Russian MFA 🇷🇺

🎙 Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky answer to a media question from TASS news agency on the Nord Stream gas pipelines (November 13, 2026) ❓ Question: In October, the Higher Regional Court in Hamburg, Germany, began hearing the case concerning the bombing of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Several hearings have now taken place. How does Russia view the trial and its coverage in the Western media? 💬 Dmitry Lyubinsky: We are following the trial in Hamburg of Ukrainian national Sergey Kuznetsov, who is accused of blowing up the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines in 2022. The proceedings began in October 2026 and are due to conclude in June 2027. We would like to believe that this trial will not turn into yet another farce, as the national investigations in Germany, Denmark and Sweden did. On various pretexts, the authorities in those countries avoided cooperating with Russian law enforcement agencies on the case, disregarding, among other things, their obligations under international conventions on counter-terrorism. Stories have been deliberately planted in the Western media, and the practice continues. The aim is to ensure that those who organised, commissioned and oversaw this act of sabotage, which the German judiciary has classified as a war crime, escape identification and punishment. The Financial Times recently weighed in, reporting that it was indeed Kuznetsov who carried out the bombings, though it was unclear on whose orders he acted. ☝️ One point is worth recalling here. Within days of the drone incident in Leipzig, without any investigation or trial, the German authorities were already declaring unequivocally that Russia was to blame and demanding the closure of our Consulate General in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin. Yet when it comes to the Hamburg trial, we are told that all the circumstances must be thoroughly examined to establish a full picture of the crime. We shall see how the trial unfolds, what conclusions it reaches and whether those who actually organised and oversaw the sabotage are publicly named and held to account. 👉 We are, of course, under no illusions. Let me assure you that Russia will continue to press for the truth so that the Nord Stream case is not swept under the rug and those who masterminded and commissioned this major terrorist attack of our time do not, as the saying goes, “get off the hook”.

✍️ Article by Ambassador of Russia to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov, “The grain initiative and the safety of shipping in the Black Sea”, published in The Jakarta Post (November 11, 2026). Key points: • Food security demands an objective, comprehensive approach grounded in verifiable facts rather than political insinuations. Yet representatives of the EU continue to exploit this sensitive issue to stoke alarmist predictions of surging food prices and impending famine - while predictably laying the entire blame on the Russian Federation. • Despite escalating Ukrainian attacks in the Black and Azov Seas, claims persist that Russia blocks Ukraine’s agricultural exports. These assertions ignore the context, terms and eventual collapse of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, while overlooking critical realities: Western noncompliance with reciprocal commitments, ongoing restrictions on Russian agricultural exports and Ukrainian drone strikes threatening civilian shipping. • During the first operational year, 32.8 million tonnes of food products departed Ukrainian ports. Of that volume, approximately 70 percent - 26.3 million tonnes - went to high- and upper-middle-income economies, with EU member states absorbing 40 percent of all shipments. By contrast, African nations received just 4.1 million tonnes, including a meager 780,000 tonnes destined for sub-Saharan Africa. • This pattern persisted in subsequent periods. The figures demonstrate that the actual distribution of Ukrainian exports diverged sharply from the humanitarian narrative presented to the international community. From the Western and Ukrainian standpoint, the corridor served commercial and logistical priorities rather than humanitarian ones: while agricultural cargo moved into European ports, the corresponding sea corridors provided cover for incoming military shipments to Kiev. • Following Ukrainian attacks this past summer against oil tankers servicing the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, not a single public condemnation was issued by the EU. This double standard suggests that freedom of navigation and the protection of critical infrastructure are defended as matters of principle only when politically expedient. • The operational data illustrates the reality at sea. Since the launch of the special military operation, Ukrainian forces have deployed 331 unmanned aerial vehicles, 40 unmanned surface vessels and two Neptune cruise missiles against commercial and civilian traffic in the Black and Azov Seas. These strikes killed 18 crew members - including foreign nationals - damaged 228 civilian vessels (96 foreign-flagged and 128 Russian-flagged, with dozens hit repeatedly) and sank four. • For Indonesia, the core of this story remains clear: affordable staples, predictable logistics, unrestricted access to reliable global suppliers, including Russia. Food security must remain a shared objective rather than an instrument of geopolitical leverage.

