Russian MFA 🇷🇺

🎙 Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's response to a question from RBC (RosBusinessConsulting) on the US deployment of a launcher for intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in Norway (September 7, 2026) ❓ Question: How does Moscow assess the US deployment of a launcher for intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in Norway, including in the context of the stalled strategic stability dialogue? Is any response planned? If so, what kind? 💬 Maria Zakharova: We regard the appearance in Europe of US systems capable of launching intermediate- and shorter-range missiles as yet another step in the endless series of acutely destabilising actions by NATO countries. In pursuing plans to deploy Western ground-launched intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in the region, NATO not only makes no secret of its intention but openly flaunts its ambition to acquire a substantial capability to strike deep into Russia’s territory. At the same time, NATO is seeking to bring vast maritime areas of the region within its sights, establishing dominant control over sea routes of critical military, commercial and transport importance. In this context, we note that the US missile systems equipped with Mk 41 launching systems, which are being brought into Europe and have now been deployed in Norway, are capable of launching a wide range of missiles against both land and maritime targets. ☝️ We also take into account that these systems can be used to launch long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, while their deployment in Norway puts a substantial part of Russia’s European territory, including Moscow, within range. Thus, these missile systems could be used in aggressive actions by NATO countries against our country to accomplish strategic-level objectives. Those in Washington and Oslo who made the decision to deploy these systems in Norway should therefore not be surprised that, as part of Russia’s response measures, the deployment sites of the US systems, their command and control facilities, as well as the infrastructure supporting them, are becoming a particular focus for Russia’s strategic deterrence forces. This includes planning for the combat employment of the relevant strike assets in the event of an armed conflict. *** As for the dialogue with the US on strategic stability, we would like to recall that it did not simply “stall”. It was unilaterally suspended by the Joe Biden administration. The current US authorities, meanwhile, are unrealistically discussing the launch of some kind of “multilateral” negotiations with China’s mandatory participation, even though Beijing has repeatedly and unequivocally stated that it has compelling reasons not to become involved in such work at this stage. ❗️ For our part, we have repeatedly explained in detail that the conditions for a substantive and productive strategic dialogue with the US are not in place. Steps such as the deployment in Europe of US ground-launched intermediate- and shorter-range missiles that threaten Russia will, to put it mildly, eliminate any basis for a constructive strategic dialogue with the US.

🇷🇺🇻🇳 Embassy of Russia in Vietnam: On September 7-8, the port of Cam Ranh is hosting the Russian Navy training ship Perekop. The Russian ship’s port call in Vietnam is another opportunity to strengthen the traditional ties between our countries and further develop the friendly contacts between Russian and Vietnamese sailors. #RussiaVietnam

