🎙 Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s comment on the liberation of the Kursk Region (April 26, 2025)

💬 On April 26, with the liberation of the village of Gornal, the Kursk Region was completely cleansed of the Ukrobanderite occupiers and foreign militants.

It became possible thanks to the unbending strength of spirit and heroism of many people who selflessly, day after day, did their best to defeat the enemy who had treacherously invaded our land.

This is not the first time in history that the Kursk Region has become a theatre of military operations, whose outcome determined so much. More than 80 years ago, in the summer of 1943, Hitler's Germany, in an attempt to defeat the Red Army, concentrated here a significant strike force.

The Nazis threw their, as they thought, best forces into the battle, including SS tank divisions. It did not work. The failure of the Kursk Bulge battle for the Nazis is well known to everyone.

In August 2024, the Kiev regime, following the same schemes as its ideological idols, also decided to put its fate to the test.

The terrorist attack on the Kursk Region involved elite units of Ukraine's armed units supplemented with Western weapons and armoured vehicles. Its preparation and execution were carried out by foreign military advisers. This barbaric attack was presented to the international community as an operation to "demonstrate the combat capability of the Ukrainian army" and "improve Ukraine's negotiating positions."

The enemy faced the unwavering steadfastness and courage of our soldiers and officers, who, at the cost of their lives, did not allow the Ukro-Nazis to penetrate deep into the region, and then liberated it metre by metre. As a result, the enemy was completely defeated and the remnants of its troops were thrown out of the Kursk Region.

We admire the valour of the Russian Federation servicemen who took part in combat operations in this area. Their unequalled valour, bravery and readiness for self-sacrifice made it possible to successfully carry out combat tasks assigned to them.

🇷🇺🤝🇰🇵 A new page has appeared in the glorious chronicle of the combat brotherhood between the Russian and the Korean peoples.

The soldiers of the Korean People's Army, in accordance with the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and the DPRK, which entered into force on December 4, 2024, fought shoulder to shoulder, in the same trench and shed blood with our soldiers and officers in the Kursk Region and made a significant contribution to the liberation of the Russian land from the enemy invaders.

The Kursk people, who were forced to leave their homes, lost contact with their relatives and were subjected to atrocities and torture by Ukrainian militants, bore an enormous burden of the invasion. We pay tribute to those of them who, in the first days of the tragedy, did not tremble in the face of heavily armed thugs and stood up to defend their land, often at the cost of their own lives.

The Russian law enforcement authorities are carrying out a thorough investigation into all crimes committed in the Kursk Region by Ukrainian militants and foreign mercenaries. Those involved will be identified, prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law.

❗️Following the Kursk Region, all territories of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation still under the Kiev regime's control, including the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, the Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions, will definitely be liberated.

⚡️ Russia's President Vladimir Putin met with Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (April 26, 2025)

💬 Valery Gerasimov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
Today, we liberated the village of Gornal, the last populated area in the Kursk Region, from the Kiev regime troops.

Units of the 22nd Motor Rifle Regiment of the 72nd Division, the 810th and 40th Separate Marine Brigades, the 177th Separate Marine Regiment and the 1427th Motor Rifle Regiment have particularly distinguished themselves in this regard.

The defeat of the armed formations of the Ukrainian armed forces that invaded the Kursk Region has thus been completed.

The plans of the Kiev regime to create a so-called strategic bridgehead and disrupt our offensive in Donbas have failed.

<...>

The total losses of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to more than 76,000 servicemen, killed and wounded. In fact, the enemy lost the original grouping and even more. We destroyed more than 7,700 pieces of military equipment, including 412 tanks, 340 infantry fighting vehicles, 314 armoured personnel carriers and about 2,300 other armoured combat vehicles.

🇷🇺🤝🇰🇵 I want to point out the participation of servicemen from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the liberation of the Kursk Region's border areas, who, in accordance with the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our countries, provided significant assistance in defeating the invading group of the Ukrainian armed forces.

Soldiers and officers of the Korean People's Army, carrying out combat missions shoulder to shoulder with Russian servicemen, displayed high professionalism, fortitude, courage and heroism in repulsing the Ukrainian invasion.

***

💬 President Vladimir Putin: Mr Gerasimov, over the past few months, you have been regularly reporting to me on the situation in the Kursk Region and highlighting our most efficient units. I can't help mentioning them again today.

These are: the 76th Airborne Division and its 234th Airborne Assault Regiment, the 237th Airborne Assault Regiment and its 104th Airborne Assault Regiment; the 106th Airborne Division and its 119th Parachute Regiment, the 137th Parachute Regiment, and the 51st Parachute Regiment.

These are the 56th Airborne Assault Regiment of the 7th Airborne Assault Division; two Akhmat regiments – the 204th Akhmat Special Forces Regiment and the 1434th Akhmat Motorized Infantry Regiment; the 22nd Motorized Infantry Regiment of the 72nd Division, the 11th Airborne Assault Brigade, the 83rd Separate Airborne Assault Brigade.

Finally, our marines, our glorious marines – the 155th Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet, the 810th Marine Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet.

And of course, as you have just mentioned, the Veterans volunteer force, which carried out a daring underground landing in the area of Sudzha and created conditions for its complete liberation.

I would like to congratulate the entire personnel of all military units who took part in the defeat of the neo-Nazi formations that invaded Russian territory in the Kursk Region.

👉 The gamble of the Kiev regime has completely failed and the huge losses suffered by the enemy, including most combat-ready, trained and equipped – using, among other things, Western models of equipment – units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including assault units, special forces, will certainly affect the entire line of engagement.

The complete defeat of the enemy in the Kursk border area creates conditions for further successful actions by our troops in other important sectors of the front, bringing the defeat of the neo-Nazi regime closer.

🎉 Congratulations to all the heroes, personnel, soldiers and commanders on this success and victory. Thank you for your courage, heroism, and service to our Fatherland and the people of Russia.

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The President received a report from the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces confirming the complete rout of the Ukrainian military outfits present in the Kursk region

Vladimir Putin extended congratulations and thanks to the personnel of the units that contributed to defeating the neo-Nazi groups.

The Kiev regime's reckless gamble has completely failed, and the enormous casualties the enemy has suffered, especially among the Ukrainian units that were the most battleworthy and best trained and had Western equipment — and we are talking about assault and special forces units here, — will definitely have an impact along the entire length of the line of contact. The total rout of the enemy in the border zone of the Kursk region sets the stage for further successful operations of our troops in other crucial areas of the frontline and brings us closer to the defeat of the neo-Nazi regime.

I would like to congratulate all the personnel, all the soldiers and commanders on this success, their victory. I thank you for your valour and heroism, for your service to our Fatherland and the people of Russia.

🌟 80 years ago, on April 25, 1945, a historical meeting on the Elbe River took place.

The Red Army’s First Ukrainian Front troops under the command of Marshal Ivan Konev met the 69th and 104th infantry divisions of the First US Army under the command of General Omar Bradley.

☝️ This event is important not only historically but also symbolically. It became a prelude for the defeat of Nazi Germany and marked the peak of the allied struggle waged by the anti-Hitler coalition against Nazism. A spirit of unity against a common enemy, which came to be called the Elbe spirit, opened prospects for postwar cooperation at a new level.

#ElbeDay #Victory80

⚡️⚡️ ‘New Jerusalem’ orthodox church attacked by Ukraine UAV burnt to the ground in Russia’s Belgorod region

The Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly attacked the temple at least twice, preventing local residents and firefighters from putting it out. At the time of the attack, four people were inside.

❗️This is not the first time that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have attacked holy sites.

▪️ Lastly, on April 17, Ukrainian troops struck a temple-chapel in the village of Zernovo in the Bryansk region with mortar weapons and kamikaze drones.

#KievRegimeCrimes

🇷🇺🇿🇦 The Russian State Agrarian University received a delegation from South Africa.