State Protocol Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry: 🚀 On November 12, 2026, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s State Protocol Department and the International Cooperation Department of Roscosmos jointly organised a meeting between Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Bakanov and Heads of foreign diplomatic missions. The meeting took place at the National Space Centre (#NSC), named after Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space. The meeting brought together ambassadors and senior diplomats from more than 40 countries. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov delivered opening remarks to the foreign guests. The centrepiece of the meeting was a presentation by Dmitry Bakanov on the national project Development of the Russian Federation’s Space Activities to 2030 and Beyond to 2036. He noted that Russia was preparing to launch its own space station. Unlike the International Space Station, the new station would welcome cooperation with any country. Roscosmos is ready to discuss cooperation with foreign partners on the supply of equipment and engines, the development of space launch systems, and the construction and modernisation of national satellite communications systems, Earth observation systems and navigation infrastructure. Discussions could also cover phased technology transfer and the localisation of production. During the Q&A session, Dmitry Bakanov spoke about work to develop a nuclear power plant on the Moon and about ongoing cooperation with a number of countries, including several in Africa. 🛰 The programme also included a tour of the National Space Centre’s permanent exhibition, which features unique exhibits tracing the milestones of Russian space exploration alongside examples of technology in use today.

✍️ Third Russia-Africa Summit: Building on Our Partnership An article by Russian Ambassador to South Africa and Lesotho Roman Ambarov, published in IOL, The Lesotho Tribune and The Public Eye newspapers (12-13 November 2026) 🔴Strong African participation The Third Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum, held in Moscow on 27–29 October, brought together representatives of 51 out of 54 African countries, alongside business leaders and experts. For many African participants, particularly first-time visitors, the summit offered an opportunity to discover the “real Russia” and form their own opinions beyond the narratives often presented in Western media. 🔴Listening to Africa For Russia, listening to our African partners is just as important as presenting our own ideas. The best results come when we identify shared interests and work out solutions together. 🔴Equality and mutual respect Russia and African countries are committed to developing relations based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and practical results. 🔴Investment, not exploitation Russian companies are encouraged to invest in African economies, establish local production facilities, share expertise, cooperate with local businesses and create jobs. African countries should have greater opportunities to process their own natural resources, expand industrial capacity and move beyond dependence on raw-material exports. 🔴Important Agreements and a Roadmap until 2029 The Summit concluded with a comprehensive 101-point Moscow declaration outlining priorities for Russia-Africa cooperation across politics, security, economic development, humanitarian affairs, environmental protection and climate issues. 🔴Addressing the legacy of colonialism The Declaration supports developing legal mechanisms to assess and compensate for colonial-era damage inflicted on African countries, as well as the return of cultural property taken from the continent. 🔴A practical roadmap for 2027-2029 The Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan provides a framework for implementing Summit agreements and advancing cooperation between high-level meetings. 🔴Expanding trade and investment Russia-Africa trade exceeded US$27 billion in 2025, with significant potential for further growth and diversification. Around 85% of commercial transactions between Russia and African countries are conducted in national currencies, including the Russian rouble. 🔴Energy and nuclear cooperation Russia is ready to strengthen cooperation in oil and gas, hydropower and nuclear energy. Rosatom signed three agreements with Togo, Rwanda and Uganda during the Summit, advancing potential nuclear energy projects. 🔴Food security and agricultural development Russia exported over 18 million tonnes of grain to Africa in 2025 and another 13 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2026. We will continue supplying grain, agricultural products and fertilisers. 🔴Technological sovereignty Russia is ready to share its technological expertise and digital solutions with African partners. ☝️ The objective is to help African countries develop their own technological capabilities, knowledge and skills, reducing dependence on external providers. 🔴From commitments to implementation The Summit established priorities and frameworks for expanding cooperation. ❗️The next step is to translate agreements into concrete projects and maintain regular engagement with African partners. READ IN FULL #AmbassadorAmbarov #RussiaWithAfrica

📹Watch the full recording of the International Round table "The militarization of Europe: what next?", held on November 9, 2026, at the initiative of the Delegation of the Russian Federation to the Vienna negotiations on military security and arms control. 🎙Key Speakers: 00:00:00 – I.D.Zhdanova, Head of the Delegation of the Russian Federation to the Vienna Negotiations on Military Security and Arms Control; 00:06:27 — S.A.Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; 00:27:59 — Y.V.Rusak, Head of the Division in the Department of International Military Cooperation, Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus, Lieutenant Colonel; 00:34:47 — A.G.Likhonosov, Vice-Rector for International Relations and Security, Russian State Academy of Intellectual Property, Reserve Colonel; 00:49:38 — A.N.Postigov, Head of Division, Second CIS Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; 01:07:33 — R.Legvold, Professor Emeritus, Department of Political Science, Columbia University, PhD (USA); 01:20:09 — D.Reinisch, Austrian political scientist, historian and independent journalist (Austria); 01:36:17 — L.M.Pacini, Associate Professor of Political Philosophy and Geopolitics, Uni Dolomiti, Belluno (Italy); 01:51:38 — A.Yu.Mazur, Deputy Director of the Department for Nonproliferation and Arms Control, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; 🌐 02:03:17 — Free discussion (Q&A session); 02:26:47 — A.Yu.Grozov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Austria; 02:29:03 — Free discussion (Q&A session); 02:44:20 — Closing remarks by the Head of the Delegation, I.D.Zhdanova. Delegation on social media: 💙VK 💬Telegram 💬 X📺YouTube📺Rutube 💬Facebook

