🎙 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview to the newspaper "Arguments and Facts" (October 21, 2024)
Key Points:
#BRICS
• BRICS epitomises the shifts that have long been underway in the global economy. New centres of economic growth are emerging, and alongside them comes financial influence, which in turn brings political influence.
• BRICS is a consortium where no single nation leads or is led, devoid of the bureaucratic machinery akin to that observed in Brussels, where EU officials impose decisions that contravene the will and interests of several member states, failing to align with the aspirations of voters across many countries.
• BRICS does not stand in opposition to any entity, nor does it orchestrate operations or initiate projects. BRICS is committed to enhancing the combined potential of its nations and devising collaborative strategies for harnessing these potentials for mutual benefit.
• What makes BRICS and other World Majority or Global East associations that do not include Western countries stand out, is that they are not created for the purpose of struggling or fighting with anyone. They are established to collectively benefit from their competitive advantages such as geographical location, shared history, cultural and humanitarian proximity <...>.
#USA
• The US is unwilling to relinquish the reins of power that they have held since World War II through the Bretton Woods institutions and through the role assigned to the US dollar in the international monetary system, even after free exchange of US dollars for gold had been cancelled.
• The key goal of the US ruling class is to make sure no one can undermine their dominance. This goal is illusory. The historical process is objectively heading in a different direction, and this has to be reckoned with.
• We are ready to interact with any administration voted in by the American people, but only if such a dialogue is mutually respectful, and both parties listen and hear what the other party has to say.
#Ukraine
• On multiple occasions, European leaders from Brussels have repeatedly made it clear that they must support Ukraine for as long as it takes, because Ukraine is fighting for the European values.
• It turns out that European leaders are still willing to uphold Nazi values, which is why denazification is not just a motto, but an objective of utmost importance.
#UN
• The United Nations is not a valiant knight expected to “charge in and extinguish the fire” upon witnessing injustice. The UN is an assembly of its member states, each with established rules, including the Security Council's veto rights. The United States has effectively exercised this right five times over the past year, blocking a resolution proposed by several countries, including Russia, demanding an immediate ceasefire. <...> Presently, the United States is taking every measure to avoid antagonising Israel.
• Nations such as India, Brazil, and African representatives should have long held permanent seats on the Security Council. This is essential to ensure representation of the World Majority.
#Finland#Sweden#NATO
• The zeal that the Finns and Swedes are showing in NATO, advocating for defeating Russia, is not only rooted in their historical instincts. They are also eager to show their Big Brothers in the North Atlantic Alliance that they have brought added value <...>.
• I am confident that reasonable people in Europe, who have learned the lessons taught by history, see this too, including in Finland and Sweden.
#Europe
• To reiterate, the so-called right-wing conservatives are loyal to their countries and their people. We will engage with anyone who approaches us with a proposal to talk, to seek common ground, and to think about how we can jointly make the lives of our citizens better.
#EurasianSecurity
• We suggest discussing the Eurasian continent-wide security architecture, emphasising the fact that its doors will be open to everyone, including countries from the West of the Eurasian continent.
⚡️Joint Declaration of the Russian Federationandthe People’s Republic of China on Further Strengthening of Cooperation to Uphold the Authority of International Law
unofficial translation
📃 1. The Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China reaffirm their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era. They firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its center, the international order based on international law, and the central role of the United Nations in international affairs. They reiterate the 2016 Declaration of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on the Promotion of International law.
🔹 2. The Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China believe that codification and progressive development of international law must take account of the realities of a multipolar world, primarily within the efforts taken under the aegis of the United Nations. They support widest possible participation of States in UN treaties and uniform interpretation and application thereof.
They also note the importance of using the potential of regional, subregional and cross-regional multilateral mechanisms, organizations and integration systems such as #BRICS or the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, in elaborating norms of international law, if this is in the best interests of the respective region and participating States.