Russia’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture Maxim Uvaidov and Rector of the University Vladimir Trukhachev discussed with the head of the delegation Tumelo Ramaphosa, CEO of Studex Group, prospects for cooperation in agronomy and new technologies in fruit and vegetable growing.

👉 The delegation visited the fruit station, a unique scientific center for the selection of fruit crops and technologies for growing highly productive varieties of fruits and berries.

Source: Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy

#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaAfrica

Ambassador-at-large Marat Berdyiev, Russia’s #G20 Sous-Sherpa:

We took note of the updated forecasts for the dynamics of the global economy presented by the International Monetary Fund on April 22 during the spring session.

Key points:

📈 Global economic growth rates will be at 2.8% in 2025 and at 3% in 2026, which is lower than the January expectations of 3.3%. Such trends are based on the "reorder of national policy priorities" and increasing uncertainty.

📈 The swift escalation of trade tensions and extremely high levels of policy uncertainty are expected to to further "undermine" the prospects of the global economy. Trade barriers will inevitably lead to new disruptions in global supply chains, reduce labor productivity, reduce competition, and exacerbate industry imbalances.

📈 Another round of volatility in financial markets, in turn, will increase the risks for the poorest countries, which are already experiencing significant pressure against the backdrop of a serious debt burden.

It is characteristic that emerging economies have once again taken the leading positions in terms of GDP growth rates. For them, the indicators for 2025/26 are at 3.7% and 3.9%, which is more than twice as high as the indicators for developed economies. Europeans have been balancing at around zero for several years now.

📈 As for Russia, the IMF estimated GDP growth in our country for 2024 at 4.1% (according to the latest publications of Rosstat - 4.3%).

#IMF #G20

Colonialism 3.0. The origins and methods of modern Western globalism

#BRICS presents an alternative to Western dominance, not merely as a counterweight but as a model of international cooperation grounded in equality. The increasing interest from countries eager to join BRICS underscores the relevance of this approach.

In multiple socio-economic metrics, BRICS has already outpaced the Group of Seven, which comprises the leading Western nations, and has gained significant authority on the global stage.

📖 Read the report prepared by the TASS Analytical Center with the support of the BRICS Expert Council – Russia aiming to explore the roots and mechanisms of modern neocolonialism

#BRICS #BRICSExpertCouncil #neocolonialism #StopColonialism

✍️ From the article “Lost Illusions, or How the International Criminal Courthas become a legal nonentity” by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman, Security Council of the Russian Federation, PhD in law

🔹 The world keeps changing, and not always for the better. We have witnessed the rapid degradation of many supranational legal structures, which have fallen victim to their dependence on the will, funding and values of the so-called collective West. This is true, for instance, for the International Criminal Court (the Hague Criminal Court).

🔹 As of February 2025, 125 states are parties to the Rome Statute (in the UN there are 193 members). Despite their number, the ICC does not represent the international community of states as a whole and does not act in its name. Three out of five permanent members of the UN Security Council are not parties to it (Russia, China and the USA), along with industrialised and densely populated Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia), many Arab countries.

🔹 It is no coincidence that former Chair of the African Union Commission Jean Ping told journalists that the Court is a toy of declining imperial powers. Opinions spread that apparently the ICC was only interested in prosecuting Africans who confronted the Western influence, and used Africa as a laboratory for testing international criminal justice.

🔹 Yet it was in terms of the arrest warrants issued for heads of sovereign states that the ICC reached the pinnacle of nonsense and disutility, including Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in respect of the situation in Ukraine. Passing such decisions the ICC officials were well aware of the fact that they would never bring any practical result, saving propaganda consequences obviously in the interests of the same Anglo-Saxon world.

🔹 Unfortunately, at this point we need to recognise [ICC’s] total inefficiency in performing its main task – bringing to liability all those guilty of genocide, aggression, war crimes, those who escaped punishment under national law. All of them, including citizens of Western countries and NATO member states. Of course, it is doubtful that the Hague Criminal Court in its present form and role will make efforts to this end. That is why it shall sink into oblivion.

🔹It seems entirely possible to develop on the regional level (for instance, in the framework of BRICS) a concept of establishing an international legal body as an alternative to the Hague Criminal Court. This new judicial body in BRICS could reiterate the common commitment of its member states to the UN Charter principles, including the principles of immunity of heads of sovereign states from any foreign jurisdiction and non-interference into internal affairs of the states, including by way of unlawful foreign instructing of opposition leaders.

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#ICC #InternationalCriminalCourt #neocolonialism #StopColonialism

Народный артист России Игорь Бутман выступил у мемориала российским морякам в Саймонстауне

24 апреля 2025 года, Саймонстаун, ЮАР

⚓️В рамках визита в Южно-Африканскую Республику для участия в Кейптаунском международном джазовом фестивале народный артист России, выдающийся саксофонист и художественный руководитель Московского джазового оркестра Игорь Бутман посетил памятник российским морякам в Саймонстауне, где исполнил одно из наиболее узнаваемых музыкальных произведений, посвящённых российскому флоту, — Врагу не сдаётся наш гордый «Варяг».

Музыкальное выступление прозвучало у монумента, установленного в честь русских моряков, погибших в XIX веке у берегов Капской провинции. Монумент, расположенный вблизи главной военно-морской базы ВМС ЮАР, является одним из немногих объектов, увековечивших имена членов экипажей кораблей военного флота царской России, нашедших последний приют на африканском континенте.

Генеральное консульство Российской Федерации в Кейптауне обеспечивает проведение церемоний, приуроченных к российским официальным праздникам и при заходе в порт российских судов, а также координирует мероприятия, направленные на сохранение истории установленного в Саймонстауне мемориала. В 2025 году, когда в России отмечается Год защитника Отечества, такие усилия приобретают особую значимость.

🤝Выступление Игоря Бутмана стало частью его культурной программы в Кейптауне и значимым элементом гуманитарного обмена между Россией и Южной Африкой.

🎷В рамках предстоящего фестиваля Игорь Бутман примет участие в ряде концертов и встреч, представляя российскую джазовую школу на одной из крупнейших музыкальных площадок Африки.

#РоссияЮАР

☝️ Establishing BRICS Grain Exchange will allow SA to buy Russian grain more easily and profitably – expert

Director of the Federal Center for Assessment of Safety and Quality of Agricultural Products Ruslan Khasanov:

"Strategically, South Africa is a regional agricultural and transit hub. Grain and food for other countries in Southern Africa pass through its ports. The port infrastructure (Durban, Cape Town and others) allows for ensuring effective logistics in the region. This hub can be used for transit within the BRICS Grain Exchange."

The initiative to create an exchange will allow South Africa to buy products from leading global suppliers such as Russia and Brazil, including Russian wheat, more easily and profitably. This, in turn, will give Russia a chance to increase grain supplies to South Africa. It is worth noting the possibility of increasing corn exports from South Africa: the creation of a grain exchange can help diversify the sales markets for this crop.

#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaAfrica #BRICS #BRICSGrainExchange

✍️ Vladimir Gorepekin, resident of Avdeevka (under Ukrainian control at the time of the events described):

I personally saw the Ukrainians shelling us. They were hitting from the house 15 on Vorobyovka in the direction of the village with a 82 mm mortar. They set up the mortar, fired it, covered it with a tent and drove off. I saw it. I also saw three mortars standing on the garages here, one was facing Donetsk, the second one was facing the settlement and the third one was facing another part of the town.

The Ukrainian soldier fired three shells at the old part of the city. I saw it, but they didn’t care. They threw a couple of mines, and then fired here at the settlement.

❗️ They simply wanted to intimidate us. They organized the evacuation of Ukrainian citizens. They began to remove them and started shelling. People ran away. A firefighter from the Emergency team perished.

I had an apartment here and now it has disappeared. A shell came in and now there is a hole here. It was a Ukrainian shell. There were about eight shells nearby. Also there were mines and “Grads”. One of them flew by and exploded under a tree.