✍️ Third Russia-Africa Summit: Building on Our Partnership An article by Russian Ambassador to South Africa and Lesotho Roman Ambarov, published in IOL, The Lesotho Tribune and The Public Eye newspapers (12-13 November 2026) 🔴Strong African participation The Third Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum, held in Moscow on 27–29 October, brought together representatives of 51 out of 54 African countries, alongside business leaders and experts. For many African participants, particularly first-time visitors, the summit offered an opportunity to discover the “real Russia” and form their own opinions beyond the narratives often presented in Western media. 🔴Listening to Africa For Russia, listening to our African partners is just as important as presenting our own ideas. The best results come when we identify shared interests and work out solutions together. 🔴Equality and mutual respect Russia and African countries are committed to developing relations based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and practical results. 🔴Investment, not exploitation Russian companies are encouraged to invest in African economies, establish local production facilities, share expertise, cooperate with local businesses and create jobs. African countries should have greater opportunities to process their own natural resources, expand industrial capacity and move beyond dependence on raw-material exports. 🔴Important Agreements and a Roadmap until 2029 The Summit concluded with a comprehensive 101-point Moscow declaration outlining priorities for Russia-Africa cooperation across politics, security, economic development, humanitarian affairs, environmental protection and climate issues. 🔴Addressing the legacy of colonialism The Declaration supports developing legal mechanisms to assess and compensate for colonial-era damage inflicted on African countries, as well as the return of cultural property taken from the continent. 🔴A practical roadmap for 2027-2029 The Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan provides a framework for implementing Summit agreements and advancing cooperation between high-level meetings. 🔴Expanding trade and investment Russia-Africa trade exceeded US$27 billion in 2025, with significant potential for further growth and diversification. Around 85% of commercial transactions between Russia and African countries are conducted in national currencies, including the Russian rouble. 🔴Energy and nuclear cooperation Russia is ready to strengthen cooperation in oil and gas, hydropower and nuclear energy. Rosatom signed three agreements with Togo, Rwanda and Uganda during the Summit, advancing potential nuclear energy projects. 🔴Food security and agricultural development Russia exported over 18 million tonnes of grain to Africa in 2025 and another 13 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2026. We will continue supplying grain, agricultural products and fertilisers. 🔴Technological sovereignty Russia is ready to share its technological expertise and digital solutions with African partners. ☝️ The objective is to help African countries develop their own technological capabilities, knowledge and skills, reducing dependence on external providers. 🔴From commitments to implementation The Summit established priorities and frameworks for expanding cooperation. ❗️The next step is to translate agreements into concrete projects and maintain regular engagement with African partners. READ IN FULL #AmbassadorAmbarov #RussiaWithAfrica

💬 Remarks by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov to RT following the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi (November 12, 2026) Key points: • Unlike in previous rounds, this time we focused largely on the prospects for building a security architecture in Europe and in the area surrounding the current conflict that would ensure that any future agreement holds. • It would be premature to speak of restoring trust between the parties. That is not how we approach the issue. But judging by our discussions yesterday and the day before, I believe that, given the necessary political will, we can build something workable and realistically achievable while avoiding uncontrolled escalation. • We worked through the entire agenda in detail in bilateral meetings between delegations, in smaller groups and in plenary sessions. We used every tool at our disposal in the search for solutions. There should be no doubt about that. • We have made progress. That is indisputable. In the past, we have seen setbacks and reversals. At times, agreements that seemed within reach were torpedoed. 👉 That is what we want to avoid. • The presence of General Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe and a four-star general, brought a considerable degree of professional expertise to these discussions on their side. • Russia's military representatives were there as well. They know the issues inside out. As far as we at the Foreign Ministry can judge, they conducted themselves with exceptional professionalism. • The Europeans, who insist on being part of this process, clearly feel sidelined. They cannot come to terms with the approach we have consistently and firmly advocated and pursued. Clearly, they find it unacceptable. • The European countries are equally hostile to the ideas put forward by the US administration. There is a very wide gap between their positions. Bringing the Europeans into the negotiations could therefore undo the progress made and derail efforts that have so far shown some promise and given us some grounds for optimism. ❗️ I hope those who previously sought to derail these efforts realise that the situation on the ground is shifting to Kiev’s disadvantage.

