуры. #RussiaSouthAfrica#RussianMFA

🇷🇺🇱🇸 On 27 August 2025, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to South Africa Roman Ambarov presented his credentials to the King of Lesotho His Majesty Letsie III. 💬 Ambassador Roman Ambarov: “I am honoured to start my tour of duty as Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Lesotho. The complexities and difficulties of the present global geopolitical and economic landscape make it imperative for Russia and Lesotho to cooperate more closely on bilateral and multilateral levels. Our interaction has always been characterized by mutual respect on the topical issues of international agenda. I believe that the ties between our countries will evolve into a stronger and more efficient partnership. Russia is committed to building a thriving relationship with the Kingdom of Lesotho – our historical friend.” 🤝 The King of Lesotho His Majesty Letsie III conveyed warm greetings to President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and wished prosperity to the Russian people. 📸Photo: Courtesy of Lesotho National Broadcasting Service #RussiaLesotho#RussiaAfrica

🏅 On August 26, 1943, the Battle of the Dnieper began — one of the largest and most important battles of World War II between the Red Army and Nazi invaders, with approximately, to various estimates, 4 million people engaged on both sides. Nazi Germany’s defeat at the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 resulted in Hitler's loss of the strategic initiative, forcing German troops into a rapid retreat westward. The German command expected that hastily erected fortifications from the Baltic to the Sea of Azov (Ostwall, or Eastern Wall) would halt the Red Army’s offensive, allowing the Nazis to retain important economic regions. The Dnieper River played a key role in their defences. According to the plan of Supreme High Command of the USSR, the forces of the Central, Voronezh, Steppe, Southwestern, and Southern Fronts were tasked with launching frontal breakthrough attacks, liberating left-bank Ukraine and Donbass, reaching the Dnieper, forcing it across a wide front, capturing bridgeheads, and preventing the enemy from organising defences in right-bank Ukraine. At the same time, the forces of the Western Front as well as the left wing of the Kalinin and Bryansk Fronts, were to advance in the Smolensk and Bryansk-Gomel directions aiming to prevent the enemy from regrouping its forces to the south. ⚔️The battle lasted four months and unfolded in two stages: • During the first stage (August–September), the Soviet forces reached the Dnieper. The greatest success was achieved by the 60th Army under General Ivan Chernyakhovsky, which broke through the German defence south of Sevsk. General Konstantin Rokossovsky, who commanded the front, subsequently directed the main strike units into the breakthrough, achieving a pivotal strategic success. In early September, the Red Army offensive spread across left-bank Ukraine and Donbass. On September 21, Soviet forces attacked from three directions, defeating the enemy’s Chernigov group, breaking the last major defensive line on the way to the Dnieper. On the same day, the soldiers of the Central Front reached the river. • The second stage (September–December) saw a fierce struggle for bridgeheads. Pursuing the Nazis, the Red Army soldiers and officers began crossing the Dnieper, often in icy water, using any available floating craft, under constant enemy fire. Despite these harsh conditions, Soviet assault groups successfully crossed the river, attacked the Wehrmacht’s positions, and established landing sites for the main forces. During the Battle of the Dnieper, the Red Army dealt a crushing blow to the main forces of Army Group South and part of Army Group Centre, fully achieving the goals set by the Supreme High Command. Over 38'000 localities, including 160 cities, among them Kiev, the capital of Soviet Ukraine, were liberated. During the 778 days of the Nazi occupation of Kiev, thousands of its residents and Soviet POWs were killed, tens of thousands of Jews were executed in the Babi Yar,t and approximately 100'000 residens were forced into hard labour in Germany by the Nazis and their collaborators – Ukrainian nationalists. 🎖 Around 400'000 Soviet soldiersand officers lost their lives in the Battle of the Dnieper. More than 2'400 people were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. 🌟 The Red Army’s victory in the Battle of the Dnieper thwarted the Wehrmacht’s plans to stabilise the front along the river, creating conditions for an offensive in Belarus and paving the way for the liberation of right-bank Ukraine and Crimea. By breaking through the Eastern Wall, the Wehrmacht lost its last opportunity to drag the war into a protracted conflict on Soviet soil. #Victory80

