Russian Consulate in Cape Town

🎙Statement by Permanent Representativeof the Russian Federation to the UN Vassily Nebenzia at a UNSC Briefing following US Strikes on Iran (New York, June 22, 2025). 💬Vassily Nebenzia: Russia vehemently condemns the irresponsible, dangerous, and provocative actions taken by the USA against the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI), which is a sovereign country and a UN member state. In doing so, Washington has yet again demonstrated its complete disregard for the position of the international community and reasserted that to advance the interests of its Israeli ally, it is prepared not only to turn a blind eye to the killings of tens of thousands of Palestinian women, children, and elderly people, but also to gamble with the safety and well-being of all humanity. ❗️Through its actions, the US has opened Pandora's box, and no one knows what new consequences this may lead to. Over the past ten days, we heard already three briefings by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi; he warned that strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure are fraught with completely unpredictable repercussions and will jeopardize nuclear safety and security not only in Iran but also in the region and the entire world. However, Washington is completely unconcerned about either the radiological consequences or the threat to the lives and health of a huge number of civilians, including women and children, in the region and beyond. Much like West Jerusalem, Washington sees itself as the highest judge in the land vested with the right to deliver justice at its sole discretion. Thus, the US reaffirms that in order to preserve its global hegemony, it is ready to commit any crimes and violations of international law. We have persistently offered our American colleagues our mediation services so as to find a peaceful and mutually agreeable solution to the contradictions surrounding the Iranian nuclear program. But it appears that diplomacy is not what our US colleagues currently need. Responsibility for all this falls squarely on the shoulders of the American leadership. Let me remind you how, back in 2003, in this very chamber, US Secretary of State Colin Powell was waving around a vial to justify Washington's plans to invade the territory of another sovereign state – this was done only to plunge the people of that country into decades of chaos and find no weapons of mass destruction there. Today's situation is essentially no different: yet again, we are being asked to believe US’s fairy tales in order to once again inflict suffering on millions of people living in the Middle East. This cements our conviction that our US colleagues have learned nothing from history. Russian Federation, China, and Pakistan prepared and circulated this morning a concise and balanced UNSC draft resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and for a search for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear program.

◼️ June 22 is the #DayOfMemoryAndSorrow in Russia, the the most tragic date in the modern history of our country. On this day 8️⃣4️⃣ years ago — on June 22, 1941 — the Soviet Union was attacked, unprovoked and without a declaration of war, by the Nazi Germany and its European cronies, which unleashed the full might of its vicious war machine. For our people on that day the Great Patriotic War began — the bloodiest and most brutal, devastating and terrible war, which lasted 1418 days and claimed lives of some 27 million Soviet citizens. Obsessed with the ideas of racial superiority, the Hitlerites and their henchmen in Europe planned to wipe entire nations off the face of the Earth, and the survivors left — to turn into slaves of the Third Reich. The Germans invaded our country with one goal — to physically annihilate the Soviet people, to destroy our nation's centuries-old cultural and spiritual heritage — the Nazis and their allies carried out a genocide. 2️⃣2️⃣.0️⃣6️⃣.1️⃣9️⃣4️⃣1️⃣ At dawn at 4 am, the enemy aviation launched massive strikes on airfields, railway stations, Soviet naval bases, deployments of the Red Army forces and cities along the entire western state border of the USSR to a depth of up to 250-300 km. Together with Nazi Germany,Romania, Italy, Finland and other states allied to the Third Reich took part in the aggression. The industries of almost the entire continental Europe served the aggressors. The people of the USSR were informed on the radio about the attack by the Nazis and, thus, the beginning of the war. At noon on June 22, 1941, the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, Vyacheslav Molotov, on behalf of the Soviet leadership addressed the nation: 🎙 "Today, at 4 a.m. in the morning, the German troops have invaded our country, without making any demands on the Soviet Union and without a declaration of war. They have attacked our borders in many places and have subjected our towns to aerial bombardments. This unheard-of attack on our nation, despite the non-aggression Treaty between the USSR and Germany, is unprecedented in the history of civilized nations."<...> Our cause is right. The enemy shall be defeated. Victory will be ours!" It was the Soviet Union that bore the main burden of the Nazi aggression in Europe. It was the Soviet Victorious People who showed unparalleled heroism, courage and fortitude, fighting to the last drop of blood for the freedom of our Motherland, crushed Nazism and saved Europe from the Nazi 'plague'. It was on the Eastern Front of the European theater of #WWII that the Nazis and their henchmen lost more than 75% of their forces fighting the Red Army. 🌟 The Great Victory was achieved at a high price. The Soviet Union's losses amounted to 40% of all human casualties during WWII — almost 27 million people. Of these, more than 8.7 million perished on the battlefield, 7.42 million people were deliberately and cold-bloodedly killed by the Nazis. Over 5 million Soviet citizens were taken into slavery and moved to Germany and Reich-occupied European countries. To this day June 22 still echoes in the hearts of all Russians with grief, sorrow and pain for the lives lost and fates of entire generations broken. There is no family in our country and in the former Republics of the Soviet Union that was not affected by that terrible war. There is #NoStatuteOfLimitations for the crimes committed by the Nazis and their collaborators on our land. On this day, we bow our heads in memory of our ancestors who perished during the Great Patriotic War. 🎙 Excerpt from the comment by Russian MFA Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the occasion of the Day of Memory and Sorrow(June 21, 2025): 💬 "Unlike the "collective West", we do not divide the victims of the Nazis into categories — they all deserve justice and for their executioners to be punished. We, regardless of race, nationality and religion, mourn the 2.6 million Jewish citizens of the USSR, millions of Slavs and representatives of other ethnic groups of the multinational Soviet people who became victims of genocide".