🔹 8. The Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China oppose and condemn unilateral sanctions that violate international law, in particular the principles of sovereign equality of States, State immunity and non-interference in internal affairs of States, and are not authorized by the Security Council, as well as long-arm jurisdiction and division along ideological lines, and emphasize that States have the right to conduct normal economic and trade cooperation.
🔹 10. The Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China reaffirm the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes and express their firm conviction that States shall resolve their disputes through dispute settlement means and mechanisms that they have agreed upon.
<...>
🔹 13. The Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China assert that international obligations regarding immunity of States, their officials and State property, including but not limited to property of the central bank or other monetary authority of State, diplomatic and consular property, cultural heritage of the State, must be honored by States at all times.
🔹 16. The Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China call for continued efforts to strengthen the system of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and at preserving its integrity and validity for maintaining global stability and international peace and security which is in the strongest interest of humankind.
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🔹 21. The Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China reaffirm that international law, in particular the Charter of the United Nations, is applicable and essential to maintaining peace and stability and promoting an open, secure, stable, accessible, peaceful and interoperable Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) environment.
<...>
🔹 24. Having in mind the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Second World War that helped to shape the very structure of relations between nations in the modern age including the founding of the United Nations, the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China agree to jointly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, as well as international fairness and justice.
✍️Done at Moscow, on May 8, 2025.
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🎙Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at Session II of the XVII BRICS Summit «Strengthening multilateral world order, financial and economic issues, artificial intelligence»(Rio de Janeiro, July 6, 2025)
📄Read in full
Key talking points:
• Strengthening the multilateral world order while the international system goes through fundamental transformations is one of the crucial tasks for#BRICS and for the entire international community.
• Multipolarity is not a choice but rather an objective reality which succeeds the outdated neoliberal model that actually builds on neocolonial practices. The traditional paradigm of globalization where the predominant role is played by the so-called developed states of the West is becoming a relic.
• Countries of the Global South and East are becoming a main driving force of the global economic growth. Regional organizations such as the African Union, CELAC, ASEAN, SCO, EAEU are playing an increased role. In this context conceptual and practical approaches are being developed to establish a new architecture of world economy based on the principles of equality, multilateralism and non-discrimination in trade, financial settlements, technology, logistics.
• BRICS countries account for more than 40% of the global gross domestic product based on purchasing power parity, and together with partner countries this figure is at 45% or 93 trillion dollars. Today BRICS represents more than 20% of global trade and almost a half of world population.
• The share of BRICS countries in trade with Russia is constantly growing and in 2014 it exceeded 48%, with 90% of mutual settlements made in national currencies.
• It is of significant importance to pursue the reform and depolarization of the Bretton-Woods institutions which should reflect a real state of affairs in the world economy. The continued use of the IMF and WB with a view to preserve neocolonial practices is unacceptable.
• The increasingly aggressive attempts by the West to introduce ideological ultimatums into the dialogue as what are virtually the main criteria – based on Western interpretations of human rights and democracy – are having an extremely negative impact on the delivery of the UN sustainable development goals.
• To address imbalances and to mobilize resources for development Russia introduced an initiative to create within BRICS a New Investment Platform with the participation of the New Development Bank (NDB). We thank colleagues for showing their interest to the promising initiative.
• Artificial Intelligence is becoming a critical technology. Experts estimate that AI contribution to the global domestic product will be at 20 trillion dollars by 2030.
• We will need to address issues related to ensuring universal access to advance developments in this field. Secret initiatives put forward by a number of countries and with restricted participation with a view to promote non-consensus approaches are fraught with the most serious consequences.
• The challenges associated with the development of digital technologies are transnational in nature and require collective response.
• I am convinced that BRICS nations together with like-minded countries will continue to lead in promoting a just multipolar world order that will provide favourable conditions for sustainable development of all States without exception.
🎙Remarks by President of Russia Vladimir Putin at the main Plenary Session of the XVII BRICS Summit(July 6, 2025)
💬President Putin: Colleagues, friends.
First of all, I would like to join the words of gratitude to President Lula da Silva and the Brazilian Chairmanship for their active efforts in advancing the strategic partnership within #BRICS.
