Russian Consulate in Cape Town

🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answers to media questions following a meeting of the CSTO Council of Ministers (Cholpon-Ata, June 30, 2025) ❓Question: How do you assess the current developments in Armenia? Was this issue addressed during today’s closed meeting? Do CSTO member states plan to respond in the event of a sharp escalation in Armenia? 💬Sergey Lavrov: Yes, the situation in Armenia was discussed. All participants expressed deep concern over the events unfolding within the republic. While it is understood that this is an internal matter for our neighbours, we are particularly troubled by the attacks on the Armenian Apostolic Church – a canonical institution with a thousand-year history. The church has traditionally been a cornerstone of Armenian society, and Russia is concerned about any unjustified and unprovoked actions directed against it. We note that the public movement in defence of the church reflects a strong sentiment within Armenian society, rooted in its deep Orthodox traditions inherent to Armenia. Russia hopes the current tensions will be resolved promptly, in full accordance with Armenia’s Constitution and with respect for the rights of believers and fundamental human rights. As for today’s discussions concerning Armenia’s participation in the #CSTO, we took note of the fact that Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan once again declined to attend the event. We proceed from the understanding that, during meetings within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, our heads of state acknowledged Armenia’s current stance towards the CSTO. We continue to regard Armenia as a full member of the Organisation. However, full membership entails active participation and adherence to all obligations set forth in CSTO’s foundational documents, including the payment of membership dues. Statements from the Armenian leadership suggest that the country is pursuing a multi-vector approach. Recently, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan indicated that Armenia will soon need to make a choice between the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union. Additionally, representatives of the Armenian leadership have acknowledged that a definitive decision regarding their membership in the CSTO will need to be made in the near future. Russia is exerting no pressure on Armenia’s leadership and prefers to wait for clarity on these important matters. It is widely understood that should Armenia distance itself from its allies, closest partners, and neighbours, such a course is unlikely to serve the interests of the Armenian people. ❓ Question: Are you following the developments in Belgrade? What is your assessment of current events over there? 💬Sergey Lavrov: We are following the developments, of course. We are interested in the unrest being quelled, as President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said, based on the Constitution and laws of this friendly state. Our great hope is that the Western nations, which, as usual, are attempting to use some or other domestic events in various countries to promote their own interests to the detriment of those of partners in relevant countries, will not, in this case, engage in colour revolutions. <...> ❓ Question: Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski went on record as saying that Russia would collapse if it continued to build up its military spending. NATO increased its military budget by an order of magnitude just a few days ago. What is your comment on statements of this sort? 💬Sergey Lavrov: Well, if Mr Sikorski is a prophet on this scale, he may perhaps visualise that what I see as a disastrous boost in the NATO military budget will lead to the collapse of this organisation. Russia, for its part, is planning to cut its military expenditures, as President Vladimir Putin told a news conference following a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Minsk on June 27, 2025. Russia is guided by common sense, not by imaginary threats, as do NATO member countries, such as e.g. Mr Sikorski’s Poland. Read in full

🎙Following the EAEU summit, President of Russia Vladimir Putin answered questions from Russian journalists #EAEU As for the outcomes of today’s EAEU summit, we are satisfied with the results and have drawn certain conclusions. The President of Belarus has already noted that our development strategy, which was designed to run until this year, is nearing completion. We are considering how to structure our joint efforts moving forward. However, overall, the results of our work cannot but satisfy us. They satisfy all of us. Why? Because the key aggregate indicator of economic performance is the growth rate. In the EAEU, it exceeds the global average. As is known, global growth stands at 3.3 percent. The EAEU’s growth is over 4 percent – significantly higher. In some countries, it is substantially greater, reaching 5 percent or even approaching 6 percent, in my view. This is, among other things, a direct result of our joint efforts, as the very purpose of our work is to eliminate trade and other economic barriers to cooperation. Without exaggeration, this multiplies the potential for economic growth. #Ukraine Regarding the memorandums [Russian and Ukrainian], as expected, there were no surprises. I will not tell you anything surprising, either. These are two absolutely opposing memorandums, but that is precisely why talks are set up and held – to find ways to bring positions closer. The fact that they were diametrically opposed does not seem surprising to me, either. I would not like to go into details, as I believe it would be counterproductive – even harmful – to get ahead of the talks. With regard to what has been achieved so far following the talks, I think you can see it for yourself. Today, if I am not mistaken, another exchange took place… or was it yesterday? Today, right? And this is important. The humanitarian aspect matters because, as diplomats say, it creates conditions for substantive discussions on core issues. We agreed that after completing these exchanges and the humanitarian operation which we proposed – specifically, the transfer of the servicemen’s bodies – we would press ahead with more contacts. We have already handed over more than 6,000 bodies and are ready to transfer nearly 3,000 more, but it is now up to the Ukrainian side to agree to accept the remains of their fallen soldiers. We agreed that after this phase is completed, we would hold the third round of talks. We are ready for it overall. The venue and the time need to be agreed upon. I expect President Erdogan to keep unchanged his supportive stance with regard to this process. We are very grateful to him for that. We stand ready to hold this meeting in Istanbul. As for the exact timeframe, the heads of the negotiating teams from both sides – who remain in constant, direct contact and regularly get on the phone with each other (which, I believe, is a good sign) – are discussing the date for the next meeting. The agenda? In my opinion, the discussion should focus on the memoranda from both sides. #EU#NATO We are planning to cut the defence expenses next year and the year after, as well during the next three years. The Defence Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Economic Development have yet to reach the final agreement, still, in general, everybody is thinking along these lines. And Europe is thinking about raising its defence expenses. So, who is getting ready for any aggressive actions, us or them? Yes, we do want to complete the special military operation with the result we need. Certainly. This is what we take into account when planning our defence expenses, not aggressive aspirations against Europe and NATO countries. And we want to decrease the expenses, while they want to increase them. 📄Read in full