Read a new report by The International Public Tribunal on the Crimes of Ukrainian Neo-Nazis 'War Crimes of the Kiev Regime. Materials of the International Public Tribunal on the Crimes of Ukrainian Neo-Nazi (2024-2025)'

⚠️ It presents direct testimonies of victims of Ukrainian war crimes and crimes against humanity.

#KievRegimeCrimes #NoStatuteOfLimitations #KurskRegion

🎙Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov:

🇷🇺🌍 Russian-African friendship and partnership have a long history: In the last century, our country selflessly helped Africans in their struggle for freedom and independence.

Today, the development of relations with the countries of the continent is among our top priorities. This is recorded in the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation, approved by President Vladimir Putin.

🤝 We support the desire of Africans to play an active role in world affairs. We will continue to promote the strengthening of the continent's position as an independent center of power in the emerging multipolar world order.

👉 Read full text of FM S.Lavrov’s address to the participants of the IV International Youth Forum ‘Russia – Africa: What is Next?’

#RussiaAfrica

🛫 Russia's fully homegrown SJ-100 makes first flight in Komsomolsk-on-Amur – Rostec

The aircraft was powered by Russian-made PD-8 engines. All onboard domestically produced systems functioned steadily, test reports read.
Approximately 40 imported systems and components were replaced with Russian-made alternatives.

✈️ The SJ-100 showed good controllability and in-air stability throughout the flight. The test flight lasted approximately 40 minutes, reaching altitudes of up to 3,000 meters and speeds of up to 500 km/h.

By @Sputnik_Int

#MadeinRussia

🎙 Из выступления заместителя Постоянного представителя России при ООН М.В.Заболоцкой на тематической дискуссии в ознаменование 60-й годовщины Международной конвенции о ликвидации всех форм расовой дискриминации:

🔹 Мы не можем равнодушно относиться к тому, что преступники, воевавшие на стороне нацистов, в настоящее время провозглашаются национальными героями. Из этого идеологического посыла проистекают конкретные дискриминационные законы и практики. Например, в целом ряде стран Балтии существует такая категория как неграждане, которая состоит из проживающих в этих странах русских людей. Эти люди серьезно поражены в правах, в том числе они не могут избирать и быть избранными, занимать должности государственной службы. Политика искоренения всего русского, прежде всего русского языка, проводится в этих странах и проводится на Украине.

❗️ Все это происходит при полном равнодушии #ООН со всеми ее правозащитными механизмами.

🔹 Строившаяся на идеях расового превосходства колониальная политика заложила основу существующей и сегодня несправедливости, и необходимо принять практические меры по ее искоренению. Россия готова поддержать все меры по борьбе с этой несправедливостью, прежде всего реализацию всех задач Международного десятилетия лиц африканского происхождения.

#РоссияООН #РоссияАфрика

⭐️🎬 В Претории прошёл киномарафон, посвященный 80-й годовщине Великой Победы

Посольство России в ЮАР провело киномарафон в рамках празднования 80-й годовщины Великой Победы.

📺 Показ первого фильма в списке – драмы «Сестренка» 2019 г. – был организован специально для юных зрителей, в числе которых на мероприятие были приглашены воспитанники детского дома «Бопелонг» в тауншипе Мамелоди. Гостям были также представлены документальная лента RT «Ленинград. 872 дня ада» и картина «Т-34» (2018).

«9 мая мы вспоминаем не только военную победу над нацизмом, но и необычайную отвагу и самоотверженность советского народа, который сумел пережить одну из самых кровавых войн в истории. Только Советский Союз потерял почти 27 миллионов – каждого седьмого жителя», - отметил Посол Р.Е.Амбаров, открывая мероприятие.

Посол России напомнил, что борьба против нацизма велась и далеко за пределами Европы: африканские солдаты сражались так же храбро, и многие из них впоследствии стали во главе освободительных движений у себя на родине.

«В ходе войны общество “Друзья Советского Союза”, функционировавшее здесь, в Южной Африке, активно организовывало кампании по сбору помощи, показы советского документального кино, знакомило местную аудиторию с русской классической музыкой. Так, в июле 1944 г. в Йоханнесбурге и Кейптауне впервые прозвучала Ленинградская симфония Д.Д.Шостаковича», - подчеркнул Р.Е.Амбаров.

🇷🇺 Посольство России в ЮАР благодарит АО «РОСКИНО», телеканал RT и продюсерскую компанию «Марс Медиа» за содействие в организации киномарафона.

#Победа80 #ВечерРоссийскогоКино #Амбаров #РоссияЮАР

⭐️🎬 Russian Movie Marathon commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory over Nazism held in Pretoria

The Russian Embassy in South Africa hosted a movie marathon in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of #Victory over Nazism.

📺 The first movie in the row, the Russian 2019 drama ‘Sister,’ was screened specifically for children’s audience, with pupils of the Mamelodi Bophelong Orphanage in attendance. Guests of the function were also introduced to the RT documentary ‘Leningrad Unbreakable’ (2024) and the 2018 feature film ‘T-34’ (2018).

“On May 9th, we remember not only a military victory, but also the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of the Soviet people, who endured one of the deadliest wars in history. Nearly 27 million lives were lost in the Soviet Union alone – one in seven citizens,” Ambassador Roman Ambarov said in his introductory remarks.

The Russian Ambassador reminded that the fight against Nazism extended far beyond Europe: African soldiers, too, fought bravely and many later became leaders in their countries’ struggles for independence.

“During the war, the International Association of Friends of the Soviet Union, active here in South Africa, organized aid campaigns, screened Soviet documentaries, and introduced Russian classical music to local audiences. Notably, in July 1944, Dmitriy Shostakovich’s Leningrad Symphony was performed in Johannesburg and Cape Town,” Roman Ambarov pointed out.

🇷🇺 The Russian Embassy in South Africa extends gratitude to AO ‘ROSKINO,’ RT channel and ‘Mars Media’ production company for their assistance in organizing the movie marathon.

#Victory80 #RussianMovieNight #RussianMovieMarathon #RussianCinema #RussianCulture #RussiainSouthAfrica #Ambarov

☦️ В православном приходе в Мидранде состоялось торжественное мероприятие по случаю Светлого Христова Воскресения с участием Патриаршего экзарха Африки митрополита Зарайского Константина, сообщества российских соотечественников, проживающих в ЮАР, и южноафриканских друзей России.

В рамках празднования гостям был представлен спектакль, поставленный воспитанниками воскресной школы при приходе, по завершении которого участники разделили праздничную трапезу.

✍️ Состоялось вручение сертификатов «Тотального диктанта», проведенного двумя неделями ранее.

Накануне, в ночь с 19 на 20 апреля 2025 г. митрополит Зарайский Константин совершил полунощницу, крестный ход, Пасхальную заутреню и Божественную литургию святителя Иоанна Златоуста в кафедральном соборе преподобного Сергия Радонежского.

📸 Фото: Посольство России в ЮАР, Патриарший экзархат Африки

#Пасха2025

⚓️ 2025 marks 500 years since the beginning of the development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR).

In March 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the Decree "On the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the development of the Northern Sea Route by Russia."

☝️ In Dec 1525, Russian diplomat Dmitry Gerasimov put forward an idea about the possibility of getting from Europe to China via the Arctic Ocean. Although the term "Northern Sea Route" itself appeared much later, and the route began to be seriously developed only in the 20th century, this date is considered the starting point in the study of Arctic waters for navigation.

➡️ Key milestones in the development of the NSR:

▪️ 1525 – the first official statement about the possibility of traveling through the Arctic Ocean;

▪️ 1648 – the campaign of Semyon Dezhnev, who proved that there is a sea route between America and Asia;

▪️ 1913 – Georgy Brusilov and Vladimir Rusanov explore the Arctic and chart new routes.

▪️ 1932 – first non-stop sail through the NSR in one navigation;

▪️ 1935 – establishment of the Main Directorate of the NSR in the USSR;

▪️ 1977 – Soviet nuclear icebreaker Arktika reaches the North Pole.