🎙 Comment by Aide to the President of Russia Yury Ushakov following a meeting between Vladimir Putin, US President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner (November 12, 2026) 💬 Yury Ushakov: Good evening, friends. All of you are certainly aware that President of Russia Vladimir Putin received US President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner today. The conversation was very substantive, constructive, frank and productive – just like all their previous conversations. At the outset of the meeting, the Russian President made several important statements in the presence of the press, setting the tone for the discussion that followed. Notably, the American negotiators actively supported the Russian President’s proposal to apply the approach used in the successful humanitarian operation in Aleshki to another city beyond the line of contact, namely, Konstantinovka. <...> 👉 We are ready to begin demining operations immediately. *** The President of Russia has once again supported the American side’s proposal to move towards resolving security issues for both Russia and Ukraine as part of efforts to shape a future post-conflict system of European security. <...> The President recalled our vision of the key pillars of the architecture of indivisible security, which we presented back in 2021 in the form of draft agreements with the United States and NATO on security guarantees. 📄 These include: • the non-expansion of the NATO bloc, • the non-deployment of threatening weapons systems near Russia’s borders, • a return to the configuration of the alliance’s forces as it stood at the time the Russia-NATO Founding Act was signed. To this list, which is not limited to the points I have outlined, we would like to add certain new considerations of our own, based on the lessons that we cannot – simply cannot – fail to draw from the present situation, in which the collective West has taken up arms against us, making no secret of its desire to save the Kiev regime and to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. For our part, the position of the Europeans has been comprehensively outlined. They are striving by every means possible to join the negotiations, but, as our President has said, they must decide whether they want peace or the continuation of the war. ☝️ So far, all their practical actions point precisely to the latter. *** In the course of today’s negotiations, the behaviour of the head of the Kiev regime was also discussed – namely, the “friendly greetings” he publicly extends to the President of the United States. It was also noted that in Kiev they do not want to end the war, because they would immediately have to call general elections, and no one wants to lose power. Our President did not overlook the fact that the current American administration is working very insistently and persistently to achieve a genuinely lasting settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. <...> Both we and the American side see great value in the upcoming trilateral summit in Shenzhen, which our Chinese hosts are organising. During the talks, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner gave a detailed account of their assessments of the trilateral contacts that took place in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11. Both we and the Americans regard those discussions and contacts as constructive and productive. It was agreed that this negotiation process and this track of talks will continue. In particular, support was expressed for an initiative discussed in Abu Dhabi to carry out another prisoner exchange, which would likely be the largest to date. The parameters of this exchange are currently being finalised. *** Following these in-depth discussions at the Kremlin, the American negotiators have departed for Dublin, where they are due to meet with Zelensky and representatives of various European capitals. We hope that the signals from Moscow will be conveyed to them with the utmost care. Read in full

❌ London has announced yet another round of unlawful restrictions targeting a number of Russian companies, reaffirming its destructive course of confrontation. The new sanctions come amid negotiations on a settlement in Ukraine and discussions on the shape of Europe’s future security architecture. Such measures speak volumes about the British leadership’s interest in prolonging the conflict. London’s decisions also harm third countries, undermining their energy security on spurious grounds. Attempts to dictate to sovereign states from whom they may purchase energy resources, and on what terms, are yet another manifestation of neocolonial policy. Russia’s course remains unchanged, and external pressure cannot alter it.