🎙 Russian #G20 Sherpa Svetlana Lukash spoke to Ubuntu Radio on the sidelinens of the Third Sherpa Meeting in Sun City Resort (June 26, 2025) ❓What are Russia's key priorities for the G20 agenda, and how do you see the group addressing the current global economic challenges? 💬Svetlana Lukash: We think that South African priorities are very well placed to also achieve the goals set by the Russian Federation in the G20. That is promotion of inclusive global growth. That is job creation. That is development of artificial intelligence, and approaches to governing artificial intelligence. That is issues of critical minerals, which are important for strengthening both South African and Russian economies. And overall, that is the issue of the change in the system of global governance. ☝️ It's time to really make global governance institutions work in the interests of emerging and developing economies, in the interests of the Global South. And that's what we will put on the table as our main priorities and, as I said, those go fully in line with the South African presidency's topics. ❓In light of the current global issues, how does Russia see the G20 contributing to the promotion of multilateralism and strengthening international relations? 💬Svetlana Lukash: I think just having the presidency in Africa for the first time, and putting the interests of Africa and of the Global South at the top of the G20 agenda, already gives the strongest signal to the world community that the time has changed. Besides, South Africa invited many stakeholders, many countries, many partners, many guest countries to enrich our dialogue. So G20 should not be just a closed format, where only 20 economics discuss the topics that are important for the whole world. What the South African presidency did is that it helped to open G20, first in the interests of the rest of the world — of the global majority. And second, to be as transparent and as open as possible to African neighbors. So that is amazing. So I really praise what the presidency is doing this year. ❓How does Russia envision the G20 promoting global economic cooperation, particularly in areas such as trade, energy, and finance? 💬Svetlana Lukash: Well, a difficult question, taking into account the current geoeconomic fragmentation of the global economy, geopolitical tensions, and the spiral of sanctions and tariff wars. And in this situation, what G20 can do is really continue cooperation. And despite all the controversial views and interests, still try to address these issues — still try not to silence that sanctions are in place, and they disturb global energy and food markets. We really need more inclusive global institutions, like, for instance, the WTO — the World Trade Organization — which needs to work in the interest of development, and which needs to address issues it was invented for. And I think the G20, under the leadership of the South African presidency, is moving in this direction. We will see by November whether we can overcome all the current difficulties, all the current geopolitical tensions, to focus on the mandate of the G20 — on economic cooperation and preventing and dealing with possible financial crises. So, let's see. But we are very optimistic about that, because we have very good leaders this year. #G20SouthAfrica