🚢 The length of the NSR comprises 3,000+ nautical miles (5,556 kilometers), it is the shortest route between Europe and Asia connecting the Barents Sea and the Bering Strait.

🌏 Today, the NSR has become not only a strategically important Russian sea route, but also a major international project. Global warming, modernization of port infrastructure, and the construction of powerful icebreakers have made the Arctic more accessible, with the navigation open almost all year round.

Photo: Yuri Smityuk / TASS

⭐️⚓️🚢 The first Arctic Convoy from the Soviet Union's allies arrived in the Arkhangelsk port at the end of the summer of 1941.

There was a shorter sea route – to the port of Murmansk, which besides was ice-free. Yet throughout the autumn of 1941, there were battles around the city, making the destination unsafe for the allied supplies.

❄️ The harsh winter of 1941-1942 made its own adjustments. The port of Arkhangelsk was covered in ice. It was decided to send the arriving convoys to the ice-free port. On Jan 11, 1942, the first convoy PQ-7 arrived in Murmansk.

#Victory80 #ArcticConvoys #WorldWar2

🇷🇺🇿🇦 President of Russia Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa

🔹The presidents discussed issues pertaining to the further development of bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and economy, as well as investment.

🔹In view of the willingness to contribute in the search for ways to peacefully resolve the Ukraine crisis displayed by the South African side, Vladimir Putin outlined Russia's principled stance regarding the necessity to eliminate the root causes behind the conflict and ensure Russia's security interests are respected.

🔹The President of Russia extended his best wishes to Cyril Ramaphosa and the entire South African people for the upcoming Freedom Day, the national day of South Africa celebrated on April 27.

🔹The leaders resolved to maintain contact at various levels.

#RussiaSouthAfrica

☦️ Today Russia celebrates Easter – the most significant holiday in Russian Orthodox religious tradition which follows the 40-days Great Lent.

Just as in other Orthodox countries, in Russia this joyful Holiday is celebrated according to the Julian calendar – usually later than in other Christian countries. Yet, in 2025 it falls on the same day.

The main Easter service in Russia is traditionally carried out in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and attended by top state officials – President and Prime Minister.

In South Africa, Orthodox Christians joyfully celebrate Easter in the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St Sergius of Radonezh in Midrand, which also attracts believers from neighboring countries.

#Easter2025 #OrthodoxEaster

The Holy Fire is LIT — a sacred Orthodox Christian Easter tradition, flames are passed around crowd in Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The Holy Fire will travel nations and countries from here.

#HappyEaster

📹 © The Russian Embassy in Israel

🎷 Igor Butman quartet to perform in South Africa for the first time

On April 25-26, the Igor Butman Quartet will perform at the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

On April 25, Igor Butman will hold a master class for the guests of the Festival. On April 26, the Quartet's performance will conclude the program of the two-day international review, which will feature more than 30 groups from all over the world.

🎹 The program will feature hits from more than 10 albums by Igor Butman, jazz standards, as well as national songs of South Africa and songs in Russian performed by pianist and vocalist Oleg Akkuratov.

Igor Butman:

"We have always dreamed of performing in South Africa. Jazz lives and flourishes here. Playing jazz in one of the most beautiful places on Earth is real happiness. We are preparing for this tour with trembling and will do everything to present Russian jazz at the highest level!"

Igor Butman, saxophone virtuoso, bandleader, club owner and television host, is Russia’s number one jazz personality.

✨ Oleg Accuratov, a unique musician, brilliant performing both academic and jazz music, the winner of the Presidential Prize for Young Artists.

You can read more about Igor Butman and Oleg Accuratov on their websites.

#RussianCulture #DiscoverRussia

🕯️On April 19, the Day of United Actions in Memory of the Genocide of the Soviet People by the Nazis and Their Accomplices during the Great Patriotic War will be observed throughout Russia.

Events are underway in schools, universities, scientific and cultural organizations, regional and municipal institutions. The number of participants is steadily growing every year, which reflects the importance of this topic for our people.

☝️This day was not chosen by chance.

✍️It was on April 19, 1943, that the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR No. 39 "On Punishment for German-Fascist Villains Guilty of Murder and Torture of the Soviet Civilian Population and Captured Red Army Soldiers, for Spies, Traitors of the Motherland from Among Soviet Citizens and for Their Accomplices" was issued.

❗️The adoption of this document was the first fact of recognition of the targeted and large-scale policy of the Nazis and their accomplices to exterminate the civilian population in the occupied territory and the punishability of such crimes.

Today the Russian Foreign Ministry, together with the competent agencies, including the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, is applies efforts to secure the classification of the crimes of the Nazi invaders during the Great Patriotic War as genocide of the peoples of the Soviet Union.

‼️ We are working to ensure that all the facts discovered by Russia’s Investigative Committee and recognized by Russian judicial authorities are reported to the world community in full. In the name of protecting the historical truth and perpetuating the memory of millions of our innocent citizens who fell victims to Nazism and misanthropic ideology.

#Victory80 #NaziGenocide

🇷🇺 Today marks the Day of Accession of Crimea, Taman and Kuban into the Russian empire.

📆This commemorative date in modern Russia was established to draw attention to empress Catherine’s fateful decision of 19 April 1783 and highlight historical context of Crimea being an integral part of Russia.

The history of Russian presence in Crimea starts as long ago as X-XI centuries. The area of Russian principality of Tmutarakan in North-Pontic region spread from eastern Crimea to the foothills of the Caucasus. However, later Russia, torn by internal strives, lost control over this territory and it fell under the authority of Byzantium and the Ottoman empire.

⚔️For centuries, Russian lands were raided from the territory of Crimea. People were seized, enslaved and later sold at slave markets including in Constantinople.

☝️ In order to eliminate the threat and gain access to the Black Sea young emperor Peter the Great conducted two Azov campaigns in late XVII century.

⚔️ As a result of Russo-Turkish wars of 1735-1739 and 1768-1774, Crimean khanate became independent from the Porte, while the Russian empire gained the ports of Kerch and Enikale, control over the Kerch strait and therewith an unhindered access to the Black Sea from the Azov Sea.

But remaining threat of possible use of Crimea as a bridgehead for attacking Russia by Turkey called into question the integration of Crimea into Russia.

✍️ On 19 April 1783, Russian empress Catherine the Great signed a Manifesto on admission of Crimean peninsula, Taman island and the whole Kuban land into Russian empire.

#RussianHistory #CrimeaisRussia

🎙 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov:

Despite the sanctions, we can not only rely on national currencies but also create payment platforms that are free from external influence. One of them is the Financial Messaging System of the Central Bank of Russia, which is convenient and does not depend on #SWIFT.

☝️ There are several other initiatives, including those that are being considered within #BRICS.

Brazil has proposed creating alternative payment platforms, and this work is underway. I am confident that even the countries that are not members of this group will be able to gain access to such mechanisms after they are created.

#Lavrov #BRICS

#opinion

✍️ ‘Russia will tell our story’: African experts react to Moscow’s major media move
By RT

In February, Russian news agency @Sputnik_Int opened its first African editorial center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital.

Foreign policy experts opine that the move is a clear indication of Moscow’s deliberate intention to intensify its engagements with the African continent.

Boniface Muoka, chairperson of the Department of Security, Diplomacy, and Peace Studies at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya, observes that Russia’s media investment in Africa is not only about stamping Moscow’s diplomatic authority on the continent but also redefining Africa’s image.

“For decades, Western-owned and controlled media coverage of Africa has been skewed, biased, and unfair. Africa’s negative story has dominated Western media and the entry of Russia into this space is likely to turn the tide and show us the other side of the continent,” Muoka told RT.

Muoka adds that since Russia is not interested in “policing Africa,” its media investment will likely be focused on strengthening its relationship with the continent by telling Africa’s positive story.

