Russian MFA 🇷🇺

🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin's greetings to participants and guests of the 2026 International Youth Festival (September 13, 2026) 💬 Dear Friends! I am delighted to welcome participants and guests of the International Youth Festival. This year, you have gathered in the capital of the Urals, Yekaterinburg – the city where Europe and Asia meet and where history literally lives in every stone. For centuries, the Urals have produced ideas that changed our country for the better. First plants, Russia’s first industrial revolution, and hundreds of modern scientific breakthroughs. Where else but here, one of the centres of Russia’s industrial, cultural and intellectual legacy, would young leaders from different countries discuss how our life is changing with the arrival of new technology and what kind of world we want in the future? 🌏🤝 In the Russian language, the word “mir” means friendship, peace and accord; but at the same time, it means the world, the planet: humanity, all the countries and peoples on Earth. That explains so much about the character of Russia’s multi-ethnic nation, our decisions and actions. If we are friends, our friendship is strong and enduring. If we are neighbours, we seek fairness and respect for one another. We want every person to remain human and for their fate be determined by things other than nationality, a wallet packed with money, status or background. We strongly believe that every nation is free to choose its path independently and is entitled to equal access to medications, food, water, energy and education opportunities, and to the use of the latest technology that must be available to all humanity. It is our aspiration, our cause and our dream. If you share these aspirations, let’s change the world together. We will welcome those who decide to join our projects in Russia. We are equally happy to see you build our shared new, open and, hopefully, just world in your own home countries. I have no doubt that you, the younger generation, will succeed. It is your time. 🇷🇺 Follow your dreams with Russia. I wish you the best of health, good luck and all the best.

#FacesOfVictory On September 13, 1943, the leaders of the Soviet 'Young Guard' underground resistance & youth organisation, which fought the Nazis during #WW2 in #Donbass, were awarded the title of the #HeroOfTheSovietUnion: 🌟 Ulyana Gromova 🌟 Ivan Zemnukhov 🌟 Oleg Koshevoy 🌟 Sergey Tyulenin 🌟 Lyubov Shevtsova The #YoungGuard was formed in the coalminers’ city of Krasnodon (#Donbass) after it had been occupied by the Nazis (July 1942). The city's residents, who found themselves in the enemy’s rear, had to mine coal — a strategic raw material for the war industry — for the needs of the Nazi troops. So, different local underground resistance groups began to fight the enemy in the city. The Young Guard underground headquarters was helmed by Ulyana Gromova, Oleg Koshevoy, Lyubov Shevtsova, Ivan Zemnukhov, Sergey Tyulenin and other boys and girls. The youngest member of the organisation — Radiy Yurkin — was only 14. The selfless activists of the 'Young Guard', who embarked on the path of fighting against the Nazi occupants, were no different from their peers. They also went to school, engaged in extracurricular routine, dreamed and made plans for the future. But the #GreatPatrioticWar began, having changed radically their fate: in the fight against the Nazis, they sacrificed the most valuable that they had — their lives. The 'Young Guard' members started fighting the Nazis by making and distributing counter-propaganda leaflets. In December 1942, they set on fire one of the Nazi-occupied buildings in Krasnodon, where the enemy kept the lists of the people who were planned to be deported to Germany as slaves. About 2,500 young men and women of Krasnodon were saved from the deportation. ▪️In January 1943, shortly before fleeing from the advancing Red Army, the Nazi “polizei” intensified their efforts to eliminate the Komsomol-Communist underground resistance movement in Krasnodon. Using their informants, the Germans traced the young Soviet partisans and began mass hunt and arrests of the Young Guard members. 🖋 Excerpt from the testimony of Otto Schen — chief of the Nazi 'polizei' of during the occupation of Krasnodon:

During interrogations, all members of the organisation were severely tortured. They were beaten till they fell unconscious; the polizei broke their legs and arms, then showered with cold water and threw into the cell. <...> The prisoners’ bodies were covered with bruises and abrasions all over.

Neither torture nor brutal interrogation broke the spirit of the courageous youngsters who understood that the Nazis would not leave them alive. They steadfastly and courageously endured, refusing to cooperate with the enemy. All the arrested members of the underground resistance were executed on January 15, 16 and 31, 1943. The deep pit of Coal Mine Number 5 in Krasnodon was where they were brutally killed by the fascists. In February 1943, Krasnodon was liberated by the Red Army. After the Nazis were expelled out of the city, local residents discovered the mass burial in Coal Mine 5 — they saw a terrible picture: a black abyss, blood, pieces of clothes and footgear. 71 bodies were taken out from the 53-meter depth of the mine. 🎖 Courageous Yong Guard members, who sacrificed their lives for Motherland, inspired thousands of their peers to perform heroic deeds during the Great Patriotic War. The novel of the same name by writer Alexander Fadeyev is dedicated to the memory of the members of the "Young Guard" — the book inspired many generations of Soviet and Russian schoolchildren with its example of selfless devotion and self-sacrifice for the Motherland. #WeRemember #Victory81

🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin's remarks at the meeting of the 18th BRICS Summit in the BRICS Outreach/Plus format (September 13, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: The broad representation at today’s meeting confirms that the international community’s interest in BRICS continues to grow. Our fundamental values and ideals – such as commitment to an independent and autonomous course, striving to solve problems collectively while relying on international law and the key provisions of the UN Charter – appeal to many in the world. The BRICS group has always advocated that all countries without exception should have equal and unlimited opportunities for consistent and balanced economic and social growth, for ensuring their populations’ wellbeing, while being able to preserve unique national cultures and traditions and to adhere to their own sovereign development models. <...> I would like to emphasise that today BRICS is a powerful driving force behind the strengthening of genuine multilateralism in international relations, and plays a major role in shaping a new, fairer and multipolar world order. It is worth noting that the BRICS nations are seeing steady population growth and strengthening domestic markets; they have established robust industrial, technological, financial and academic hubs, as well as modern transport, energy and digital infrastructure. Trade within our association has already reached $1.2 trillion. Member states account for almost a quarter of global exports, and it is BRICS that, at 49 percent, provides most of global GDP growth. That said, the potential for the further development of BRICS is far from exhausted. One of the main untapped resources so far is the complementarity of the member states’ economies. The differences in their structure and specialisation offer vast opportunities for practical cooperation, for creating new production chains, technologies, services, and markets. <...> I also invite everyone to take a closer look at the promising initiatives put forward by Russia to streamline our cooperation. These include establishing a BRICS payment, depository and clearance infrastructure, as well as setting up a reinsurance mechanism and a grain exchange within the association. I am convinced that both member states and partners of BRICS will be able to employ all these tools in the future. Further strengthening the capacity of the BRICS New Development Bank and updating its business model is a pressing task. <...> Naturally, technological transformation is a key driver of global growth and sovereign development. With the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, the development of autonomous systems, and the rise of digital trade platforms and financial solutions, the very model of economic value creation is shifting. Read in full #BRICS #RussiaBRICS

📸 President of Russia Vladimir Putin took part in an official family photo ceremony with heads of delegations prior to the outreach/BRICS Plus session 📍 New Delhi, September 13, 2026 #RussiaBRICS 📹 © Kremlin.News

🌳 Russian President Vladimir Putin, together with #BRICS nations’ Heads of State and Heads of delegations, took part in a ceremonial tree-planting event. 📹 © Kremlin.News

⚡️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin has arrived at the meeting of the 18th #BRICS summit. 📹 © Kremlin.News

🇷🇺🇿🇦 Russia's President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in India (New Delhi, September 11, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends, I am very glad to see you. Our previous discussions also took place at the BRICS summit, in Kazan, yet we remain in constant contact – as do our respective teams. Last year, we had the opportunity to compare positions on the full spectrum of current issues with your Vice-President, who, at your instruction, participated in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. 🤝 Relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Africa are developing successfully. Just last week, on September 5, we marked the 20th anniversary of our basic treaty, signed in 2006 – the Treaty on Friendship and Partnership between our states. Political dialogue and inter-parliamentary ties are developing, with the heads of our Foreign Ministries maintaining regular contact. Trade may not be increasing at a rapid pace, but it continues to grow and remains at a solid level. We have traditionally developed cooperation in the cultural and educational spheres, particularly in personnel training and education. For the 2026–27 academic year, the state quota has been increased to 100 scholarships for your young people to study in Russia. We note the similarity of our approaches to key international and regional issues, and we are grateful for South Africa’s support for Russian initiatives at the United Nations. Naturally, Russia attaches great importance to the comprehensive development of relations with African countries as a whole. We are preparing, in a robust manner, for the Third Summit Russia-Africa, which will take place in Moscow from October 28 to October 29. Among the main subjects are digital technologies, artificial intelligence, peaceful use of freedom, and food security. And we do expect to have a representative delegation from your state. #RussiaSouthAfrica #RussiaAfrica #BRICS2026

🎙 Russia's President Vladimir Putin answered a media question, concluding the first day of his working visit to India (September 11, 2026) Key points: • All that is now happening across Europe as a whole is the consequence of systemic errors committed by the so‑called West, or, to be more precise, by the globalist circles of the West, in the political, security and economic spheres. • We were included in the G8. Yet, this did not constitute full‑fledged membership. • As for the economic sphere, the most pressing issue at present is, naturally, energy. How, in fact, is the price of gas formed on the European exchanges? It is not determined by producers, but by exchange traders. They believe that today, it is more advantageous to extract gas from storage that was purchased at lower prices, and as for tomorrow – well, we’ll see. This will result in prices rising not just to 1,000, but to 1,500 [dollars or euros per 1,000 cubic metres]. • In the security sphere, the [systemic error of the West] has taken the form of attempts to put pressure on the Russian Federation, initially through the use of terrorists in the Caucasus and separatists, then via other methods, and now – by means of the neo‑Nazi regime in Ukraine. This process continues unabated. • Yet today’s European elites adhere to a different perspective. They now seek to frighten their populations with a mythical Russian threat, purportedly dating back to the Soviet era. But such a threat does not exist, and never has. 👉 We do not threaten, nor do we intend to threaten, European countries. Read in full