⚛️ June 27 is the most important day of the year as far as nuclear energy is concerned. On this day in 1954 — 71 years ago — the Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant was launched, the world’s first Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) connected to a power grid and producing energy for general use. Built in just four years following a rapid development of nuclear tech (learn more about those heroic efforts), the station was launched under the supervision of prominent Soviet physicists, namely Igor Kurchatov and Anatoly Alexandrov. Located in Obninsk, Kaluga Region, the AM-1 reactor ("Atom Mirny, i.e. Peaceful Atom) had a capacity of 5 MW and became a global symbol of nuclear energy used for civilian purposes. The launch itself marked the beginning of a new energy era and the Obninsk NPP laid the foundation the Soviet and later Russian nuclear industry. The plant operated safely and efficiently for nearly 48 years before it was decommissioned in 2002. Today, it functions as a research site and a museum complex, is included in the list of national cultural heritage landmarks, attracts visitors and preserves the history 🇷🇺 Today, Russia's state atomic energy corporation — Rosatom — is a global technology leader and a diversified industrial holding. The company continues proud traditions of Russian nuclear science and engineering, upholding a legacy of innovation, safety, and excellence established over decades. As of 2024, nuclear power provides some 20% of Russia’s total power output, and over 40% in the European part of the country. Rosatom holds ~90% of the global market for nuclear power plant construction exports, confirming Russia’s leadership in the nuclear field. The corporation also advances digital solutions, nuclear medicine, and energy storage technologies. 🤝 Rosatom actively implements a large-scale programme of building NPPs abroad. Key international projects that are in the active phase as of today include: • Akkuyu (Turkey 🇹🇷) • Kudankulam (India 🇮🇳) • Rooppur (Bangladesh 🇧🇩) • Paks-2 (Hungary 🇭🇺) • Tianwan and Xudabao (China 🇨🇳) • El Dabaa (Egypt 🇪🇬) To learn more about the history of how humanity harnessed the nuclear energy 👉 visit the the ATOM pavilion at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy — the VDNKh — in Moscow. Opened on November 4, 2023, it is Russia's largest exhibition and educational complex dedicated to nuclear energy, spanning over 25'000 sq. m. The pavilion highlights milestones from the Soviet atomic project to the latest breakthroughs in nuclear science and engineering, Russia's top new projects in this fields including the sodium-cooled fast breeder closed cycle BN-800 reactor & RITM-200 pressurized water reactors used in floating NPPs.

⚡️ Outcomes of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum📊📊📊📊 🌐 The Forum welcomed over 24'200 participants and media representatives from 144 countries and territories, including Russia. The largest delegations came from Indonesia (over 260), China (250), the UAE (over 120), Bahrain (over 80), and Saudi Arabia (over 80). The #BRICS+ format was represented almost in full (except Iran), alongside all associated partner countries. The number of representatives from #ASEAN countries increased fourfold. Among the high-ranking officials attending the Forum were: • President of the Republic of Abkhazia Badra Gunba; • President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto; • Prime Minister of the Republic of South Ossetia Konstantin Dzhussoev; • Vice President of the Republic of South Africa Paul Mashatile; • Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Ding Xuexiang; • Personal Representative of His Majesty the King of Bahrain on Youth and Charity Affairs, Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa; • OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais; • BSEC Secretary General Lazăr Comănescu. 👨‍💼👩‍💼 The Forum brought together around 8'700 representatives from Russian and international businesses. The official business program featured over 370 events, including 24 business dialogues with key countries and regions, with more than 1'300 speakers and experts participating. This year’s Guest Country was Bahrain 🇧🇭. SPIEF also comprised: the Business Twenty Forum, the 10th Anniversary SME Forum, the Ensuring Drug Security Forum, the Creative Industries Forum, the General Assembly of OANA (Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies). The Forum also hosted Youth Day — a space for dialogue, creative brainstorm, and personal growth for future leaders. Over 8'000 young participants took part, including representatives from more than 220 universities and around 60 research institutions. 🤝 On the sidelines of SPIEF, 1'060 agreements were signed for a total of 6.3 trillion rubles (approximately $80.2 billion). 💬 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin at this year's plenary session said the following: “The forum’s format traditionally fosters substantive and meaningful discussions on the most pressing issues. We are pleased that representatives from 140 countries and territories have joined this important dialogue. This year, among the important topics is the quality of growth in the context of a multipolar world and major global challenges. These include profound shifts in the global economy and demographics, such as the planet’s population dynamics, as well as social, public, and geopolitical tensions that manifest through crises and rapidly escalating regional conflicts". 🔎 Learn more: 👉Excerpts from Russian President Vladimir Putin's remarks and Q&A at a meeting with heads of the world’s leading news agencies on the sidelines of SPIEF-2025; 👉Vladimir Putin's key statements at the SPIEF plenary session; 👉 Vladimir Putin's responses to questions from the session moderator Nadim Koteich, General Manager and presenter at Sky News Arabia. 🛳️#SPIEF2025