⚡️Russian Foreign Ministry statement in connection with the US strikes on Iran(June 22, 2025) ❗️Russia resolutely condemns the United States’ strikes on several nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, carried out in the early hours of June 22, following recent attacks by Israel. This reckless decision to launch missile and aerial strikes on the territory of a sovereign state, regardless of the justifications offered, constitutes a blatant violation of international law, the #UNCharter, and relevant resolutions by the UN Security Council, which has consistently and unequivocally deemed such actions unacceptable. Particularly concerning is the fact that the strikes were executed by a permanent member of the UN Security Council. ☢️ The consequences of this action, including potential radioactive effects, have yet to be determined. However, it is already evident that a dangerous escalation is underway, one that threatens to further destabilise security both in the region and globally. This has drastically increased the likelihood of a larger conflict in the #MiddleEast, a region already plagued by numerous crises. The attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities have dealt a substantial blow to the global non-proliferation regime built around the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (#NPT), which raises particular concerns. They have significantly undermined both the credibility of the NPT and the integrity of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) monitoring and verification mechanisms that underpin it. We expect the IAEA leadership to respond promptly, professionally, and transparently, avoiding vague language or efforts to hide behind political ‘equidistance.’ An unbiased and objective report from the Director General is required, to be submitted for consideration at the Agency’s upcoming special session. Obviously, the UN Security Council must take a firm stance as well. Confrontational and destabilising actions taken by the United States and Israel must be collectively rejected. ☝️We call for an immediate end to aggression and for stepping up efforts to bring the situation back onto a peaceful, diplomatic track.

🎖️Кейптаун присоединился к международной акции «Огненные картины войны» 21 июня 2025 года, в преддверии Дня памяти и скорби, в центре Кейптауна впервые прошла международная мемориальная акция «Огненные картины войны», приуроченная к 84-й годовщине начала Великой Отечественной войны. Церемония состоялось на территории Замка Доброй Надежды — старейшего архитектурного памятника ЮАР. Активисты КСОРС, представители движения «Волонтёры Победы», сотрудники Генерального консульства, а также неравнодушные жители города зажгли сотни свечей в знак скорби и признательности павшим героям. Кульминацией вечера стала огненная инсталляция: звезда в форме георгиевской ленты с надписью «Кейптаун помнит», выложенная участниками из зажжённых свечей. Этот образ стал символом благодарности и памяти о подвиге тех, кто сражался за мир и свободу. Акция «Огненные картины войны» проходит одновременно в разных странах и городах, объединяя миллионы людей общей исторической памятью. Проведение мероприятия в Кейптауне стало частью этой масштабной международной инициативы. #МыПомним#Победа80