🌍☦️Patriarchal Exarch of Africa Celebrates Service in Moscow On August 23, with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, Metropolitan Constantine of Cairo and North Africa, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, celebrated the All-Night Vigil at the Church of the Resurrection of the Word in Danilovskaya Sloboda, Moscow, together with African clergy. At the conclusion of the service, the rector of the church, Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk, welcomed the hierarch and presented commemorative gifts. Metropolitan Constantine delivered an archpastoral message and expressed gratitude for the hospitality. Earlier, the clergy of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa visited Orthodox holy sites in Moscow. 📸Metropolitan Constantine, Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, celebrated the All-Night Vigil in Moscow with African clergy. By: African Initiative #RussiaAfrica

⚡️Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation: On24 August, 146 Russian servicemen were returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime. As a result of the exchange, 146 AFU POWs were returned. Moreover, eight Russian Federation citizens from Kursk region who had been illegally detained by the Kiev regime were returned. Soon, they will be brought back home. At present, the Russian servicemen are on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where they are provided with the necessary psychological and medical assistance. All released servicemen will be taken to the Russian Federation for treatment and rehabilitation in medical institutions of the Russian Defence Ministry. During the return of Russian servicemen from captivity, humanitarian mediation efforts were provided by the United Arab Emirates.

🎙Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov's interview with NBC(Moscow, August 24, 2025) Key talking points: • President VladimirPutin was invited by President DonaldTrump. He visited Alaska. They had a very substantive meeting in Anchorage. <...> They discussed real things regarding security. The violation of Russian security interests was one of the root causes of what has happened. • President Putin has regard for President Trump, respecting President Trump's concentration on the interest, national interest of the United States, national interest and well-being, and historic heritage of the American people. And I don't have any doubt that President Trump respects the same attitude of President Putin to protecting the national interests of Russia. • President Trump suggested, after Anchorage, several points which we share, and on some of them we agreed to show some flexibility. When President Trump brought those issues to the meeting in Washington, with Zelensky present together with his European sponsors, he clearly indicated, it was very clear to everybody that there are several principles which Washington believes must be accepted, including no NATO membership, including the discussion of territorial issues, and Zelensky said no to everything. • President Putin <...> is ready to meet with President Zelensky, provided this meeting is really going to decide something. • When we come to a stage where you have to sign documents, we would need a very clear understanding by everybody that the person who is signing is legitimate. And according to the Ukrainian constitution, Mr. Zelensky is not, at the moment. • Last time our delegations met in Istanbul, we suggested to create three working groups, including on political matters. More than one month passed already, there is no response from the Ukrainian side. • Indivisible security is something which was enshrined in many documents adopted by consensus at summits of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, in particular in Istanbul in 1999, and in Astana in 2010. This principle goes like: no one can strengthen their security at the expense of the security of others. No organization in the European space can pretend to dominate in military and political matters. And NATO has been doing exactly the opposite. • Those discussions which took place after the Washington meeting, [Western countries] clearly indicate that people see security as only security for Ukraine and they are prepared to send an intervention force, an occupying force, to the Ukrainian territory to deter Russia. And this is not the way to handle the situation. <...> But security guarantees must be subject to consensus. • Everything which is going on now has reasons in the decades and decades, of years when the West was building NATO, was moving NATO directly on Russian borders, and was building Ukraine as an instrument to defeat Russia in the battlefield, as it were. • We don't have any interest in territories. We have the biggest territory on Earth. What we are concerned about, unlike those who raise the issue of invasion, taking more and more land, we are concerned about the people who live on those lands. • Never, ever Russia deliberately targeted any sites which are not linked to military abilities of Ukraine. <...> We are dropping bombs on the targets which aredirectly involved in building Ukrainian military machines targeting the Russian civilians and continuing the war which Ukrainians started by instigation from the Biden administration, from the Europeans. • We have the goals which will be achieved. The goals are: to remove any security threats to Russia coming from the Ukrainian territory, to protect the rights of the ethnic Russian and Russian-speaking people who believe they belong to the Russian culture and Russian history. And the only way to protect them against this nazist regime is to give them the right to express their will. Read in full