🎙 Opening remarks by President of Russia Vladimir Putin at a meeting with US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and entrepreneur Jared Kushner (Moscow, November 12, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: First of all, I would like to thank you and ask you to convey my thanks to President Trump for arranging our contacts with the Ukrainian side. I know we have made progress on at least one front – the humanitarian one. There have been POW exchanges, and another major step in this direction is now taking shape. I would also ask you to convey my thanks to the First Lady of the US Melania Trump for her active role in addressing the humanitarian situation in and around the town of Alyoshki in the Kherson Region. We fully appreciate that this would have been impossible without the support of President Trump’s entire team, including the State Department, the Department of War and other agencies, and without your personal involvement. There was also a suggestion that we could continue this work with the involvement of representatives of the human rights commissioners of both Russia and Ukraine. *** ❗️ As for how long peace should last and how sound and secure it should be, we too would like it to last forever. We know that the two sides see territorial issues differently. What matters more to us is the people who live there – their traditions, their culture and their right to live by their own rules and in keeping with their traditional values. We know that the Ukrainian side is raising the issue of so-called “grey zones”. As I have already said, this will always be a bone of contention. For us, there is only one line of demarcation – the state border. That would make things perfectly clear. You are on one side and we are on the other. As soon as we get drawn into discussions about “grey zones”, each side understands them differently. Disputes arise immediately, any agreement becomes shaky and there can be no lasting peace. We still hear the Kiev authorities saying that they control this or that area, or that we do not control some other area. This could go on indefinitely. Given the weapons in use today, it is no easy matter to go there and see for oneself what is actually happening. As I mentioned earlier, we worked well together on humanitarian issues in Alyoshki. Let us continue that work together. There is a town in Donbass called Konstantinovka. The Ukrainian side considers it part of its strategic line of defence. Some 400-500 civilians are still there. Let us do what we did in Alyoshki. Let us invite members of the foreign press, including American journalists, as well as the Russian media. Let us entrust this work to those responsible for human rights on both sides – the Russian and Ukrainian human rights commissioners. *** As for the Europeans, we have always been open to dialogue with Europe. We have never broken off that dialogue. It was the Europeans who broke off dialogue with Russia. ❌ We have said from the outset that the presence of any foreign troops on Ukrainian territory is absolutely unacceptable to us because we believe it threatens Russia’s security. Everyone agreed on that in principle. At any rate, that was the understanding at the talks in Istanbul, and until now no one seems to have objected. The Europeans know this. Yet what do we hear from them? That as soon as peace is concluded, they will send troops into Ukraine. What does that mean? We have said this before. We would regard those troops as a legitimate target, which means the war would resume immediately. It is an unusual way to put the question, but we would very much like you, gentlemen, and the US administration as a whole to work with your European allies so that they can finally make up their minds. 👉 What do they want in Ukraine – peace or war? And we are, of course, ready to work with them. Read in full

🇷🇺🇺🇸 A meeting is underway at the Kremlin between President of Russia Vladimir Putin, US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and entrepreneur Jared Kushner. 📹 © Kremlin News

#InMemoryOfDiplomats ▪️ The leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry and its Department of the North Atlantic are deeply saddened to report the sudden passing of Alexander DARCHIEV (1960-2026), Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the United States of America and Permanent Observer of the Russian Federation to the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C. He passed away on November 11, 2026, at the age of 66. We have lost a man of wisdom and depth, an outstanding diplomat, historian and scholar of American affairs who devoted his entire life and career to the service of his country. Ambassador Darchiev had a keen and perceptive mind. Those who worked with him knew him for his exceptional professionalism and talent, his deep commitment to his country’s interests, his unwavering principles and his ability to work shoulder to shoulder with his colleagues. Alexander Darchiev had an exceptional knowledge and understanding of the countries of North America, where he worked tirelessly throughout his diplomatic career. Moscow consistently sought his views on developments across the continent. His sound judgement and carefully considered assessments earned him a reputation as one of Russia’s foremost experts on American affairs. His natural refinement, subtle sense of humour and personal charm went hand in hand with a quiet determination. These qualities enabled him, even at the most delicate moments in Russia’s relations with the United States and Canada, to carry out some of the most demanding tasks his country entrusted to him. Ambassador Darchiev held a range of posts at the Ministry’s headquarters and abroad. He spent much of his career in senior positions at the Russian embassies in Washington and Ottawa. He joined the diplomatic service in 1992 after working at the Institute for US and Canadian Studies of the USSR Academy of Sciences, where he defended his dissertation and earned the degree of Candidate of Historical Sciences. From 2005 to 2010, he served as Minister-Counsellor at the Russian Embassy in the United States. He headed the Foreign Ministry’s North America Department from 2010 to 2014 and served as Russia’s Ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2020. He again headed the North America Department from 2021 to 2024 and then led the North Atlantic Department from 2024 to 2025. From March 2025, he served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the United States of America and concurrently as Russia’s Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C. His many state and ministerial honours included the Order of Friendship and the Order of Honour, certificates of honour from the President of the Russian Federation and the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Medal for Strengthening Military Cooperation and the Foreign Ministry’s Badge of Distinction. 🕯 We mourn the untimely loss of our mentor and friend. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones. We will always remember Alexander Darchiev with warmth and affection. His professionalism and vibrant personality will remain with us forever.