🇧🇷 On September 7, the Federative Republic of #Brazil celebrates #IndependenceDay. #OTD in 1822, Pedro, the son of Portuguese King João VI, declared — “Independence or Death!” — marking the end of 322 years of Portuguese rule and influence over Brazil. The movement for the country’s independence had begun long before that. As early as the late 18th century, revolutionary and national hero Tiradentes led a group of like-minded people in Minas Gerais, whose main goal was the creation of an independent state. Although the plans of the secret society were uncovered, Tiradentes became a symbol of resistance. As a result of Napoleon’s expansion in Europe in the early 19th century, the independence of the Spanish colonies, and the bourgeois revolution in Portugal in 1820, the independence movement in Brazil gained considerable strength and ultimately led to the proclamation of an independent Brazilian state — free from the influence of the Portuguese metropolis. #Brazil today is an influential actor of the international community and one of the world’s leading political and economic powers. Brasília takes part in addressing many pressing and important issues on the regional and global agenda. 🤝 Diplomatic relations between our countries were established on October 3, 1828, although the development of bilateral ties had begun as early as 1811, when Emperor Alexander I appointed the first Russian consul general in Rio de Janeiro. Throughout the history of our bilateral relations, the mutual sympathy of the two peoples, as well as a genuine interest in each other’s history, culture, and traditions, have remained unchanged. All of this has contributed to the consolidation of bonds of friendship, mutual understanding, and mutual respect. #RussiaBrazil 🇷🇺🇧🇷 Russian-Brazilian ties are characterized by strategic partnership, sustained positive momentum, and an atmosphere of trust, friendship, and mutual understanding. They are based on shared approaches to many issues on the global agenda and a commitment to building a more just and #MultipolarWorld order. Moscow and Brasília maintain regular contacts at the highest and high levels and strengthen coordination in multilateral formats, including at the #UN, #BRICS, and #G20. The two countries promote shared approaches in the field of international security and cooperate in the maritime sphere. 📈 Positive momentum characterizes bilateral trade and economic cooperation between our countries. Brazil is Russia’s leading trading partner in #LatinAmerica. For the second consecutive year, trade turnover between Russia and Brazil has exceeded $10 billion, with Russia ranking fifth among the largest exporters of goods to Brazil. Particular attention is being paid to expanding and diversifying bilateral trade. 🌟 #Victory81 Russia appreciates Brazil’s careful approach to preserving our shared memory of the joint struggle of our peoples against Nazism during #WW2. Brazil was the only Latin American country to deploy ground and air forces to Europe to oppose Nazi aggression — the Brazilian Expeditionary Force made a significant contribution to the common Victory of the Allies of the Anti-Hitler Coalition over the fascist Reich. ✍️ President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in his congratulatory message to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the occasion of Brazil's Independence Day (September 7, 2026):

Relations between Russia and Brazil are successfully developing in the spirit of strategic partnership. Our countries actively cooperate across a wide range of areas <...>. There is no doubt that we will continue our constructive joint efforts to further strengthen the entire range of mutually beneficial Russian-Brazilian ties. This fully serves the interests of our friendly peoples and contributes to the establishment of a new — more just and multipolar — world order.

🎉 We congratulate our Brazilian colleagues and friends on this national holiday. We wish the people of Brazil success, prosperity, and well-being!

Government of the Russian Federation: 🇷🇺🇰🇵 On September 7, a ceremony marking the completion of construction of a road bridge across the Tumannaya River, connecting Russia and the DPRK, was held on the border between the two countries. The agreement on implementing the project was signed in 2024 in the presence of President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un. Construction began on April 30, 2025, with Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin and Premier of the Cabinet of the DPRK Pak Thae-song giving the official start to the work. 🤝 The construction of the bridge symbolises the commitment to strengthening friendly, good-neighbourly relations and expanding interregional cooperation between Russia and the DPRK. Despite sharing a common border, the two countries previously had no road connection. The capacity of the existing rail route via the Friendship Bridge across the Tumannaya River was insufficient to meet transport needs. The new bridge will provide year-round road traffic. The new route will enable businesses to significantly increase freight volumes and reduce transport costs, while ensuring reliable and stable supplies of various goods. This will contribute to expanding trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. 💬 Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin:

Relations between Russia and the DPRK have today reached an unprecedentedly high level of comprehensive strategic partnership. Our countries are actively cooperating in virtually all areas and coordinating their efforts to ensure regional security and stability. It is symbolic that the new bridge will bear the name of Red Army officer Yakov Novichenko. His feat, accomplished many years ago, resonates with the unparalleled courage of the Korean heroes who only recently fought shoulder to shoulder with our servicemen and defended Russian soil. I am convinced that the expansion of cross-border transport infrastructure will give a powerful impetus to the further development of trade and economic, scientific and technological, and cultural cooperation between Russia and the DPRK.

ℹ️ The total length of the bridge crossing is almost 5 km, while the bridge itself is around 1 km long. The bridge has two traffic lanes. More than 70 people and over 30 pieces of equipment were involved in its construction.