Read in full

#RussiaAfrica #QuestionMore #RTchannel

🎙 Russian Senator Galina Karelova:

"The Green Future Award is a new experience in forming the #BRICS environmental agenda, a new facet of uniting the efforts of our countries in solving one of the most pressing problems.

It also demonstrates how significant the contribution of women to sustainable development is becoming. It is important to show the best projects to a wide audience so that they find followers and acquire a larger scale."

🌐 The organizing committee has received over 800 applications from BRICS countries. More than half from Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The participants represent government agencies, large businesses, research centers, universities, and joint-stock companies.

Expert evaluation of applications will last until April 22.

👉 Website of Green Future Award

#BRICS #GreenFutureAward

A series of #G20 events on digital issues have concluded in the South African city of Gqeberha: a meeting of the Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) and a meeting of the Task Force (TF) on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development, created at the initiative of South Africa.

✈️ The meetings were held in a constructive manner, with an emphasis on practical issues and without politicizing the agenda. A cross-cutting priority for both groups in 2025 is the issue of equitable, inclusive and fair artificial intelligence (AI).

The following topics were also discussed during these meetings:

▫️Connectivity for inclusive digital development;

▫️ Digital public infrastructure and transformation;

▫️ Digital innovation ecosystems: unlocking the potential of small businesses.

As part of the meeting of the AI Task Force, the delegations discussed the content of the future instruments for assessing inequality in the AI sphere, problems of data availability for research organizations, small businesses and startups which are the main engines of the development of the aforementioned technology in the countries of the Global South.

The topic of generative AI, including the dangerous trend of its malicious use, was also touched upon.

🌐 The participants exchanged views on general trends in the development of AI, primarily in countries with emerging markets; data management problems; building the potential for digital transformation in the public sector, including training the population and civil servants in relevant skills.

🇷🇺 Our country was represented at specialized meetings by a delegation led by the Ministry of Digital Development.
Colleagues noted Russia's successes in developing digital infrastructure and digital platforms that provide services to individuals and private businesses. The importance of ensuring security and trust when using such digital platforms was emphasized. The key element here is the developed Unified Identification and Authentication System.

The Russian delegation pointed out our readiness to share Russian experience, including in the field of strategic planning based on the National Strategy for the Development of AI until 2030 and soft regulation based on the Code of Ethics for AI.

#G20SouthAfrica

🇷🇺🇿🇦 The 18th ITEC session in Moscow considered Russia-South Africa humanitarian cooperation

Russian Minister of Natural Resources, co-chair of the ITEC Alexander Kozlov pointed out that #Russia and #SouthAfrica are increasing cultural exchanges. In September 2024, the Days of Spiritual Culture of Russia in South Africa were successfully held in the cities of Pretoria, Durban and Johannesburg. The program of the project included concerts by the Moscow Synodal Choir and the ensemble "Soloists of Moscow". Screenings of animated films from the Soyuzmultfilm film studio took place.

☝️ For the 2025-2026 academic year, the quota for South African students has been increased by 10 places. Among the most popular areas of study are mathematics, nuclear energy and technology, mechanical engineering and metallurgy.

Pictures by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation

#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaAfrica #RussiaSArelations #SpaceExploration

🇷🇺🚀🇿🇦 Russia and South Africa view expanding cooperation in the field of space

During the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee on trade and economic cooperation between Russia and South Africa (ITEC) opportunities to enhance space cooperation were considered.

“We have positive experience of cooperation in the field of space. On July 23, 2023, with the participation of the heads of Roscosmos and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), a Russian space debris tracking station was put into operation. We will continue to develop this dialogue,” said Russian Minister of Natural Resources, co-chair of the ITEC Alexander Kozlov.

Pictures by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation

#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaAfrica #RussiaSArelations #SpaceExploration

🇷🇺🇿🇦 Metallurgy and energy are among the most promising areas of #Russia-#SouthAfrica cooperation

On 16 April 2025, the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on trade and economic cooperation between Russia and South Africa was held in Moscow.

Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov:

“We are ready to cooperate in the construction of new, as well as the reconstruction, modernization and expansion of existing metallurgical production facilities. This concerns ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, mining and coal industries, and machine-building plants.”

☝️ With regard to the energy sector, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue the dialogue on the construction of renewable energy facilities, as well as to intensify the development of cooperation in the construction and modernization of generation facilities and hydroelectric power plants.

Pictures by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation

#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaAfrica #RussiaSArelations

🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦 Space exploration, metallurgy and agriculture – Russia and South Africa discussed new opportunities for cooperation

At the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on trade and economic cooperation between Russia and South Africa, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov outlined the areas for developing bilateral relations.

👉 In particular, they discussed industry, space exploration, agriculture, education and culture.

“The ITEC gives impetus to the political commitment between South Africa and the Russian Federation to broaden and deepen our economy and trade relations. This is particularly important following the vision of our heads of states bilateral meeting on the sidelines of BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024 to which we serve to define to utilize ITEC platform and other existing mechanisms to increase and diversify our economic and trade cooperation,” South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola noted in his opening remarks.

“South Africa remains one of Russia’s main trading partners on the African continent. Over the past three years, trade between our countries has been stable. There are significant opportunities for growth. We have untapped potential in almost every area,” said Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov.

Almost half of the trade between the countries is agricultural products. On the roadmap is expanding the range of our trade.

Pictures by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation

#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaAfrica #RussiaSArelations

Did you know Russia and South Africa have something majestic in common?

🐋 Whales! These gentle giants migrate and feed in the waters of both nations.

In a move to protect them, the Government of the Russian Federation has officially banned industrial and coastal whaling, including the capture of whales, dolphins, orcas, belugas, and porpoises.

✍️ The law, signed by President Vladimir Putin, came into force on January 10, 2022. This landmark law not only bans commercial capture but also allows the government to impose further protections in Russia's Exclusive Economic Zone – a major win for ocean conservation.

Chukotka remains the only region in Russia where whaling is still permitted – but only for Indigenous peoples of the North, and strictly for supporting their traditional way of life. This culturally rooted, carefully regulated practice stands apart from commercial hunting and is recognized under international norms.

☝️ Our country has also been funding major researches into rare and iconic species, like the beluga whale, since 2008. Although not endangered, belugas are key indicators of Arctic marine ecosystem health and are listed in both Russia’s Red Data Book and the IUCN Red List. President Putin has been personally involved in protecting these iconic animals. In 2009, he took part in an expedition and inspected the beluga whales himself, showing direct support for their conservation.

#Russia #Arctic #SaveTheWhales

🇷🇺🇿🇦В Москве состоялось заседание делового совета Россия-ЮАР.

Участники обсудили взаимодействие двух стран и подготовили план совместной работы.

🇷🇺Президент общероссийской общественной организации «Деловая Россия» Павел Титов:

«Сотрудничество с ЮАР - одно из самых приоритетных направлений для «Деловой России» и, думаю, для многих представителей российского бизнеса. Мы ведем последовательную работу по B2B-запросам российских предпринимателей, плотно взаимодействуем со всеми заинтересованными структурами, чтобы создавать самые комфортные условия для укрепления торгово-экономического сотрудничества наших стран».

Павел Титов обратил внимание, что Москва и Претория ищут возможности запуска взаиморасчетов в национальных валютах и прямого авиасообщения. Президент «Деловой России» подчеркнул, что это поможет развитию двусторонней торговли и увеличит турпотоки, еще больше укрепив партнерство России и ЮАР.

🇿🇦 Министр международных отношений и сотрудничества ЮАР Рональд Ламола:

«Мы должны расширять и диверсифицировать наше экономическое сотрудничество и торговлю. Мы должны смотреть за пределы традиционных отраслей и искать новые возможности для сотрудничества в сферах передовых инноваций, устойчивого развития и трансформации бизнеса. Сейчас у нас есть отличная возможность активно участвовать в экономической жизни двух стран. Успехи, которых достигла Россия в авиакосмической отрасли, энергетике, металлургии, современных технологиях могут помочь ЮАР, особенно в том, что касается безопасности, индустриализации и модернизации инфраструктуры».