It is important that the BRICS countries continue to deepen their cooperation across key sectors in politics, security, the economy and finance, cultural and humanitarian contacts.
This group has significantly grown and now includes leading states in Eurasia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Together, we possess a vast political, economic, scientific, technological, and human potential.
📈 The BRICS countries account for not only a third of the Earth’s landmass and almost half the planet’s population, but also for 40 percent of the global economy, while their combined GDP at purchasing power parity stands at $77 trillion. This is the 2025 data according to the IMF. By the way, BRICS is substantially ahead of other groups in this parameter, including G7 with $57 trillion.
Year after year, our group’s global authority and influence continue growing. BRICS has rightfully established itself as one of the key centres of global governance, with our collective voice in support of the global majority’s vital interests resonating ever more powerfully across the international stage.
BRICS has many supporters in the Global South and East. The culture of an open partnership and cooperation, mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests in the group appeals to them. Based on this knowledge, during the summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, we decided to establish a category of BRICS partner states, to develop ad hoc practical cooperation with all interested countries. BRICS has ten partner states to date.
🌐 I will stress that the BRICS countries represent different development models, religions, authentic civilisations and cultures, while unanimously upholding equality and neighbourliness. They prioritise traditional values, the high ideals of friendship and accord, striving to contribute to global stability and security, the prosperity and success of all nations. Without doubt, this constructive approach and unifying agenda are highly relevant amidst the geopolitical challenges of today.
We all see that the world is experiencing tectonic shifts. The unipolar system of international relations that once served the interests of the so-called golden billion, is losing its relevance, replaced by a more just multi-polar world. Global economic patterns are changing faster. Everything indicates that the liberal globalisation model is becoming obsolete while the centre of business activity is gravitating towards developing markets, launching a powerful growth wave, including in the BRICS countries. To maximise the emerging prospects, it is important to intensify cooperation within the group, primarily in technology, effective resource development, logistics, insurance, trade and finance.
It is important to continue expanding the use of national currencies in mutual payments. It is believed that creating an independent payment and monetary system within BRICS will expedite currency transactions while also ensuring their effectiveness and security. Furthermore, using national currencies in trade within BRICS is steadily growing. In 2024, the share of Russia’s national currency, the ruble, and the currencies of our friendly states in transactions with Russia and other BRICS countries reached 90 percent.
📄Read in full
🤝 On October 29, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with the heads of diplomatic missions of the #BRICS countries accredited in Moscow.
They discussed ways to further strengthen strategic partnerships within BRICS in the light of the outcomes of the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan on October 22-24 and chaired by Russia.
The Parties had a thorough exchange of views on the situation in and around Ukraine. The Russian Side laid out the fundamental approaches to the Ukrainian crisis resolution based on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initiative of June 14, highlighting the cornerstones of Moscow’s stance on the issue.
Those include:
• withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from all Russian regions,
• recognition of those regions as Russian territory,
• termination of Kiev’s attempts to apply for NATO membership,
• the lifting of Western sanctions against Russia,
• all-out guarantees of the rights of the Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine.
The meeting took place in a friendly and constructive atmosphere.
🇷🇺🇵🇸 President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas held a meeting on the sidelines of the XVI BRICS Summit in Kazan (October 24, 2024)
💬 President Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,
During your visit to Moscow in August, we engaged in extensive discussions, exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, reviewed crucial aspects of Russian-Palestinian cooperation, and also concurred that you would attend the #BRICS Summit in Kazan to continue our dialogue.
Regrettably, since our previous meeting, the situation in the region has not improved; on the contrary, it is deteriorating. The tragic events in the Gaza Strip have already led to more than 40,000 deaths and provoked tensions in Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East. Tensions are also escalating in the West Bank. We all bear witness to this.
Russia's principled position is consistent and absolutely impartial: we firmly advocate for an early cessation of bloodshed and the provision of humanitarian access to all those in need. We urge all parties to exercise restraint.