🌟 On September 7, 1945, a joint military parade of units from the USSR, the United States, UK, and France was held in Berlin near the defeated Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate, commemorating the end of #WW2 and the common Victory of the Allies of the Anti-Hitler Coalition over Nazi Germany. The site of the parade — at the Brandenburg Gate, in the very heart of the capital of the defeated Reich — was chosen for a reason: 👉 it was precisely there that the Battle of Berlin came to an end, with the remnants of the Nazi Berlin garrison surrendering to the Red Army. The Soviet Union made thorough preparations for the parade. Most distinguished soldiers, sergeants, officers, and generals who had displayed unparalleled courage during the capture of Berlin and the assaults on the Reichstag and the Reich Chancellery, were involved in the parade. 🕚 The Berlin parade began exactly at 11 a.m. on September 7. It was reviewed by Georgy Zhukov, the legendary Marshal of Victory and commander of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. The parade was opened by the combined regiment of the Red Army’s 248th Rifle Division, led by Hero of the Soviet Union Lieutenant Colonel Georgy Lenev. Bringing up the rear of the Allied parade formation was a column of Soviet armored vehicles, featuring the latest IS-3 heavy tanks (“Iosif Stalin”). 💬 In his welcoming address to the parade participants, Marshal Zhukov paid tribute to the heroic deeds of the Soviet and Allied forces in the struggle for common Victory over Nazi evil:

Comrades-in-arms, fellow soldiers, soldiers, officers, and generals... <...> WWII ended with a decisive and powerful blow by the great Allied powers. Our victory is a triumph of a military alliance among democratic states unprecedented in the world. From now on, people <...> will be eternally grateful to the great peoples of America, Britain, the Soviet Union, the French Republic, and China, and to their valiant soldiers, who in the difficult hour of wartime trials extended helping hands to one another and united to achieve victory over a common enemy and to secure the long-awaited peace on Earth.

🎖 The historic Victory Parade on German soil, held at the initiative of the USSR on land liberated from the horrors of Hitlerism by the Soviet people at the cost of enormous sacrifices and efforts, clearly and convincingly demonstrated to the entire world — #TheSovietSoldierSavedTheWorld.” #Victory81

⚡️ In response to the unfriendly actions of the German side in closing the Consulate General of Russia in Bonn and the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin, on September 7 the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Germany in Moscow was informed of the following retaliatory measures: The Russian Federation is withdrawing its consent to the operation of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in St Petersburg, which must cease its activities no later than September 18, 2026, with all its staff required to leave Russia by that date. The Goethe-Institut cultural centres in Russia must cease their activities. Their seconded staff have been instructed to leave Russia no later than September 13, 2026. The head of the diplomatic mission was presented with the relevant notes of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ❗️ It was stressed that it was the German authorities that once again provoked a new round of escalation in bilateral relations. Full responsibility for the consequences rests entirely with the German Government.

🇷🇺 Russia's Ministry of Sports: 🐎 The VI World Nomad Games have concluded in Kyrgyzstan. The major ethnosports festival brought together competitions in traditional disciplines, national culture and the unique atmosphere of the “Universe of Nomads”! #TeamRussia confirmed its status as one of the strongest teams, finishing THIRD in the overall standings with a total of 34 medals: 🥇 7 GOLDS 🥈 7 SILVERS 🥉 20 BRONZES The hosts, #TeamKyrgyzstan, topped the standings with 72 medals. #TeamKazakhstan finished second with 64 medals. 🤝 Congratulations to our athletes on an excellent result! We’re already looking forward to the next Games in 2028 time in #Kazan!