Рональд Ламола отметил, что ЮАР является отличной точкой входа для российских предпринимателей и компаний на рынки других стран Африки. Москва и Претория также могут сотрудничать в сферах подготовки кадров, сельского хозяйства, туризма, горной промышленности, что крайне важно для устойчивости и диверсификации экономик двух государств.

На встрече также выступили председатели российской и африканской частей совета – гендиректор автозавода «Урал» Павел Яковлев и президент организации Black Business Council Элиас Монаге. Они рассказали о целях и задачах, стоящих перед советом, а также представили свои предложения по развитию двустороннего сотрудничества.

#РоссияАфрика #РоссияЮАР

🌟 80 years ago, on 16 April 1945 the Red Army’s Berlin Offensive was launched, one of the last major operations of WW2 in Europe which ended in surrender of all German forces and downfall of the Third Reich.

⚔️ It went down in history as the largest battle involving in total more than 3 million soldiers. The troops of the 1st and the 2nd Belorussian and the 1st Ukrainian Fronts supported by the 18th Air Army, Baltic Fleet, Dnieper Flotilla and Polish People’s Army participated in the offensive from the Soviet side, while Nazi Germany was represented by Army Groups “Vistula” and “Center” supported by 4th and 6th air fleets and Air Fleet “Reich”.

⚔️ During the Berlin Offensive the Red Army encircled the enemy’s forces in Berlin, split them apart and eliminated separately. About 150,000 Nazis were killed, about 480,000 captured. The Red Army’s irrecoverable losses amounted to 78,000.

🎖️ More than 1 million Soviet personnel were awarded the Medal "For the Capture of Berlin". As a result of the operation hundreds of thousands of people were released from German captivity including at least 200,000 foreign citizens.

#Victory80 #WorldWar2

🇷🇺🇿🇦 The Russia-South Africa Business Council held a meeting in Moscow

President of the All-Russian public organization "Business Russia" Pavel Titov:

"Cooperation with South Africa is one of the highest priority areas for "Business Russia" and, I think, for many representatives of Russian business. We are consistently working on B2B requests from Russian entrepreneurs, closely interacting with all interested structures in order to create the most comfortable conditions for strengthening trade and economic cooperation between our countries."

Pavel Titov noted that Moscow and Pretoria are looking for opportunities to launch mutual settlements in national currencies and direct flights. The President of "Business Russia" emphasized that this will help develop bilateral trade and increase tourist flows, further strengthening the partnership between Russia and South Africa.

South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola:

"The African continental free trade area provides a complementary backdrop to our bilateral efforts. South Africa is a gateway to Africa and offers Russian investors a strategic endpoint to access one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. By aligning our bilateral initiatives, we will be able to provide fundamental products and ensure sustainable growth"
the Minister is quoted by TV BRICS as saying.

Vladimir Padalko, Vice-President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

"African partners are very interested in developing transport and introducing smart solutions for cities – something we already have working. We are ready to participate in this."

#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaSArelations #RussiaAfrica

Since 2021, the Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) has been successfully operating in #G20, supervised from the Russian side by the Ministry of Education and Science.

We consistently promote domestic initiatives in the RIWG, in particular:

👉 a range of events within the framework of the Decade of Science and Technology announced by the President of Russia;
👉 the federal project "Women: School of Mentoring".

We emphasize the availability of advanced research infrastructure in Russia:

👉 unparalleled mega-science projects;
👉 carbon testing grounds, unique sites in various ecosystems for studying the emission and absorption of climate-active gases.

We attach great importance to strengthening Russia's position in the public format of cooperation - "The Scientific Twenty" (#S20), where our country is represented by the Russian Academy of Sciences.

In 2024, the Brazilian presidency also launched the specialized "ocean twenty" (#O20). The P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology is closely involved in its activities from Russia).

The "Think Twenty" (#T20) makes an important contribution to the G20 efforts. Our country is represented on this track by Marina Larionova from the Center for International Institutions Studies of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration and a group of outstanding researchers and analysts.

The main objective of the T20 is to formulate solutions based on research on key issues on the G20 agenda for their subsequent presentation to state leaders.

We consistently emphasize the key role of the Russian academic community in finding effective responses to global challenges. We actively contribute to stimulating scientific and technological progress and the transition to a digital economy.

Russia is among the world’s top 10:

- in terms of the amount of R&D;
- in terms of existing computing power;
- in the implementation of artificial intelligence.

#G20SouthAfrica

🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦 15 апреля 2025 г. Посол России в ЮАР Р.Е.#Амбаров провел встречу с Заместителем генерального секретаря Африканского национального конгресса Н.Моконьяне.

Были обсуждены последние международные события, возможности для дальнейшего развития взаимовыгодного стратегического партнерства России и ЮАР, а также перспективы укрепления сотрудничества между ведущими политическими партиями двух стран.

#РоссияАфрика #РоссияЮАР

🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦 On 15 April 2025 Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Roman #Ambarov met with Deputy Secretary General of the African National Congress Nomvula Mokonyane.

The meeting was aimed at discussing the latest developments on the international arena, identifying opportunities for further development of mutually beneficial strategic partnership between Russia and South Africa and prospects for consolidating cooperation between the leading political parties of the two countries.

#RussiaAfrica #RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaSArelations

🎙 Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the selective approach to the provisions of the #UN Charter:

The Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States, which was adopted by consensus at the UN General Assembly in 1970, sealed a connection between the principles of the UN Charter, which must be applied in their entirety and interconnectivity.

In addition, the Declaration states that the principle of territorial integrity shall be applied to all states which are conducting themselves in compliance with the principle of self-determination of peoples and are thus possessed of a government representing the whole people belonging to the territory.

☝️ It is clear to everyone that the current Kiev regime does not comply with these criteria. Zelensky’s gang has been systematically and flagrantly infringing on the fundamental freedoms of ethnic Russians and Russian-speaking citizens.

#UnitedNations #UNcharter

🎙 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov:

We have facts about who was inside the building that was hit in Sumy. There was another get-together of Ukrainian military commanders with their Western colleagues who were there under the guise of mercenaries, or someone else.

❗️ NATO military personnel are there and are directly in charge of the operations. Everyone is aware of that.

The New York Times provided an account of the US military personnel playing a key role in attacks on Russia from the very beginning. Without them, most long-range missiles would have never been fired.

Read in full

#Lavrov #UkraineConflict

✍️ Message of greetings to the participants of the meeting of the Russia-South Africa Business Council by Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Roman Ambarov (15 April 2025)

Dear Colleagues,

I extend my sincere greetings to the esteemed participants of the #Russia-#SouthAfrica Business Council meeting.

For the Russian Federation, strengthening mutually beneficial and equitable cooperation with the Republic of South Africa, both on a bilateral basis and within the #BRICS integration framework, is one of the key priorities.

A distinctive feature of our bilateral relations is the high level of political trust, which ensures a stable and constructive dialogue at the highest state level.

🤝 Scientific and technological collaboration is developing dynamically, as well as humanitarian initiatives and inter-parliamentary cooperation, creating institutional mechanisms for strengthening of our partnership.

🇷🇺🇿🇦 At the same time, the potential of economic cooperation between Russia and South Africa remains significant and requires the active utilization of all available instruments to fully unlock it.

One of the key mechanisms that can facilitate the deepening of trade and economic ties is the Russia-South Africa Business Council. This platform has the potential to become an effective catalyst for promoting direct, long-term, and trust-based contacts between the business communities of our countries - an essential factor for implementing joint projects across various sectors. Nevertheless, achieving comprehensive and multifaceted trade and economic cooperation between Russian and South Africa requires significant efforts.

☝️ A key factor in shaping new areas of interaction is the solid historical and political foundation of our bilateral relations. In the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape, it is critically important to identify optimal growth points that fully respond to the mutual interests of our partners. Russia, with its substantial technological, energy, and industrial potential, is fully prepared to offer comprehensive solutions for diversifying and deepening economic ties.