🎙Excerpts from a Q&A session by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin at the meeting with young employees of nuclear industry enterprises (Sarov, August 22, 2025) Key talking points: • Rosatom is at the forefront of creating and implementing cutting-edge technologies, as well as executing major infrastructure projects, including the Northern Sea Route. <…> A great number of countries are interested in using it. Clearly, it would help reduce the transit times for cargo shipped from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and the entire Asia-Pacific region – a region developing, as everybody knows, at an incredibly fast pace that the Western world has not imagined. • For a nation like Russia, the paramount – even vital – challenge is the ability to preserve its sovereignty. Now, it is true that there are countries which lack full sovereignty and are perfectly content with that arrangement. In fact, most Western European nations fall into that category today. There are many other countries that may be content with this arrangement – but not Russia. With the loss of sovereignty, Russia would simply cease to exist in its current form; that is absolutely certain. • I would argue there are no unfriendly nations – only unfriendly elites governing them. • [Previously] we have been focused on building [energy] ties with partners in friendly countries. <…> China, India, Bangladesh. We even launched a new project with Türkiye despite the special military operation – and Türkiye being a NATO member. So what have we actually lost? Finland, that is about it. We are still working in Hungary, for instance, which is both a NATO and an EU member. <…> We are, in fact, continuing the projects we used to run in [unfriendly] countries. We still supply nuclear fuel, and in substantial volumes. We are providing [services] at almost the same level. • [President Trump] and I had a very good, constructive and frank discussion in Alaska. Our ministries, agencies, and companies remain in contact. I really hope that the first steps made are just the beginning of a full-scale recovery of Russia-US relations. <…> The next steps depend on the US leadership. I am certain that President Trump’s leadership skills are a good prerequisite for restoration of our relations. I hope that the pace of our joint work on this platform will be maintained. Read in full

🗓 86 years ago — on August 23, 1939 — the Soviet Union and Germany signed the Non-Aggression Treaty in Moscow. This document was an important achievement of the Soviet diplomacy ahead of #WWII: the USSR was able to buy time to better prepare to repel Hitler’s impending attack, which had been seen as inevitable due to the failed policy of “appeasement” by Western European states and their refusal to forge a collective security agreement with our nation against Nazism. Signing the non-aggression treaty with Germany was a difficult but necessary decision by the Soviet leadership, driven by national security considerations and the urgent need to deter Nazi aggression in the east. *** In the 1930s, twenty years after the end of World War I, the threat of a new large-scale armed conflict in Europe began to grow. A key factor for this was the crisis of the Versailles system of international relations, designed by Britain and France, which paved the way for rising revanchist sentiments in the states it had humiliated — Germany and Italy. With the Nazis’ rise to power in Germany, the threat of a new war in Europe became real. Hitler’s misanthropic ideology was rooted in the notorious doctrine of “racial superiority.” The Nazis used this doctrine to justify Germany’s pursuit of world domination. In this way, an absolute evil emerged at the heart of Europe, endangering the peace and freedom of entire nations. By the mid-1930s, it became evident that another German aggression in Europe was inevitable — it was merely a matter of time. In an effort to counter the rising threat of German revanchism, the Soviet Union suggested the creation of a collective security system in Europe, founded on anti-fascist principles, to unite efforts and deliver a joint response to the common threat. Yet in Paris and London, where anti-Soviet sentiments ran deep, the idea of cooperation with Moscow was rejected as such. Instead, Western powers sought to strike a deal with Germany, aiming to pacify the Germans through unilateral concessions. The political establishments of the West failed to grasp the existential threat posed by Nazi ideology, cynically believing that Hitler’s aggression could be redirected eastward. The “appeasement” tactics whetted the aggressor’s appetite. In March 1938, with the connivance of Paris and London, Hitler carried out the Anschluss of Austria. In September, following the criminal “Munich conspiracy” and with the approval of the UK and France, he cynically dismembered the sovereign state of Czechoslovakia. Warsaw, which was interested in getting part of Czechoslovakia’s territory for itself, prohibited flights of Soviet aircraft to render aid to Czechoslovak army. Already a de facto accomplice of Hitler, Poland had supported every single foreign policy move of the Reich. ❗️A new war in Europe became inevitable. Thus, “appeasement” policy ended in total failure. Attempting to sate the Nazis’ insatiable ambitions, the Western powers failed to restrain the aggressor or thwart its criminal plans. The Soviet Union remained the only European power still striving to organise collective resistance against Nazi Germany. In the spring and summer of 1939, the USSR initiated consultations with France and Britain in Moscow. However, the negotiation process failed to yield practical results — the Western powers that until the last moment hoped for a compromise with Hitler, engaged in secret talks with Germany behind the Soviet Union’s back. 👉The Soviet diplomacy ran out of chances to build a collective security system in Europe. Moscow also had to take into account the Japanese factor — the hostilities on the Khalkhin-Gol that began in May 1939. The Soviet leadership could not afford a war on two fronts. By August 1939, several European nations had concluded non-aggression pacts with Hitler. The Soviet Union was the last major power to follow the suit. As a result, our country gained valuable time to prepare for a clash with the world’s most powerful army at that time. 📖Learn more in our in-depthhistorical feature.