#SPIEF2025📊📊📊📊 🎙 Russia's President Vladimir Putintook part in the plenary session of the 28th St Petersburg International Economic Forum. President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, National Security Advisor, Commander of the Royal Guard of the Kingdom of Bahrain Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Ding Xuexiang, and Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa Paul Mashatile also attended the session. Key statements: 💬 Despite a challenging international landscape, Russia’s GDP has been demonstrating an annual growth rate of over four percent over the past two years, which is above the global average. • Commodities no longer play a defining role in Russia’s economic growth patterns. In 2023, Russia’s non-oil-and-gas GDP increased by 7.2 percent, followed by an additional 4.9 percent in 2024. These are solid figures exceeding the overall GDP growth rates. • Our strategic vector is precisely to actively and consistently transform the structure of the national economy, step by step. We have achieved a great deal in this area, but it is clear that moving forward is critically important, especially in light of the dramatic changes taking place in the world. • Annual inflation has already dropped to single-digit levels below ten percent. As of June 16, it stood at 9.6 percent. Of course, that is still high, but inflation targeting continues. • Over the past four years, employment in Russia has grown by 2.4 million people. Since October last year, the national unemployment rate has stabilised at around 2.3 percent, reaching a historic low. • In terms of youth unemployment, Russia ranks among the best globally, with a rate of approximately seven and a half percent. For comparison, youth unemployment stands at around 16 percent in France and 11 percent in the United Kingdom. • Russia’s economy must become more technologically advanced. We must fully unleash a new phase of the country’s technological development. The key instrument in this regard should be the national projects aimed at securing technological leadership. Read in full

#SPIEF2025📊📊📊📊 🎙 Russia's President Vladimir Putintook part in the plenary session of the 28th St Petersburg International Economic Forum. President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, National Security Advisor, Commander of the Royal Guard of the Kingdom of Bahrain Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Ding Xuexiang, and Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa Paul Mashatile also attended the session. Key statements: 💬 Despite a challenging international landscape, Russia’s GDP has been demonstrating an annual growth rate of over four percent over the past two years, which is above the global average. • Commodities no longer play a defining role in Russia’s economic growth patterns. In 2023, Russia’s non-oil-and-gas GDP increased by 7.2 percent, followed by an additional 4.9 percent in 2024. These are solid figures exceeding the overall GDP growth rates. • Our strategic vector is precisely to actively and consistently transform the structure of the national economy, step by step. We have achieved a great deal in this area, but it is clear that moving forward is critically important, especially in light of the dramatic changes taking place in the world. • Annual inflation has already dropped to single-digit levels below ten percent. As of June 16, it stood at 9.6 percent. Of course, that is still high, but inflation targeting continues. • Over the past four years, employment in Russia has grown by 2.4 million people. Since October last year, the national unemployment rate has stabilised at around 2.3 percent, reaching a historic low. • In terms of youth unemployment, Russia ranks among the best globally, with a rate of approximately seven and a half percent. For comparison, youth unemployment stands at around 16 percent in France and 11 percent in the United Kingdom. • Russia’s economy must become more technologically advanced. We must fully unleash a new phase of the country’s technological development. The key instrument in this regard should be the national projects aimed at securing technological leadership. Read in full

🇷🇺🇿🇦 President of Russia Vladimir Putinheld talks with Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile 📍St Petersburg, June 19, 2025 Key takeaways from President Putin’s statement: • The relations between Russia and South Africa are developing successfully on the basis of a comprehensive strategic partnership, equality, and mutual respect. Russia and South Africa share common approaches to addressing urgent issues on the global agenda. • Bilateral trade saw an increase of approximately 2% in 2024. We will continue to expand and diversify our mutual trade and investment. #SPIEF2025 serves as an excellent platform for expanding contacts and working with partners from both Russia and other countries. • 40+ Russian higher educational institutions have established partnerships and signed agreements with relevant South African organisations. Currently, approximately 570 studentsfrom South Africa study at Russian universities. • Russia eagerly anticipates the arrival of a South African delegation in Moscow in September 2025 for the international music competition‘Intervision.’ • Strengthening ties with African nations remains one of Russia’s key priorities. Russia, South Africa, and other African partners are working collaboratively to implement these plans in practice. #RussiaSouthAfrica#RussiaSArelations