The Embassy, in turn, will continue to contribute what one can to promote the development of sustainable, mutually beneficial and long-term cooperation between our countries and peoples.

I wish you all fruitful and eventful work in the framework of the Russia-South Africa Business Council meeting.

#RussiaAfrica #RussiaSouthAfrica

🎙 Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Maria Zabolotskaya at the forth session of the Permanent Forum on People of #African Descent:

The Russian Federation consistently advocates respect, promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction of any kind as to race, color, nationality or ethnicity, religion and language.

❗️ This principle is in the basis of Russian statehood.

Therefore, we cannot calmly look at the fact that racial discrimination against people of African descent is not a thing of the past, but remains systemic.

☝️ This discrimination exists today despite the fact that 60 years have passed since the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which recognized that discrimination is a crime. However, this crime continues to be committed. It is time to take practical measures that will put an end to this situation.

#RussiaAfrica

🌟 9-year-old Aron Vernitsky reached Berlin in 1945 with the Red Army and wrote “Mom, we have avenged” on the Reichstag’s wall

When the Great Patriotic War broke out, Aron Vernitsky was only 5.

His father was sent to the front, his mother and sister were shot by the Nazis. The boy managed to escape, and later hid in forests and barns. He was found by the soldiers of the Red Army’s 75th Guards Rifle Division.

Aron was assigned to the division as ‘the son of the regiment’ (a child taken into care by a military unit). He worked as a delivery boy, helped restore communications, cleaned shells.

🎖The little soldier went through Belarus, Poland, the Baltics. The young Hero was awarded medals "For the Liberation of Warsaw", "For the Capture of Berlin" and "For the Victory over Germany".

#Victory80

Посол России в ЮАР Р.Е.Амбаров посетил тауншип Соуэто (пригород Йоханнесбурга).

🕯️ Глава российской дипмиссии почтил память погибших в ходе восстания 1976 года в музее Гектора Питерсона и познакомился ближе с историей жизни самого известного борца с апартеидом в Доме Нельсона Манделы.

✍️ В музее Р.Е.Амбаров оставил запись в книге почетных гостей:

«От имени Посольства России в ЮАР позвольте поблагодарить сотрудников музея за сохранение памяти об этих тяжелейших для Южной Африки днях. Горжусь тем, что моя страна – Россия (тогда Советский Союз) – встала плечом к плечу с членами АНК и другими южноафриканцами в нашей общей борьбе за мир и свободу в Южной Африке».

Посольство России в Претории выражает искреннюю благодарность нашим друзьям, которые помогли организовать это мероприятие.

#РоссияЮАР

#RussiaHelps

⚡️ Russia’s EMERCOM has sent another large package of humanitarian aid to Myanmar.

🛬 An Il-76 aircraft of the Emergencies Ministry delivered more than 30 tonnes of essential supplies, including canned goods, grains, sugar, and medical equipment.

🥇The Russian Embassy in South Africa congratulates the winners of the VII International Youth Photo Contest “Without Borders,” organized by the EURASIA Association of Photographers and supported by the Russian Presidential Cultural Fund.

🌐 This year, the contest expanded into an international festival, offering young photographers from around the world a unique platform to showcase their talent. With 15,000 images submitted from 31 countries, the festival highlighted creative works in various genres, from documentary to conceptual photography.

📍🇷🇺 The in-person event, held in Russia’s city of Chelyabinsk from July 8-12, 2024, brought together 300+ young photographers.

🇿🇦🏆 South African winners included Alexa Bothe, Charl Conradie, Liza du Toit, Jani vd Merwe, Thomas Bothe, Marzaan Oosthuizen, Anjani Jara, Haydn McClure, Martin Walters, Merie Langner, Duane Langner, Niel Langner, Jeanine du Rand, Rian Engelbreeht, Anine Engelbreeht, Christelle Engelbreeht.

🎉 Congratulations to all the winners, and we look forward to seeing more of their incredible work!

#WithoutBorders #PhotoContest #RussiaSouthAfrica

Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Roman Ambarov visited the community of #Soweto to honour the memory of the 1976 Soweto Uprising at the Museum of Hector Pieterson and delve into the life history of the world’s most renowned anti-apartheid fighter at Mandela House.

At the museum Roman Ambarov signed the book of honourable guests:

✍️ “From the Russian Embassy in South Africa let me thank the museum and its staff for keeping alive the memories of these horrible days. I am proud that my country – Russia (back then the Soviet Union) was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the ANC and all South African freedom fighters in our common struggle for peace and freedom in South Africa.”

🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦 The Embassy of Russia extends sincerest gratitude to our South African friends who helped arrange this event.

#RussiaSouthAfrica

🇿🇦🚀🇷🇺 South Africa's space program has found a key partner in Russia, Patrick Ndlovu, board chairman of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), told Sputnik Africa on the occasion of Cosmonautics Day celebrated on Saturday.

"I must say that #Russia has been the most willing to partner with #SouthAfrica on various mutually beneficial grounds to actually advance our space and mission as a nation," the expert said.

Pretoria is "confident" that its future in the space sector will be "naturally growing" through the collaboration with the Russia, said Ndlovu, who is also the CEO of Infinity Integrated Solutions.

"It's very interesting because since South Africa restarted our space programs in the 1990s, we have received most of our support from the Russian Federation," he emphasized.

At the same time, South Africa itself significantly contributes to global space efforts by leveraging its geographical location to host equipment from international space agencies and commercial satellite operators, the official noted.

"South Africa is hosting a space debris-tracking telescope from [Russia's State Corporation for Space Activities] Roscosmos, which is a major advancement on that one because it's also cementing the relationship between ourselves and Russia," he gave an example.

By Sputnik Africa
#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaSArelations #RussiaAfrica

#Announcement

🌍 On April 16 at 12:00, the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences will host an international scientific seminar on the status of women in South Africa.

Two reports will be presented on the seminar:

- Ashley Shangare (Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Relations) - on the role of women in African politics, gender issues and political representation on the continent;

- T.A. Andreeva (Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences) - on the first results of a study on the status of women in South Africa, differences between men and women in paid and unpaid work, the role of women in the family and in the labor market, and the difficulties of South African households in the context of the issue of gender distribution of roles.

👉 The working language of the seminar is English

D.A. Turyanitsa (Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences) will comment the reports.

To attend the seminar please send a letter of registration with information of your full name, organization name and format of participation (offline or online) to the email address:

📧 sofya.zamesina@mail.ru no later than April 15.

#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaAfrica #WomenEmpowerment

🇷🇺🇿🇦 Импорт вина в Россию из ЮАР развивается наиболее быстро – эксперт

Вице-президент Российской ассоциации экспертов рынка ритейла Александр Ставцев:

«Мы видим очень активный рост по итогам 2024 года импорта из ЮАР. Страны БРИКС – это сегодня один из наиболее динамично растущих игроков по поставкам. Подрастает импорт вин из Чили, Аргентины – страны Нового Света замещают европейские вина, продажи которых снижаются».

Фото: Pixabay

#RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaAfrica

“Having orbited Earth in a spaceship, I saw for the first time how beautiful our planet is.

People, let us preserve and increase this beauty and not destroy it!”

— Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin

🚀 The world changed forever in those moments when Vostok-1 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and Yuri #Gagarin became the first person in history to enter Earth’s orbit and circle our planet. This collective feat of the entire Soviet Union, its scientists, and cosmonauts marked the beginning of the space era in human history.

🌏 Before the launch of the spacecraft, Yuri Gagarin addressed the people of the entire planet with these inspiring words:

“Dear friends, both familiar and unknown, compatriots, people of all countries and continents!

In just a few minutes, a mighty spacecraft will carry me into the vast expanses of the universe. What can I say to you in these final moments before the launch?

My entire life now seems to me like one beautiful moment. Everything I have lived through and accomplished was done for the sake of this moment.