🇺🇳 From September 7 to October 7, Geneva will host the 63rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. The Session is expected to address a broad range of issues on the international human rights agenda, including: • protection and promotion of economic, social and cultural rights, • ensuring the right to development, • protection of children, • combating discrimination against women, • advancing the interests of indigenous peoples, • preventing the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, as well as other thematic issues. At Russia’s initiative, a high-level thematic discussion will be held to mark the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Human Rights. The Council will adopt the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of the national reports of Belgium, Denmark, Latvia, Namibia, Niger, Nicaragua, Mozambique, Palau, Paraguay, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Singapore, Somalia, Sierra Leone and Estonia. At the initiative of the EU, the Council will once again consider a politicised and highly confrontational draft resolution on the human rights situation in Russia, aimed at extending for another year the mandate of the relevant HRC Special Rapporteur, Mariana Katzarova of Bulgaria. ❗️ Russia’s stance on this matter remains unchanged: we do not recognise the mandate of this illegitimate special procedure, and any form of interaction with it is unacceptable to us. The Russian delegation, which will participate in the Session as an observer, intends, as before, to make active use of all available opportunities to overcome confrontation and promote a unifying agenda, as well as to foster among international partners an understanding of the importance of establishing constructive international dialogue on the promotion and protection of human rights, with due respect for the national, religious, cultural and historical characteristics of every state. A number of special side events will be organised to present Russia’s approaches to the most pressing issues on the session’s agenda to the international community.

#AmbassadorSpeaks ✍️Comment by Ambassador of the Russian Federation to South Africa Roman Ambаrov on the 20th Anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship and Partnership between Russia and South Africa On 5-6 September 2006, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid the first-ever visit to the Republic of South Africa. This landmark event marked a turning point in the development of Russian-South African relations and gave fresh impetus to their consistent strengthening. 🇷🇺🇿🇦 The signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Partnership in Cape Town laid a solid legal foundation for long-term cooperation. Moscow and Pretoria demonstrated their shared commitment to systematic and strategic cooperation, based on common approaches to key international issues, mutual respect for national interests and the principles of the sovereign equality of states. 🤝 Over the past two decades, our countries have progressed from political rapprochement to a comprehensive, strategic and multifaceted partnership encompassing energy, mining, science, space and human capital development. Trade and economic ties, interregional cooperation, as well as humanitarian and cultural exchanges occupy an important place on the bilateral agenda. A significant role in advancing these areas is played by established intergovernmental and interagency mechanisms, including the Joint Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation, the Russia-South Africa Business Council, and joint commissions on scientific and military-technical cooperation. A key milestone in advancing a constructive agenda in world affairs was the adoption in 2013 of the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which elevated relations between our countries to a new level. The document reaffirmed the parties’ commitment to developing cooperation “in the political, economic, trade, scientific, technological, cultural and other fields”, creating a foundation for further expansion of practical cooperation. Regular contacts at the highest and senior levels continue to demonstrate the strong momentum of the bilateral agenda. 🌍 Of particular importance are the joint efforts of Russia and South Africa on the international fora, primarily the #UN, #BRICS and the #G20, where our countries advocate strengthening multilateralism and building a more just system of international relations. People-to-people ties remain an integral part of our mutually beneficial partnership. We are interested in further expanding educational opportunities for South African students in Russia, developing academic exchanges and strengthening cultural ties. Creative and educational initiatives contribute not only to expanding practical cooperation, but also to fostering a deeper mutual understanding between our peoples. This anniversary is not merely an occasion to look back. It is also a point of reference for the future. We see considerable potential for deepening cooperation in high technologies and digitalisation, as well as for further developing energy, scientific and technological and investment cooperation. An important priority is also the expansion of direct contacts between Russia’s regions and South Africa’s provinces, creating additional opportunities for implementing joint projects. As a more just and multipolar world order takes shape, Russia and South Africa, united by their shared commitment to the principles of the sovereign equality of states, can set an example of mature, responsible and mutually beneficial dialogue. ☝️ We are convinced that the spirit of the Cape Town agreements of 2006 remains a reliable compass for the continued advancement of our countries towards one another — in the interests of the well-being and prosperity of our peoples, as well as ensuring security and stability both on the African continent and on the international stage. #RussiaSouthAfrica #AmbassadorAmbarov