⚡️The plenary session of SPIEF 2025 with the participation of President Vladimir Putin, is just moments away The event will also include addresses by: 🇮🇩Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia 🇧🇭Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of the King of Bahrain for Humanitarian Affairs and Youth, National Security Advisor, and Commander of the Royal Guard 🇨🇳Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China 🇿🇦Paul Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa 🎤 The session will be moderated by Nadim Koteich, CEO of Sky News Arabia. 🔗Link

🗓SPIEF 2025: St. Petersburg Once Again Becomes a Global Platform for Dialogue and Cooperation From June 18 to 21, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is taking place at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre. The forum traditionally brings together leading representatives of the global political and economic elite. In 2025, the forum is held under the theme “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World,” reflecting the commitment to building fair and mutually respectful relations in the global economy. The agenda focuses on international partnership development, support for technological sovereignty, digitalization, sustainable development, and social responsibility. 🌍 High-level delegations from more than 140 countries have arrived at the forum, including Indonesia, China, Bahrain, South Africa, and other key nations of the Global South. Such wide representation underscores Russia’s growing role as a responsible participant in global affairs and a hub for international business initiatives. 💼A Platform for Tangible Agreements The SPIEF 2025 program includes over 150 events covering issues of trade and economic cooperation, industrial development, science, healthcare, youth policy, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. The forum traditionally results in the signing of hundreds of mutually beneficial agreements, reaffirming the resilience of the Russian economy and the trust placed in it by international partners. 🛠A Focus on Innovation and Sustainable Growth Special emphasis is placed on technological advancement, digital transformation, and the creation of future-oriented infrastructure. Russia continues to develop an economy based on domestic resources and international cooperation with sovereign and reliable partners. #SPIEF#RussianMFA

#Think4Yourself 🎥 'Shaping architecture of equal and indivisible security: challenges and opportunities for states of Global South and East' — a documentary by Russia's Security Council. Synopsis: The global political and economic landscape is undergoing profound transformation. We are witnessing a pivotal moment in history: the unipolar world order has reached an impasse, while multipolarity has become a reality. This shift has opened a window of opportunity to establish a fairer and more democratic world order. Among the most consequential developments in recent international affairs is the emergence of a group of countries known as the World Majority. This grouping represents not only a new force in global politics and economics but also a catalyst for reshaping the structure of international relations. The growing influence of the Global South and East is a natural and inevitable process. Their rise reflects not only changes in economic strength but also a broader rebalancing of global power. 🌐 Spanning Asia, Africa, and Latin America, the Global South is poised to play a pivotal role in defining the future of the global economy. The countries of the World Majority refuses to submit their foreign policies to external interests and are firmly committed to preserving their cultural identity, traditional values, and national foundations. ☝️ The development of an architecture of equal and indivisible security offers a crucial opportunity to forge more resilient trade and scientific-technological partnerships, capable of withstanding the geopolitical, economic, environmental, and other pressing challenges of our time.

🔴#LIVE: SPIEF-2025 Session “Fighting Fakes: Formation of Global Infrastructure and Consolidation of Efforts”. Maria Zakharova, Spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, takes part as a panelist 🔴X 🔴Facebook 🔴Ruptly 🔴Russia's MFA Website 🔴SPIEF Website

Vladimir Putin had a conversation with Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa Paul Mashatile on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum President of Russia Vladimir Putin: I would like to point out that our bilateral trade grew by about two percent in 2024. We will certainly continue our efforts to increase and diversify mutual trade and investment. The St Petersburg International Economic Forum is a good venue for expanding contacts and engage partners, both from Russia and other countries. 🔗Kremlin’s official website.