❗️On June 25, the third #G20 Sherpa Meeting kicked off in Sun City, South Africa. The Russian delegation is led by Svetlana Lukash, Russia’s G20 Sherpa, Deputy Head of the Presidential Expert Directorate of the Russian Federation. On the first day of the event, an assessment was given to the G20’s contribution to the global development agenda and the promotion of equitable global governance. It was noted that the global economy is facing serious challenges overcoming of which requires multilateral cooperation. Such efforts should be implemented with the UN playing the central role, as well as backed by the WTO as a universal trade regulator. As part of the meeting, the participants have begun the work to agree on the draft leadership declaration. Its final version will be adopted at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on November 22-23, 2025. #G20SouthAfrica

🇷🇺🎞 Victory Map — A Multimedia Project Dedicated to the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 📍 The State Film Fund of Russia, with the support of the Ministry of Culture 🇷🇺 and in partnership with the National Center for Historical Memory under the President of the Russian Federation, has launched a multimedia project — “Victory Map”. 🕊 The initiative is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. 🎥 On the platform, users can explore: ▫️ Rare archival videos and photographs from World War II ▫️ Materials geo-linked to key battlefields and cities ▫️ A chronological timeline synced with an interactive map ▫️ A powerful immersion into the history of wartime events 👥 In the next phase, visitors will be able to contribute family documents and wartime stories to the project — preserving the legacy of their ancestors. 📚 “Victory Map” is a living digital memorial and a valuable tool for historical education, commemoration, and civic memory. 🌐 Discover the project now

📄Report by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation on the human rights situation in Ukraine(June 18, 2025) ✍️ This report continues the Ministry's efforts to draw the attention of the international community to the grave human rights situation in Ukraine. The numerous facts of human rights violations confirm that the situation in this area in Ukraine has seriously deteriorated by now. It is quite clear by now that Ukraine is ruled by an openly Nazi regime following in all respects its ideological Nazi German inspirators and on this path committing countless gross and systematic human rights violations in all spheres of public life. ☝️ This regime, having adopted the ideology and practices of Ukrainian radical nationalists, has essentially degenerated into a neo-Nazi dictatorship. It needs a state of war and widest range of repressive measures as the only and, at the same time, safest way to maintain its dominance. It exists as long as the escalation degree remains high in society, and armed confrontation with an external enemy continues. For these purposes, the West is providing it with massive, primarily military, assistance. The end of conflict would be tantamount to the end of existence of such a regime. ❗️It is obvious that today citizens of Ukraine are indeed legally deprived of the overwhelming majority of rights and freedoms that exist in all countries of the world. Persecution of political opponents, independent journalists and media outlets, and civil society activists undesirable for authorities, has taken on an unprecedented scale; as a rule, it is accompanied by references to the need to combat "the Russian aggression" and "separatism". Russian-speaking residents of Ukraine are subject to a greater degree of persecution. Full report

⚡️ Итоги XXVIII Петербургского международного экономического форума📊📊📊📊 🌐 Форум посетили более 24 200 участников и представителей СМИ из 144 стран и территорий, включая Россию. Наиболее многочисленные делегации прибыли из Индонезии (более 260), Китая (250), ОАЭ (более 120), Бахрейна (более 80), Саудовской Аравии (более 80). Почти в полном составе был представлен формат #БРИКС+ (за исключением Ирана), а также все страны-партнёры объединения. Увеличилось число представителей стран #АСЕАН в четыре раза. Среди высокопоставленных официальных лиц на Форуме присутствовали: • Президент Республики Абхазия Бадра Гунба; • Президент Республики Индонезия ПрабовоСубианто; • Председатель правительства Республики Южная Осетия КонстантинДжуссоев; • Вице-президент Южно-Африканской Республики ШипокосаПаулюсМашатиле; • Вице-премьер Государственного совета Китайской Народной Республики ДинСюесян; • Личный представитель Его Величества короля Бахрейна по вопросам благотворительности и делам молодежи шейх Насер бин Хамад бин Иса Аль Халифа; • Генеральный секретарь Организации стран-экспортеров нефти (#ОПЕК) Хайсам Аль Гайс; • Генеральный секретарь Организации Черноморского экономического сотрудничества (#ОЧЭС) Лазарь Команеску. 👨‍💼👩‍💼 Форум собрал на своей площадке порядка 8700 представителей российского и иностранного бизнеса. Всего в деловую программу Форума вошло свыше 370 мероприятий, включая 24 бизнес-диалога с ключевыми странами и регионами, в проведении которых приняли участие более 1300 спикеров и экспертов. Почётный статус страны-гостя Форума в этом году получил Бахрейн 🇧🇭. В рамках ПМЭФ прошли: Форум «Деловой двадцатки»; юбилейный десятый Форум МСП, Форум «Лекарственная безопасность», Форум креативных индустрий, а также Генеральная Ассамблея ОАНА (Организация информационных агентств стран Азии и Тихоокеанского региона). Кроме того, в рамках ПМЭФ состоялсяМолодёжный день — пространство диалога, поиска решений и личностного роста для будущих лидеров. В мероприятиях молодежной программы приняли участие более 8000 участников. Площадку посетили представители более 220 вузов и порядка 60 научных организаций. 🤝 «На полях» ПМЭФ было подписано 1060 соглашенийна общую сумму 6,3 трлн рублей (около 80,2 млрд долл. США). 💬 Президент Российской Федерации В.В.Путин в ходе пленарного заседания(20 июня 2025 года): Формат Форума традиционно предполагает предметные, содержательные дискуссии по самым актуальным темам. И мы рады, что к их обсуждению на площадках форума присоединились представители 140 стран и территорий. <....> В нынешнем году в числе таких тем — качество роста в условиях многополярного мира и больших вызовов. А это тектонические изменения в глобальной экономике и демографии, включая динамику населения планеты, социальные, общественные и геополитические противоречия, которые дают о себе знать кризисами, региональными конфликтами, которые стремительно вспыхивают с новой силой. Читайте подробнее: 👉О встрече Президента России В.В.Путина с руководителями ведущих мировых информационных агентств; 👉ВыступлениеВ.В.Путина в ходе пленарного заседания; 👉ОтветыВ.В.Путина на вопросы модератора дискуссии, журналиста, генерального директора Sky News Arabia Надима Котейша. 👉Об участии в ПМЭФ-2025 руководства и представителей МИД России. 🛳️Итоги #ПМЭФ2025