🇷🇺🇦🇿📞 On September 7, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev had a telephone conversation. During the call, the Leaders discussed a number of current issues related to trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation. 🤝 They agreed to step up bilateral contacts at various levels. #RussiaAzerbaijan

🔴 #LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov remarks and answers to questions from MGIMO students and faculty 🔴 Ruptly 🔴 Russia's MFA Website

✉️ Russia's President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to President of Brazil Luis Inacio Lula da Silva on Brazil’s national holiday, Independence Day (September 7, 2026) 💬 Relations between Russia and Brazil are successfully progressing in the spirit of strategic partnership. Our countries actively cooperate in most diverse areas and align their efforts as part of the #UN, #BRICS, the #G20, and other multilateral associations. We will undoubtedly continue our constructive joint efforts to further consolidate the entire range of mutually beneficial Russian‑Brazilian ties. 🤝 This fully meets the interests of our friendly peoples and is in line with the goal of building a new, more just, multipolar world order. 🇷🇺🇧🇷 #RussiaBrazil

✍️ Article by Ambassador of Russia to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov titled «The Final Days of World War II: The Defeat and Surrender of Japan» published in Jakarta Globe (04.09.2026) Key points: • September 3 marks the Day of Military Glory in Russia, known as the "Day of Victory over Militarist Japan and the End of World War II". The defeat of Japanese militarism eliminated the last major stronghold of the Axis powers in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as Nazi Germany’s ally in the Far East, which had occupied vast territories and subjugated numerous peoples. • Japan’s war in Asia and the Pacific claimed the lives of an estimated 36 million people and caused immense destruction and suffering. In China alone, 10–15 million people were massacred. On the island of Java, 3–4 million were killed, while in Indochina the death toll reached 1–1.5 million. Japan lost 2.1 million military personnel and 800,000 civilians. Some 36,000 Soviet officers and soldiers lost their lives during the liberation of China and Korea from Japanese occupation. • On August 9, 1945, the Soviet Union, fulfilling the commitments it had undertaken at the Yalta Conference of the Allied powers (February 4–11, 1945), entered the war against Japan. The Red Army launched a rapid advance deep into Manchuria. By August 20, after fierce fighting, Soviet forces had reached the Manchurian Plain, split Japanese forces into separate groupings and encircled them. Japanese troops began surrendering in large numbers. • On September 2, 1945, aboard the American battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, with representatives of the Allied powers in attendance, the Instrument of Surrender of Japan was signed, bringing to a formal end the largest conflict in human history, unleashed by fascism and Hitlerism in alliance with Japanese militarism. • The memory of the horrors of World War II and its consequences remains deeply important today. Developments around the world show how easily some countries’ leaders, influenced by Nazi and militarist ideas and pursuing revanchist policies, can forget the tragic chapters of their own history and their past crimes, especially when acknowledging them runs counter to their current political interests. Read in full

🗓 Today is Lake Baikal Day. It is celebrated in Russia in late August, early September. There is no single date, however, as the lake is located across several regions of the Russian Federation — Irkutsk Region, the Republic of Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai — each of which sets its own date for the celebration. Thus, in Buryatia, Lake Baikal Day is observed on the first Sunday of August; in Irkutsk Region — on the first Sunday of September; and in Zabaykalsky Krai — on the second Sunday of September. The different dates make it possible to hold environmental, educational and cultural events over several weeks, ensuring maximum public attention to Lake Baikal and the need to preserve its unique ecosystem. The date was first established in 1999 at the initiative of public organisations and environmentalists. The immediate impetus was #Baikal’s inclusion in 1996 on the #UNESCO World Heritage List. The decision was based on the unique combination of geological features significant for the study of the Earth’s evolution, as well as the richness and diversity of Baikal’s flora and fauna. The lake’s inclusion on the UNESCO list confirmed its global environmental value. 💬 From the greeting by Alexander Kozlov, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia, on the occasion of Lake Baikal Day:

Preserving Baikal and its ecosystems is one of the priorities of Russia’s state environmental policy. To this end, a network of specially protected natural areas has been established, and Russia’s first nature reserve, the Barguzinsky Nature Reserve, was created right here, on the shores of Lake Baikal.

