Russian Consulate in Cape Town

🎙Comment by Aide to the President of Russia Yury Ushakov following the telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and President of the United States Donald Trump(August 19, 2025) 💬Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Donald Trump, at the US President’s initiative. The President of Russia expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his US colleague for the hospitality and perfect arrangements at the Alaska Summit, as well as for the progress they were able to achieve towards bringing about a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. The President of the United States informed his Russian counterpart about the talks he had just concluded at the White House with Vladimir Zelensky and leaders of several European countries. Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump then reaffirmed their commitment to continuing direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations. In this connection, among other things, they discussed the prospect of exploring opportunities for drawing higher ranking officials from both Ukraine and Russia into these direct talks. It is quite telling that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump agreed to keep in touch with one another on the Ukrainian issue and other urgent international and bilateral matters. The President of Russia highlighted the importance of Donald Trump’s personal efforts and commitment to finding solutions for a lasting settlement in Ukraine. The conversation was quite frank and constructive. 🇷🇺🇺🇸#RussiaUSA

🎙 Briefing by Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova(February 27, 2025) 🔹 Russia-US meeting in Istanbul 🔹 Ukrainian crisis 🔹 Kiev regime crimes 🔹 Bosnia and Herzegovina 🔹 Third Caspian Economic Forum 🔹 Russia’s UNGA resolution on combatting glorification of Nazism 🔹 55th Anniversary of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons entering into force 🔹35th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the USSR and the Vatican 📰Read 📺Watch *** #RussiaUSA In furtherance of a series of bilateral contacts at the top and high levels, an expert-level meeting took place in Istanbul to explore pathways for resolving numerous irritants that persist in bilateral dialogue due to the groundwork laid by the destructive actions of previous US administrations. We have consistently affirmed that the deterioration of Russian-American relations was not our choice. It is anticipated that the meeting will serve as the first in a sequence of such expert consultations, which may advance progress towards resolving differences with the American side and reinforcing confidence-building measures. #Ukraine Ukraine’s NATO membership would provoke abrupt and uncontrollable escalation of the conflict, with grave repercussions for global security. We reiterate that a just and durable resolution of the conflict remains unattainable without the complete and irreversible eradication of the conflict’s root causes. Foremost among these is the West’s breach of its pledge to refrain from NATO’s expansion and the alliance’s absorption of geopolitical space up to Russia’s borders. The situation with the armed forces of Ukraine continues to worsen. Under pressure from the West, the Kiev regime is exploring measures to expand its mobilisation base by conscripting youths aged 18–25. #BosniaAndHerzegovina We share the justified indignation of the general public in the Balkans at the absurd conviction in the fabricated case of President Milorad Dodik of the Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) by a court in Bosnia and Herzegovina on February 26. This is yet another instance where politics has triumphed over the law. The verdict in this case is manifestly unjust and cannot entail legal consequences. Clearly, it is aimed solely at eliminating from the political scene the leader of the Serbian populace of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose principled patriotic position contradicts the Euro-Atlantic guidelines imposed by the West. #West#Sanctions Russia firmly opposes and refuses to accept any unilateral measures designed to exert pressure on us, including in the energy sector. The Western sanctions policy boils down to neo-colonial-style attempts to use unfair competitive practices to gain an economic edge and get rid of any other players on the global energy market. #NPT March 5 marks the 55th Anniversary of the entry into force of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Throughout this time, the NPT has served as the foundation of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and a key element of the international security system. As a State Party to the NPT and one of its depositaries, Russia is firmly committed to the letter and spirit of the Treaty and strictly fulfils its obligations with regard to non-proliferation, disarmament and the peaceful use of atomic energy. The Treaty was adopted in full awareness of the need to prevent a nuclear conflict. In this regard, it is particularly important that the five nuclear states have reached an understanding that there can be no winners in a nuclear war and that it must never be unleashed.