A lasting peace in the region can only be achieved through a political and diplomatic settlement based on recognised international legal grounds and platform, which provide for the establishment of an independent sovereign Palestinian State that would coexist in peace and security with Israel.
Russia has traditionally devoted special attention to the Middle East settlement issue. Among other efforts, we have been addressing this issue during our BRICS chairmanship. As you observed at the meeting and during bilateral contacts, BRICS countries have similar approaches. This was affirmed both by the extraordinary BRICS summit on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the discussion that took place here in Kazan.
Of course, Russia cannot overlook the needs of the people. As you are aware, we have transferred over 800 tonnes of supplies, including food and medicine, to the Palestinians. Naturally, we will do everything within our power to steer the situation towards the resolution of all the problems in this area.
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with RBC media holding on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (September 6, 2024)
❓ My first question has to do with the forum’s main theme, Combining Strengths to Create New Potential. What new global potential is referred to here? Which countries is Russia ready to join forces with to create it?
💬 Sergey Lavrov: The idea is to create potential that will help countries become independent of the unipolar world, which Washington and the allies it has subjected to its will are trying to impose on the world to preserve their hegemony.
The West, which has been living at the expense of former colonies for centuries, is trying to sponge off others now in a seemingly more acceptable manner. We have the potential to overcome the obstacles created by the West with the use of the globalisation instruments it has created and is imposing on others.
More and more countries, almost all normal and independent states, are coming to see that nobody can be safe from the actions the West is taking to preserve its domination over Russia (it is the most striking example) and such countries as Iran, Venezuela, the DPRK and increasingly China.
[The West] wants to hinder its technological advancement and prevent it from gaining competitive advantages by imposing artificially inflated tariffs on the import of Chinese electric vehicles. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has said that they are doing this because China’s exports to Europe are too cheap. Is this fair competition?
The Americans have been essentially blocking the operation of the WTO, one of the main dispute settlement agencies, for years. They did it when Washington saw that China was beating them by playing by the rules created by the Word Trade Organisation. They prevent a quorum from being assembled to block additional appointments to vacancies in that agency.
In their documents, #BRICS and other associations of the emerging economies such as the African Union, CELAC and ASEAN, are increasingly calling for a fair reform of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank group, so that the number of votes the developing countries have in them reflects their real weight in the global economy and finance. <...>
Key talking points
• We do not want Nazi values, theories and practices, a ban on the freedom of speech, national languages, cultures and traditions, a ban on canonical churches and the like. The essence of our values is set out in the UN Charter.
• A major element of the UN Charter which BRICS fully accepts is a genuine concern for human rights. They must be respected regardless of race, sex, language or religion.
• As for NATO membership and the EU candidate status, which Türkiye was awarded nearly 70 years ago, a Turkish official has recently said that there are no rules in BRICS to preclude members of some organisations from associating with the group. The main requirement for full members of the group and countries that are developing various forms of cooperation with it is to share common values. It is not the values the EU is defending in Ukraine.
• We recognise the need to formalise relationships between BRICS members and the growing number of countries expressing interest in cooperating with the association, which now exceeds 30. This truly reflects the multipolar nature of the global landscape.
• Zelensky is not ready for honest talks. The West will not let him near them. They have set the goal — to radically weaken Russia and to inflict a "strategic defeat" on us. Zelensky is no longer able to understand what meets the interests of Ukrainians.
• The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has stopped lending funds for projects in Russia. The IMF and the World Bank have suspended all their projects in our country. They are not democratic structures.
• Our position on Taiwan has long been known: China is a single and united state, and the government of China is the only government of the People’s Republic of China.
⚡️ Last call for applications!⚡️
Great opportunities shouldn’t be missed because of a deadline, so the organizers are extending applications for #BRICS MediaLab 2.0!
From March 29 to April 2, theGorchakov Fund, together with the HSE University Nizhny Novgorod campus and the Georgy Grechko Planetarium, will host an educational programme for students, young journalists and bloggers from BRICS+ countries.