*** 🔹 Lake Baikal is 636 km long, stretching from southwest to northeast in the shape of a giant crescent. Its width ranges from 24 to 79 km, while its water surface covers 31,722 km² (excluding islands). The length of its shoreline exceeds 2,000 km. Baikal is the deepest lake on the planet. Its maximum depth reaches 1,642 metres, while its average depth is approximately 744 metres. Lake Baikal contains approximately 23,615 km³ of water. It is the world’s largest natural reservoir of fresh water, holding around 20% of the world’s surface freshwater reserves. Baikal is a true museum of endemic species — species found nowhere else on Earth. The lake is home to around 2,600 species of animals and plants, approximately 60–70% of which are endemic, including the beloved Baikal seal — the world’s only freshwater seal species. #Russia

🇷🇺🇮🇩 On September 4, 2026, Ambassador of Russia to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov met with Minister of Health of Indonesia Budi Gunadi Sadikin. 🤝 The parties discussed prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of healthcare, including the exchange of experience in public health, the development of medical technologies, cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, as well as contacts between specialized institutions of the two countries. ✅ The sides expressed their mutual interest in expanding practical cooperation and maintaining a constructive dialogue on issues of common interest.

🇷🇺🇺🇸 Russia's President Vladimir Putin received in the Kremlin Special Envoy of the President of the United States of America Steve Witkoff and entrepreneur, founder of Affinity Partners Jared Kushner (Moscow, September 5, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, I heartily welcome you to Moscow. The situation we are to sort out today is, of course, a difficult one. But before we begin, I would like to ask you to convey my best wishes and words of gratitude to the President of the United States, Donald Trump. While he realizes that he is facing a difficult situation, he nevertheless does not stop his efforts to resolve it and to contribute to the settlement of the Russian‑Ukrainian conflict. Today, we will discuss all its components and all its aspects, and for our part, we are also ready to inform you about our view of the situation. As you informed us, I know that you are planning to go to Kiev after visiting Moscow. In any case, of course, no matter what happens next, contacts of this kind are certainly always beneficial. And here, of course, the quality of mediation and trust in those who are engaged in it are very important. I’d like to tell you that we find it comfortable to work with you, and, of course, we have a very high level of trust during this work. 🤝 We are glad to see you. Welcome. *** We received the request through official channels — both through the intelligence services and through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — to stop the strikes on Kiev. I issued the respective order, and since midnight on September 5, these strikes on Kiev have not been carried out. I would like to note that the Ukrainian side has also significantly reduced — by an order of magnitude — the strikes on the territory of the Russian Federation, including Moscow. The Ukrainian authorities have published their call for a broader three‑day truce, but we have never agreed on this with them. Yet we will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of the negotiation process and the mediators, represented by you and, perhaps, by those accompanying you. #RussiaUS

⚡️ Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and entrepreneur, investor, founder of Affinity Partners Jared Kushner commence talks at the Kremlin (Moscow, September 5, 2026) 📹 © Kremlin.News #RussiaUS

💬 Vladimir Medinsky, Aide to the President of Russia and Chairman of the Russian Military Historical Society: 🌟 On September 4 in Khabarovsk, on the high bank of the Amur River, the Russian Military Historical Society and Khabarovsk Region Governor Dmitry Demeshin unveiled Russia’s largest memorial dedicated to the Victory over militarist Japan and the end of World War II. A 15-meter high bronze Soviet soldier is the centrepiece of the composition. With the stock of his rifle, he smashes a border post bearing a chrysanthemum – not only the emblem of Japan’s Imperial House, but also a symbol of the militarism responsible for monstrous crimes. In August-September 1945, Marshal Alexander Vassilevsky commanded Soviet forces from Khabarovsk. In just three weeks, they defeated Japan’s million-strong Kwantung Army and brought World War II to an end. PS. In terms of the ratio between duration, losses and results, the operation to defeat the Japanese army in the Far East was the most effective military operation in history. #Victory81