✍️Excerpts from Russia’s Foreign Ministry’s answers to media questions for Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s news conference on the performance of Russian diplomacy in 2024 #UkrainianCrisis Russia has pointed out on numerous occasions that it is ready for talks on a settlement in Ukraine. We stand for a truly final, just and lasting solution based on the elimination of the root causes of that crisis. A temporary ceasefire and a conflict freeze are unacceptable solutions. The West will inevitably use them to reinforce the Kiev regime’s military potential and to take a military revenge. We want reliable and legally binding agreements with mechanisms guaranteeing the non-resumption of the conflict. #RussiaChina#Victory80 This year, we are celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory across both the European and Asian theatres of conflict. The peoples of the Soviet Union and China, having shouldered the formidable burden of resisting the aggressors, valiantly withstood the severe trials and triumphed over the enemy, albeit at the cost of tremendous human and material sacrifices. The memory of this monumental achievement by our forebears remains sacred to our nations, serving to fortify the enduring Russian-Chinese friendship and instil a sense of patriotism in our youth. Russia and China are poised to celebrate this significant anniversary on a grand scale. #RussiaAfrica Russia has been systematically striving to enhance the full spectrum of relations with African states. The solid foundations of successful Russian-African collaboration lie in our shared objective of cultivating a just world and, to a large extent, a harmonious approach to addressing pressing international issues. #RussiaUSA Donald Trump’s return to the White House following last November’s presidential election significantly alters the political landscape within the US. However, from the perspective of Russian-American relations, given the bipartisan Russophobic consensus that has developed, premised on the perception of Russia as an existential threat to American hegemony, no substantial positive developments should be anticipated. <...> It must be emphasised that we are not harbouring any illusions about the new/old president. During his first term, contrary to expectations, the deterioration of bilateral ties initiated by Barack Obama persisted, and Donald Trump surpassed his predecessors in the scale of sanctions imposed against Russia. #RussiaIran Our bilateral cooperation has achieved an unprecedented level under the direction of the leaders of both nations. The conclusion of such a comprehensive agreement [Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran] marks a significant event, representing a new milestone in the history of bilateral relations. #RussiaSyria We remain hopeful that the Syrian people will successfully overcome the challenges they face and develop consensus decisions about the future of their state. We stand ready to provide the Syrians with all possible support. #Eurasia We are actively pursuing the development of a Eurasian security architecture grounded in the principles of equality and indivisibility, ensuring that the primary responsibility for resolving regional disputes and conflicts rests with the states of the continent. President Vladimir Putin proposed this initiative during a meeting with the Foreign Ministry leadership on June 14, 2024. Our concept is grounded in the principle that “regional problems require regional solutions.”Responsibility for resolving conflicts and preventing harmful external interference must rest collectively with the nations of Eurasia. #Orthodoxy#Faith#FreedomOfReligion Сertain elements within the American establishment, the so-called deep state, are using the Kiev regime and NATO mechanisms against the Russian Orthodox Church. We see what they are doing and how cynically they behave targeting canonical Orthodoxy, trying to sow discord among Orthodox believers in Europe.

🎙Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with TASS news agency (December 30, 2024) Key points: #Ukraine#USA • We have not received any official signals [from the USA] regarding a settlement in Ukraine. • We are not happy with the proposals made by members of the Trump team to postpone Ukraine’s admission to NATO for 20 years and to station British and European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. • What we need is reliable and legally binding agreements that would eliminate the root causes of the conflict and seal a mechanism precluding the possibility of their violation. #RussiaUSA#NATO • We are ready to renew the political dialogue which Washington terminated after the start of the special military operation, if the United States is ready for this. Since it was the Americans who cut it off, it is for them to make the first move. • They [the West] have been long relying on efforts to interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries, including our closest neighbours, as their foreign policy tool. For many years, Washington and its satellites have been acting this way in an effort to deter and contain their geopolitical rivals and do away with any unwanted actors, as confirmed by what happened in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. #Georgia • The developments in Georgia stem from the double standards when caring for democracy and human rights serves as a pretext for overturning election results after even the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights with its tainted reputation recognised the election as being free and fair. Why do they want to change the results? Just because the puppet masters in Washington and Brussels did not find the way people voted there to their liking. • The United States and the European Union are trying to impose a distorted vision on Tbilisi which consists of dividing everyone into those who are with us and those who are against us. Meanwhile, it seems that Georgian authorities have opted for a sovereign policy which meets the country’s national interests. They refuse to act as pawns manipulated by the West in its effort to destabilise Georgia, undermine its economy and incite escalation in its relations with Russia. #Syria#MiddleEast • The Syrians’ hopes for improvements after a convincing defeat of international terrorism, including with the help of Russia’s Aerospace Forces, have not materialised. • Washington, which has effectively occupied the resource-rich north-eastern part of Syria and is putting serious sanctions pressure on Damascus together with a coalition of its satellites, bears a great deal of blame for this. This line for strangling the Syrian economy stirred up social discontent. • Trying to maintain its influence [in the Middle East and North Africa], Washington actively interfered in the internal affairs of Arab countries and aggressively drew new dividing lines there. Iraq and Libya are still trying to clear up the consequences of the Americans and their satellites’ reckless behaviour. #China • The Americans are taking inciting actions in the Taiwan Strait and supplying weapons to Taipei while forging a quasi-political dialogue with the local authorities. • It is clear to us that this policy pursued by Washington in violation of its obligations to Beijing on Taiwan is part of their strategy to step up military and political pressure on the PRC and eventually undermine regional security at the eastern end of the Eurasian continent. • Russia reaffirms its adherence to the #OneChina principle, recognises that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, opposes any form of “Taiwan independence,” and firmly supports China’s measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieve national reunification. Read in full

🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putinsummed up the results of the year and answered questions from journalists and the people of Russia in a live broadcast (December 19, 2024) #Sovereignty • Russia has become significantly stronger. We are becoming a truly sovereign country. We are capable of firmly standing on our feet when it comes to the economy. We are strengthening our defence capability. • Sovereignty is extremely important. It comes from within, should be embedded in the heart itself. #RussianEconomy • The situation in Russian economy is stable and solid. We are growing in spite of any external threats or attempts at outside influence. • International financial and economic institutions ranked Russia as Europe’sbiggest economy in terms of volume, in terms of purchasing power parity, and the world’s 4th largest economy. #UkrainianCrisis • If one were to look at the situation in 2022, knowing what is happening now, I would think the early 2022 decision [to start the special military operation] should have been made sooner. • We are ready to engage in dialogue without any preconditions. However, as I have mentioned numerous times before, based on the agreements that we reached during the negotiation process in Istanbul at the end of 2022 and proceeding from the current realities on the ground. • There is no indication in the Ukrainian constitution that the president's powers сould be extended. If one takes part in elections and becomes legitimate, then we will talk to that person, even if it's Zelensky. #Syria • Our position firmly aligns with international law and the sovereignty of all nations, including respect for Syria’s territorial integrity. This extends to supporting the stance of the current authorities governing the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic. • The main beneficiary of the developments in Syria is Israel. Russia condemns the seizure of Syrian territories. Our position on this matter is clear and unchanging. #NuclearDoctrine • [In the new Basic Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence] we are talking about some new military hazards that may grow into military threats. • If non-nuclear states threaten our existence, participate in an aggression against the Russian Federation alongside the countries that have nuclear weapons, we consider ourselves entitled to use nuclear weapons vs them. • If similar threats are posed to Belarus, our ally and member of the Union State, the Russian Federation will consider these threats as threats to Russia. And we will do everything to ensure the security of Belarus. #Oreshnik • Medium-range Oreshnik missile system is a modern, a brand new weapon which can strike targets located up to 5'500 km away. • Our missile needs a few seconds to start dispensing warheads There is no chance of shooting down these missiles. #BRICS • BRICS is not a tool for countering the West. We focus on our own interests and the interests of the group’s member countries. • Ensuring reciprocity, mutual respect and respecting each other’s interests have been our core guiding principles in this effort. We adopt all decisions by consensus. #RussiaChina • Everything [Russia and China] do in relation to each other and how we do it is based on absolute trust to policies of both Sides. We engage in nothing that contradicts our interests, and we do much that benefits both the Chinese people and the peoples of the Russian Federation. <...> The bilateral trade volume is estimated at $220-240 billion, and it continues to grow. #RussiaUSA • I don’t know when we will meet [with Donald Trump]. I haven't spoken to him for more than four years. I’m ready to talk any time and will be ready to meet with him. #Victory80 • We will be happy to see all those who wish to visit our country to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Victory over Nazism. • The losses of the US and Britain in World War II are incomparable to those of the Soviet Union. Their contribution varied, yet we all the same cherish their participation. Read in full