🚀Theme: “Beyond Politics: From Dialogue About the Stars to the Media of the Future.”
In the year marking the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s spaceflight, the participants will explore outer space as a platform for global dialogue and learn how to translate this conversation into the language of new media.
What’s in store?
⭐️ Meetings with science communicators, media experts and international communications practitioners
⭐️ Visit to the Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium
⭐️ Teamwork and the creation of your own media project
📍New deadline: March 8, 23:59 (Moscow time)
Apply NOW
🎙 Russia's President Vladimir Putin addressed the Plenary Session of the 10th #BRICS Parliamentary Forum (July 11, St Petersburg)
💬 President Vladimir Putin: The theme of this forum — The Role of Parliaments in Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security — is extremely important. It speaks for itself, highlighting the nature of the fundamental global transformations underway today.
Your open discussions, the face-to-face conversations between legislators representing their voters fully align with the principles that underpin BRICS philosophy. These include consideration of each other’s interests, reliance on democracy in international relations, respect for sovereignty of nations and their right to determine their own development trajectories.
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🌐 We understand very well that formation of a world order that reflects the real balance of forces and the new geopolitical, economic and demographic reality is a complicated and, unfortunately, even painful process – mainly because the efforts of the BRICS members and other developing countries are facing fierce resistance from the ruling elites of the so-called “golden billion” states.
Acting contrary to historical logic and often to the detriment of the long-term interests of their own nations, they seek to cement a certain order based on their own so-called rules that nobody has ever seen, discussed or adopted. These rules are written or corrected every time anew, to suit every specific situation and in the interests of those who consider themselves exceptional and arrogated the right to dictate their will to others. This is classical colonialism at its best, a clear attempt to replace legitimate international law and monopolise the ultimate truth – and this monopoly is destructive.
The pressure on those who have their own stance is growing. Contrary to the principles of international law, they are using force and coercion, unilateral sanctions, selective application of trade rules, and blackmail.
We have seen attempts to restrict direct contacts between lawmakers, which goes against the principle of free interparliamentary cooperation and the sovereign right of official representatives of every state to protect their national interests.
That is why today the significance and relevance of collective work by people’s representatives on the constructive agenda of our association are rising dramatically.
🇷🇺 Let me remind you that the main goal of Russia’s BRICS Chairmanship this year is to create the most favourable conditions for consistent development of all its members. I am convinced that, by acting together in unity, we will be able to fulfill our countries’ potential in the economy, investment, technology, and human capital; to strengthen the positive impact of BRICS on global developments and make the world safer and more harmonious.
Read in full - t.ly/DT-Hd
✍️ President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants, organisers, and guests of the 12th St Petersburg International Legal Forum (June 26, 2024)
💬 The extensive agenda and impressive composition of the forum have made your meetings a major social event. In the course of substantive discussions, prominent legal scholars, experts, and practicing lawyers will exchange experience, discuss legislative innovations and initiatives and expand their professional contacts.
Russia invariably defends the principle of the rule of law both in its domestic life and in the international arena. I firmly believe that in present-day conditions, the generally accepted laws remain a solid foundation on which we should build to promote stability on the planet and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as well as human and civil rights and freedoms. The key role of law is undeniable in solving global and regional problems, developing economic and humanitarian ties and, of course, combatting common threats.
🤝 Russia is the #BRICS chair country this year. Along with our partners, we are committed to developing effective legal regulation that can strengthen food and energy security and contribute to the protection of the environment and climate, as well as to the creation of fair rules for global trade and technological cooperation. We are ready to step up cooperation in these areas with other countries, above all from the Asia-Pacific region, Africa, and Latin America.
Read in full: http://tiny.cc/lpiuyz
🇷🇺🇸🇦Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud hold a meeting on the sidelines of the #BRICS Ministerial
📍Nizhny Novgorod, June 10
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the #BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Full video (dubbed in English)
📍 Nizhny Novgorod, June 10, 2024