🇷🇺🇮🇳 On September 7, RT India launches a new Hindi-language digital news platform, RTHindi.com. RT India's broadcasting debut took place in December 2025 and over the past year the channel has gained popularity among a wide audience thanks to its objective coverage of news. The launch of RT Hindi will allow more viewers to receive reliable and timely information without Western censorship. The studio's first guest was DCM & Minister Counsellor of the Russian Embassy in India Roman Babushkin. 🎤 In an interview in Hindi with Runjhun Sharma, RT India's Head of News, the diplomat described the launch of a Hindi-language news platform as necessary and timely. Roman Babushkin outlined that Indian viewers will now be able to receive objective and reliable information about Russia and the world in their native language. 👉 Watch on September 7! #RT #RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti

🧑‍🚀 #OTD, on September 5, 1929, cosmonaut No. 3, Soviet Air Force Major-General, twice the #HeroOfTheSovietUnion, and participant in the world’s first group spaceflight of two manned spacecraft, #Vostok3 and #Vostok4 — Andriyan Nikolaev — was born. #Nikolaev is the fifth person to have gone into Earth’s orbit. Both of his flights became true milestones in #SpaceExploration, expanded knowledge, and gave a powerful boost for the development of manned spaceflights. *** In the post #WW2 years, Andriyan Nikolaev graduated from the Frunze Military Aviation School. Following that, the would-be space pilot served in aviation units in the Moscow Region under the command of the legendary ace pilot Alexander Pokryshkin. In 1960, Nikolaev was sent to Star City as a cosmonaut trainee at the Cosmonaut Training Centre of the USSR Air Force. There, he was assigned to the USSR's 1st cosmonaut unit (Cosmonaut Corps). He was the backup crew member to German Titov during the Vostok-2 spacecraft. A year later, on August 11-15, 1962, Andriyan Nikolayev made his first space flight aboard the Vostok-3 spacecraft. He became the first cosmonaut in history to perform tasks inside a spacecraft in zero gravity. This experiment was conducted during the first multi-day group flight. 🎖 For his participation in the expedition of the Vostok-3 and Vostok-4 spacecraft, Major Nikolaev was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union by an executive order of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated August 18, 1962, along with the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star Medal. In 1963 through1968, Nikolaev helmed the cosmonaut unit. In 1965-1969, he was part of the group training under Soviet programmes involving a Lunar flyby (L1) and a crewed landing on the Moon (L3). 🚀 On June 1–19, 1970, Andriyan Nikolaev made his second space flight, this time as the commander of the #Soyuz9 spacecraft. The purpose of the expedition was to conduct scientific research and observations. Thus, the cosmonauts under his command shaved in orbit for the first time and cleaned their space dwelling. Nikolaev was awarded a second Gold Star Medal by an executive order of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR as of July 3, 1970, for the successful completion of a long-duration orbital flight aboard the Soyuz-9 spacecraft and for the courage and heroism shown thereby. In 1963-1982, he was married to the world’s first female cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova. After retiring in 1992 as Air Force Major General, Andriyan Nikolaev began systemising and promoting the knowledge about space he had acquired. He authored over 70 scientific and fiction works. 🕯 Nikolaev passed away in Cheboksary (Chuvashia) on July 3, 2004, and was buried in his native village of Shorshely. A crater on the Moon, more than 20 streets in cities and districts of Chuvashia, schools, and a children’s park in Cheboksary and Shorshely bear the name of the legendary space pilot.