🇷🇺 Карта Победы: уникальный мультимедийный проект к 80-летию Великой Победы Госфильмофонд России при поддержке Министерства культуры РФ в партнёрстве с Национальным центром исторической памяти при Президенте РФ запустил мультимедийный интернет-проект «Карта Победы» — к 80-летию Победы в Великой Отечественной войне и Году защитника Отечества. 🔍 На интерактивной карте размещены редкие кино- и фотоматериалы из архивов Госфильмофонда, оцифрованные и привязанные к конкретным местам и датам военных событий. Уникальный формат позволяет буквально «увидеть» ход войны через объективы фронтовых операторов. 💬 В будущем пользователи смогут дополнять «Карту Победы» историями своих семей — для этого достаточно пройти регистрацию и загрузить архивные материалы времён войны. 🎥 Проект станет ценным источником для всех, кто интересуется историей Великой Отечественной войны и архивными свидетельствами той эпохи. 🌐 Ознакомиться с «Картой Победы» можно на сайте.

❗From the interview of Marat #Berdyev, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry and Russia’s #G20 Sous-Sherpa, to TASS (June 21, 2025): • South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 is shaped through the lens of the Ubuntu philosophy — "I am because we are." I believe this is especially relevant now, as the world is torn apart by geopolitical confrontations, trade wars, and other destructive processes fragmenting both the political and economic landscape. • In2023, the G20 welcomed a new member for the first time: the African Union. This only strengthened the voice of the Global South on the platform. • We believe that this unique global forum — where developed and developing countries sit together — is vital for addressing today’s enormous global challenges. What’s needed is collective action. In this regard, emerging economies are acting constructively and productively, contributing to the G20’s work as a positive force. • On the "Ukrainization" of the G20 agenda — indeed, since the start of the special military operation, the West has launched a large-scale anti-Russian campaign <...>. But if you track the evolution of G20 language and how agreements are being shaped, you’ll see a clear shift: the international community is beginning to grasp the root causes of the conflict in Ukraine and that it does not exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a broader geopolitical struggle the West is waging against countries it sees as competitors. • The G20 is not immune to the broader trend affecting many international platforms — a growing divergence of views on key global issues. This reality makes it harder to find common solutions. ❗Russia’s position is clear: the G20 is primarily an economic forum. Regardless of geopolitical events, we should not turn it into a substitute for platforms like the UN Security Council, which are designed to handle such matters. We must focus on the pressing socio-economic issues for which the G20 was originally created — finding tools and opportunities to maintain high growth rates and sustainable development. • The United States' participation in G20 processes has been sporadic. They haven’t withdrawn or entirely disengaged from G20 consultations, but their involvement has been selective and irregular. So far, they haven’t blocked proceedings or created insurmountable obstacles to the G20’s functioning. How they’ll behave going forward remains to be seen. The upcoming Sherpa meeting may offer some clarity.

🔴#LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov'sremarks at Primakov Readings Forum 🔴Ruptly 🔴Russia's MFA Website