🗓 On November 10-11, Geneva hosted the 68th round of the Geneva International Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus (#GID). Official representatives of the Republic of Abkhazia, Georgia, the Republic of South Ossetia, the Russian Federation and the United States of America took part. The UN, the OSCE and the EU co-chaired the talks. Participants expressed their shared commitment to continuing work under the GID, which remain the only forum for rebuilding Tbilisi’s post-conflict relations with Sukhum and Tskhinval. Participants highlighted the continued work of the existing channels for dialogue, including regular rounds of talks, 24-hour hotlines and meetings of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (#IPRM) in Ergneti on the Georgian-South Ossetian border. The Russian Side once again stressed the importance of taking practical steps to ensure lasting security for Abkhazia and South Ossetia. ☝️ Moscow and its Abkhaz and South Ossetian allies believe that priority should be given to agreeing on legal guarantees that Tbilisi will not use force against the two sovereign republics, beginning the process of delimiting Georgia’s borders with its neighbours and resuming IPRM meetings in Gal on the Georgian-Abkhaz border. These measures are necessary due to ongoing threats to the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. These risks stem both from radical forces within Georgia and from some of its closest foreign partners, particularly NATO member states that refuse to recognise the realities in the South Caucasus and continue to expand military cooperation with Tbilisi. By joining the EU’s illegal anti-Russian sanctions, Switzerland has effectively abandoned its declared neutrality. With the support of Sukhum and Tskhinval, the Russian Side continued its efforts to build consensus on moving the GID meetings from Geneva to a genuinely neutral venue acceptable to all participants. 🤝 Participants reached a preliminary agreement to hold the next round of the GID in March 2027.

📄 Declaration of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (Moscow, November 11, 2026) ✍️ We, the members of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (#CSTO), reaffirm our unconditional commitment to the objectives set out in the Collective Security Treaty and the CSTO Charter – to create favourable and stable conditions for the comprehensive development of the member states and to safeguard their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We regard closer cooperation within the CSTO as one of our foreign policy priorities. We intend to take joint steps to further strengthen the collective security system. We emphasise that the CSTO gives priority to political and diplomatic means of resolving and settling conflicts. Its guiding principles include mutual respect and equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of states and due regard for their legitimate interests. We note that the international situation is undergoing fundamental change. A just #MultipolarWorld order continues to take shape. As new centres of influence grow stronger, competition is intensifying and new challenges to international security and global stability are emerging. ☝️ Amid continuing turbulence in world politics and international relations, stable and predictable forms of cooperation between states are particularly valuable. With its time-tested mechanisms, forces and capabilities, the CSTO is a cornerstone of a stable architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia. Building such an architecture serves the fundamental interests of the Member States. We reaffirm our intention to continue working closely together to create conditions in which every state on the continent can develop free from the threat of external interference. In doing so, we are guided by the principle that states and groups of states must not pursue their own security at the expense of others. 🌐 To this end, the CSTO Member States will take part in drafting the Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century. We intend to continue working closely together to enhance the authority of the United Nations and strengthen its role as the principal instrument for maintaining international security. We will also work to advance a just #MultipolarWorld order founded on the UN Charter and the rule of international law, and to promote recognition of the many paths that states take towards progress as an asset to human civilisation. We express concern at the growing threats and strategic risks arising as individual states and countries belonging to other military alliances and coalitions move their military and strategic infrastructure closer to the borders of CSTO member states. ❗️ We emphasise that the deployment of weapons systems that threaten collective security along the perimeter of the CSTO’s area of responsibility is unacceptable. We are ready to expand cooperation between the CSTO and other international organisations, particularly the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, with which we share the task of ensuring stability and security across Eurasia. We welcome the establishment of permanent channels for cooperation between the CSTO and the African Union to strengthen security and address new challenges and threats. Read in full

🇷🇺🇻🇳 On November 12, a delegation of Russia’s Federation Council led by its Speaker Valentina Matvienko began an official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Valentina Matvienko held a meeting with Prime Minister of Vietnam Le Minh Hung. Their talks focused on trade and economic cooperation, including at the regional level, the implementation of joint projects and the development of tourism. 💬 Valentina Matvienko:

Our delegation includes regional leaders and representatives of Russian state corporations. The purpose of this official visit is to do everything we can through our Parliament to put into effect the agreements reached by our Leaders and implement the intergovernmental documents our two countries have signed.

*** Valentina Matvienko was also received by General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam To Lam. The Speaker informed the Vietnamese Leader that President of Russia Vladimir Putin had issued an extensive set of instructions to the Russian Government, ministries, agencies and state corporations covering all the agreements reached by the two countries’ Leaders. 💬 Valentina Matvienko:

First of all, I would like to convey warm greetings and best wishes from President of Russia Vladimir Putin. He speaks warmly of his meetings with you and values the special relationship you have built – one marked by a businesslike approach, friendship and trust.