Am I happy to be embarking on this spaceflight? Of course, I am! After all, throughout history, it has been the highest happiness for people to participate in new discoveries.

Now, only a few minutes remain until the launch. I want to say goodbye to you, my dear friends, as people always say to each other when setting off on a long journey. How I wish I could embrace you all — both those I know and those I don’t, those far away and those close by!

Until we meet again!”

#CosmonauticsDay #Gagarin #FirstInSpace

📌 The Alpha-Dialogue Centre for Additional Professional Education, with support of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund is pleased to announce the upcoming International Forum for Journalists "Russia-Africa. The Way of Friendship and Cooperation".

📍The Forum will take place in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, from April 22 to 23, 2025.

The International Forum aims to create a broad platform for facilitating interaction between Russian and African media outlets and, most importantly, for fostering new connections. The event will bring together journalists from Russia and African countries.

☑️ The Forum will feature representatives from prominent Russian media outlets and news agencies. Participating African media will include representatives from Botswana, Ghana, Guinea, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Ethiopia.

The Forum program includes analytical reports, a round table for exchanging experiences, and a discussion platform.

👉To submit applications, please email: center@alfa-dialog.ru

👉To participate in the online sessions, please register HERE

#RussiaAfrica #GorchakovFund #PublicDiplomacy

🌟10 апреля преподаватели и учащиеся общеобразовательной школы при Посольстве России в ЮАР провели патриотический форум «Без срока давности», приуроченный к празднованию 80-й годовщины Победы в Великой Отечественной войне 1941-1945 гг.

🎙️На открытии мероприятия выступил Посол России в ЮАР Р.Е.Амбаров:

«Все мы ответственны за сохранение памяти о подвиге нашего народа в самой страшной войне в истории человечества. Переломить ее ход и предотвратить торжество нацизма, угрожавшего истребить не только нас, но и целые цивилизации, удалось благодаря героизму наших дедов и прадедов, бабушек и пробабушек, на фронте и в тылу, ценой колоссальных жертв.

Поэтому мы возвращаемся к этой теме, не имеющей срока давности, не только через учебники истории и художественную литературу, политические заявления и научные статьи. Мы обмениваемся личными историями – своих семей, свидетелей и участников событий тех трагических и героических лет, передаем из поколения в поколение ленту памяти, сохранение которой является залогом нашего единства и крепости национального духа». 

🎗️ Преподаватели и учащиеся школы исполнили песни военных лет, выступили с монологами о членах их семей - участниках Великой Отечественной войны. 

В рамках форума проведена финальная часть продолжавшейся с января серии конкурсов среди учащихся школы: сочинений об истории участия членов их семей в Великой Отечественной войне, декламации тематических стенгазет, презентаций городов-героев и истории песен военных лет.

🤍 Все без исключения участники продемонстрировали ответственный подход, представив блестящие работы. 

#Победа80

🌟 On April 10, 1944, the Red Army liberated the city of Odessa from the Nazi German and Romanian invaders as a result of a decisive offensive under the command of Army General Rodion Malinovsky.

The operation began on the night of March 26, 1944, when the 3rd Ukrainian Front formations began to force the Southern Bug River in order to break through the German defences, and lasted until April 14, 1944.

☝️ By 10 am on April 10, as a result of fierce fighting, Odessa was liberated. The Red Army units were strongly supported by partisans and underground fighters, who cleared the city of the enemy and prevented the blowup of the Odessa port, piers, buildings, and warehouses as planned by the Germans.

🕯 The Nazi occupation of the city lasted 907 days. During this time, about 200,000 people perished in Odessa and the surrounding region. Many of them became victims of mass-scale massacres and cruel executions; 78,000 people were shipped for forced labour in Germany, plants and factories were destroyed, and more than 2,000 buildings, including hospitals and schools, were blown up and burned down.

#Victory80 #WorldWar2 #WW2

The official website of the Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN) has been launched

This global online platform is now available to all users. It brings together experts in the field of exposing false information and is essentially an international portal where an honest and open approach to fact-checking is formed, and current investigations and refutations are accumulated.

Russian and English versions of the site are already available, with first investigations published, and expert reports on topical issues provided, such as the challenges and threats of a new wave of "deepfakes".

❌ A resonant material has been prepared for the launch of the site – an investigation into the activities of the recently closed "Voice of America", which had previously been a powerful source of disinformation for decades. Against the backdrop of calls in the EU to save this propaganda mouthpiece, the analytical publication provides numerous examples of this structure using fakes and all the false tools that we have repeatedly discussed. This was confirmed by US revelations.

👉 To remind, in November 2024, the second international forum "Dialogue on Fakes 2.0" was held, organized by the ANO "Dialogue Regions" with the support of the Russian Foreign Ministry, in which more than 1,000 people from 65 countries took part. The key event of the forum was the presentation of the concept and the signing of a memorandum to create the GFCN.

💡 The goal of the GFCN is to coordinate the efforts of fact-checkers, exchange information and fact-checking methods, and raise public awareness of the importance of responsible handling of information.

👉 The registration form for applications to join the GFCN is open. As of today, more than 30 foreign journalists and investigators from 37 countries (Australia, Brazil, the Netherlands, Portugal, France, Spain, Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, Singapore and others) have become members of the GFCN or collaborate with it in fact-checking.

#StopFake #GlobalFactCheckingNetwork #GFCN #FactChecking

Discussions within the #G20 Women Empowerment Working Group established in 2023, are in full swing under the South African presidency.

The first, inaugural meeting of the said WG was held on February 17-18, and the second meeting is scheduled for May 8-9. The Russian delegation in this area is headed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.

The following issues have been chosen by South Africa as key priorities for this year's activities:

˗✔️ Care economy;
˗✔️ Promoting women's financial inclusion;
˗✔️ ˗Combating violence against women.

☝️ Our country was the first in the world to legislatively and officially proclaim equality between men and women.

👉 Ensuring gender equality, as well as creating favorable conditions for women to combine family and business life, remain primary state tasks. An essential element of these efforts is the implementation of the National Strategy for Action in the Interests of Women until 2030.

Taking into account Russia's rich historical experience and new successes in this area, we share our developments in detail with our colleagues in the G20, including measures to support motherhood, women's leadership in all spheres of life, increasing their economic independence, including the promotion of women's entrepreneurship.

#G20 #G20SouthAfrica

🎙 Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova:

We have taken note of Zelensky’s cynical reaction to the April 4 precision strike delivered by a Russian high explosive missile at the Magellan restaurant in Krivoy Rog, where Ukrainian military commanders were meeting with Western instructors. He pretended to be outraged by the absence of a harsh US reaction to the fake story about “a Russian missile that has killed children,” and accused Washington of failure to speak the truth. He called on the West to exert greater pressure on Moscow, which, according to him, prefers death to a ceasefire. He either sniffed too much up again, or it was an orchestrated action to remind about himself.

☝️ If he wants to hear the truth, we will provide it.

An analysis of the footage taken at the site shows that the Russian hit a military target with surgical precision. According to the Defence Ministry, it killed approximately 85 servicemen and foreign officers.

❗️ Anything that could have happened near the explosion site is the result of Kiev’s practice of placing air defence systems near residential houses and unprofessional use of the armed forces that results in civilian deaths.

Regrettably, this has become a tragic norm for the Ukrainian Nazis, who sacrifice the lives of their compatriots. They have always used the tactic of placing snipers and military equipment in residential districts, including near schools, kindergartens, hospitals and outpatient clinics.

#UkraineConflict #KievRegimeCrimes

🇷🇺 Moscow authorities have begun to decorate Metro ahead of Easter.

This is the station Trubnaya, with some 140 Easter eggs hang under its arches.

Decorating the Metro for various holidays has become a good tradition in Russia’s capital. Muscovites and tourists like it; they come especially to enjoy and take photos.

Photos by t.me/mosmetroru

#MoscowMetro #Easter #DiscoverRussia