#RussiaVietnam

🤝 On November 11, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) Taalatbek Masadykov at the Kremlin 💬 Vladimir Putin: I am delighted to see you. You assumed the post of Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation while Russia is holding the #CSTO chairmanship and overseeing its operations. I would like to note that you have considerable experience, enjoy respect and have a deep understanding of the Organisation’s sphere of operation. You have been Deputy Secretary General of the CSTO since 2024, and there is no doubt that under your guidance the CSTO Secretariat will work smoothly and stay on the right track, doing everything necessary to strengthen the security of our countries. You have held meetings with the Leaders of CSTO countries. You also maintain contacts with the Leaders of other international organisations, and had an opportunity to attend exercises held within the CSTO framework. I would like to assure you that we will do everything necessary to assist you with any organisational matters, and that I am personally at your disposal, as are Mr Ushakov and the Security Council of Russia, of course, should you need to elevate any issues to the level of the heads of state. Please feel free to ask for help. However, I think that you will be able to manage without us. You have been Deputy Secretary General for several years, so you know the ropes and are deeply involved in every aspect of our collaboration. #RussiaCSTO

⚡️ Press briefing by the Russian delegation, led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinskiy, following the talks in Abu Dhabi (November 11, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Medinskiy: First of all, on behalf of the entire Russian delegation, I would like to thank the leadership of the UAE and Abu Dhabi for the excellent organisation of the trilateral talks and for creating a friendly, businesslike atmosphere. *** Answers to media questions: ❓ Question: How did the discussion on shaping Europe’s future security architecture proceed? 💬 Vladimir Medinskiy: We believe it is right to raise the question of what will happen after the inevitable end of the conflict in Ukraine. ❗️ Russia has repeatedly raised the issue of European security architecture and the need to establish a new, comprehensive and fair security system in Europe. We did so in 2008, when we proposed the relevant draft European Security Treaty, and in 2021, when we sent the relevant documents to NATO, the US and European countries. But, as the saying goes, it is easier said than done. Many years have passed, and this issue has finally gained attention, with a growing recognition that it must be addressed. The conflict in Ukraine has shown that the entire European security system in place since Yalta and Potsdam functions very poorly. In essence, the entire body is diseased, and Ukraine is simply where the abscess has burst. With the US Side participating, we exchanged views. We found common ground on some points, but not on others. This discussion will certainly continue. ☝️ The world needs a new, modern, renewed security system that is fair and does not come at the expense of individual countries. We will work towards that. ❓ Question: EU representatives were also in Abu Dhabi. Did you speak to them, and are any meetings with them planned? 💬 Vladimir Medinskiy: We did not speak to them. We are not quite sure in what capacity they are here. The talks are being held in the agreed trilateral format. As for the stance taken by the leadership of a number of European countries, they are, in essence, collectively deceiving the Ukrainian people. They finance and supply weapons to one of the warring parties. In effect, they are contributing to civilian deaths on a massive scale. We are not quite sure what there is to discuss with them. We have not received a single peace initiative or a single concrete peace proposal from European countries. Therefore, it is unclear what there is to discuss. They would do well to learn, for example, from the American envoys when it comes to common sense, realism and a desire to achieve peace. ❓ Question: Were humanitarian issues raised during the meeting? In previous rounds held in Turkiye and Switzerland, you managed to reach agreements with the Ukrainians on POW exchanges, for example. Was such an agreement reached in Abu Dhabi? 💬 Vladimir Medinskiy: We have agreed in principle on a new large-scale prisoner exchange. The specific details will be announced shortly. ❓ Question: How do you assess the role of Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and the Trump administration more broadly, in the rounds of talks? What role do you believe they can play in reaching agreements? 💬 Vladimir Medinskiy: The US Side played an active role in the talks. The role of individuals in history matters here. President Donald Trump’s envoys are certainly sincere, effective people and, most importantly, focused on results, rather than empty talk. What matters is not how we assess them, but how many lives will be saved through their active mediation efforts. We are therefore very grateful to them as well. ❓ Question: Under what conditions could the Europeans become full participants in the talks? What conditions must they meet to be admitted to the negotiating table? 💬 Vladimir Medinskiy: I think as soon as their conscience awakens, they can become participants in peace talks. Until then, as I have said, they are taking part in the collective deception of the Ukrainian people and are, in effect, complicit in civilian deaths.

🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation in St Andrew’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace (Moscow, November 11, 2026) A package of documents was signed following the meeting, including the Declaration of the CSTO Collective Security Council. 💬 Vladimir Putin: My colleagues and I have just held a thorough and productive exchange of views in a restricted format on pressing global and regional security issues. We reached full mutual understanding on virtually every issue discussed. We reaffirmed our commitment to further joint efforts to counter acute challenges and threats to collective security. I am pleased to note that Council members gave a positive assessment of the results of Russia’s CSTO chairmanship in 2026. Our chairmanship benefited from the friendly assistance and support of our colleagues across the Organisation. 🤝 Together, we held more than a hundred events across key areas of cooperation. We took coordinated steps to promote our common position on the international stage, including at the UN and other multilateral forums. Our shared approaches to the current situation in the world and our region, and our vision of the priorities for the CSTO’s development, are reflected in the draft Declaration of the Collective Security Council, which Russia has proposed adopting at today’s meeting. As always, considerable attention was paid to improving the operational and combat readiness of the forces and assets within the collective security system. A series of major joint exercises took place in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and, of course, Russia. In particular, the CSTO Collective Rapid Reaction Forces successfully held the Interaction 2026 exercise in the Chelyabinsk Region alongside the Centre-2026 strategic command post exercise. We also continued our systematic efforts to equip our collective forces with modern weapons and equipment. I would like to stress that today we are to take important decisions on the further development of the CSTO Collective Forces. These concern, among other things, their aviation component and the formation of mobile air defence units for joint military operations. Close operational contacts among our security agencies, law enforcement bodies and relevant services helped strengthen coordination between our countries in combating terrorism, extremism, illicit drugs, drug trafficking and illegal migration. We also closely monitored the situation in Afghanistan as part of our efforts to strengthen security along the Organisation’s external borders. Partnership among CSTO member states in ensuring biological safety and countering the spread of dangerous infections has gained considerable momentum. ☝️ Next year, 2027, will be particularly significant for our Organisation, marking two anniversaries: 35 years since the signing of the Collective Security Treaty and 25 years since the establishment of the CSTO. Our friends in Tajikistan, who will assume the chairmanship, therefore face a substantial and demanding task: both taking stock of our many years of cooperation and defining the strategic prospects for its further development. Naturally, CSTO Member States will provide their colleagues in Tajikistan with all the assistance they need. Read in full

☢️ Zaporozhskaya Nuclear Power Plant (#ZNPP): On November 11, an employee of the Zaporozhskaya NPP was killed in his own home in a Ukrainian armed forces strike. The previous day, another of our colleagues – an electrical fitter at ZNPP – was killed on his way to work. The car he was travelling in was attacked by a Ukrainian drone. He died of his injuries at the scene. ◾️ This brings the number of plant employees killed since April 2026 to fifteen. The Ukrainian militants continue to strike residential buildings in Energodar and nearby villages. At night, while people sleep and recover before the next working day, their homes become targets. Living conditions in Energodar have a direct bearing on the safety of the ZNPP. Above all, the plant’s safety depends on its people. They need to be able to rest after their shifts and feel confident that their families are safe. ❗️ By continuing its strikes on the city’s nuclear workers and their homes, the Kiev regime is deliberately jeopardising nuclear safety. #KievRegimeCrimes

⚔️ November 11 – the end of the Great Stand on the Ugra River – a memorable date in Russia's military history. #OTD in 1480, after more than a month of confrontation on the banks of the Ugra River, Akhmat, Khan of the Great Horde, ordered his army to retreat. His withdrawal marked the end of the Tatar yoke, which had lasted for more than two centuries, and ushered in a new era for an independent Russian state. By 1480, Grand Prince Ivan III of Moscow had brought much of the Russian lands under his authority. By ceasing to pay tribute to the Horde, he had asserted the independence of Rus’. That spring, Khan Akhmat marched towards the Russian frontier with a large army, determined to reassert his authority by force. 🌊 At the mouth of the Ugra River, Akhmat found a Russian army waiting on the opposite bank. Its commanders had secured the fords and other crossing points. On October 8, the Horde’s forces tried to cross, but the Russian warriors repelled them, and the two armies settled into a standoff that would last just over a month. As the cold set in, Akhmat’s supplies ran low. The reinforcements he expected from his Lithuanian allies never arrived. Meanwhile, detachments sent by Ivan III raided the Horde’s lightly defended rear. 🏳️ On November 11, 1480, Akhmat gave the order to retreat. Thus, Rus’ had finally broken free of the yoke, without the pitched battle both sides had expected. The Great Stand on the Ugra became a symbol of the rebirth of Russian sovereignty and of Moscow’s emergence as the country’s political and spiritual centre. 📹 © Russian Military Historical Society