🗓 The President of Russia Vladimir Putin held a meeting with President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff on the sidelines of the BRICS summit (New Delhi, September 11, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: Ms Rousseff, I am very glad to see you – this time here in India. We met not long ago in Moscow, where we discussed matters relating to our cooperation with the New Development Bank and the Bank’s involvement. The Bank is operating energetically, doing much to advance the organisation’s development, and expanding its activities in key areas. We are very pleased that such an instrument was created at some point. We advocate the involvement of as many participants as possible in its work, and for its programmes to be broader in scope – covering a greater number of economic sectors within the #BRICS member countries. You are also aware of our proposals regarding the creation of new platforms, including investment-oriented and digital ones, to expand the Bank’s capabilities and make them more versatile, enabling the Bank, together with its participants and shareholders, to achieve even greater results. I would like to thank you for our joint work, and to express the hope that not only will all our agreements be implemented, but that – working with our partners in the Bank’s member countries – we will find new instruments to boost the operations of this vital financial institution. 🤝 I am very glad to see you here in New Delhi, and I am confident that today’s meeting will benefit our cooperation. #BRICS2026

🇷🇺🇲🇾 President of Russia Vladimir Putin had a conversation with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in India (New Delhi, September 11, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, friends, I am very glad to see you, Mr Prime Minister. It has been a long time since our last meeting. First of all, I would like to ask you to convey my warmest regards to the Supreme Ruler of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim – we had the pleasure of meeting in Moscow this May at the celebrations of the 81st anniversary of Victory over Nazism. We highly appreciate the high level and truly friendly nature of relations between Russia and Malaysia. Today, we meet within the #BRICS framework – a platform where the outlines of a new, equitable and democratic world order are being shaped. We welcome Malaysia’s joining the group as a partner country, which took place during our chairmanship in 2024. Next year will mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between our countries, and we approach this significant milestone with a wealth of positive experience of cooperation and a solid foundation for its further expansion. Contacts are developing dynamically across the security councils, parliaments, foreign ministries and other relevant agencies. Recently, in August, the fifth meeting of the Joint Russian-Malaysian Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation was held in Vladivostok. Last year, trade between our countries increased by 12.9 percent – a very encouraging figure. 🤝 We attach great importance to our cooperation in education, science, technology and tourism. Today, we have the opportunity to discuss priority areas of our cooperation in all these areas. #RussiaMalaysia #BRICS2026

🇷🇺🇪🇬 Russia's President Vladimir Putin met with President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (New Delhi, September 11, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: Mr President, It has been a long time since we last met. I am very pleased to see you again. Indeed, these are turbulent times, and a great many events are unfolding. We remain in contact, as do our colleagues, and our key initiatives are pressing ahead, with plans being implemented. Bilateral trade is growing, and its structure is steadily improving. I would like to reiterate that major projects are being carried out – strictly according to plan – despite any challenges. We are in constant contact on the international agenda. And we are very pleased to see Egypt, our long-standing and reliable friend in the region, growing stronger under your leadership. I recall how, under your leadership – back in Sochi – we established the new Russia–Africa format. The next summit in this format is being held this year, and we would be delighted to welcome you to Moscow this autumn, in October, for these events. *** Mr President, Many developments are unfolding both in the region and across the globe. For me, it is not merely interesting but of great importance to know your position on all these issues. You know that we take Egypt’s stance into account in our practical policy-making; today’s meeting is therefore highly valuable. 🤝 I am very pleased that we can hold consultations today on the sidelines of the #BRICS2026 summit on both bilateral issues and the international agenda. #RussiaEgypt #RussiaAfrica

🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin addressed a meeting of the BRICS Business Forum (New Delhi, September 11, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: Friends, Prime Minister Modi, colleagues – heads of state, our friends in the audience, and members of our countries’ business community. As per tradition, this event takes place before the BRICS Summit. Its high-profile attendance underscores growing interest in strengthening contacts throughout the territory of our association. It is clear that strong economic partnerships and reliable business ties largely shape the basis of international relations, reinforcing their stability and helping us overcome the crisis elements the modern world is facing. The world has entered a period of deep structural shifts caused by the fact that the old leaders – relatively speaking old – who were at the forefront of economic growth in the latter half of the past century, are being replaced with new growth drivers. <...> Over the past five years, as it has already been said today – I think it was our Indonesian colleague who said it, the #BRICS countries accounted for over 40 percent of global GDP, while the contribution of the Group of Seven, the so-called leading economies, although I don’t understand why they are called “leading,” was just 29 percent. As for global economic growth over the same period, our association accounted for nearly half of it, while the G7 contributed just 18 percent.  What drives these trends? The answer is quite simple: the BRICS countries, which are home to roughly half the world's population, have vast and dynamic domestic markets. Our cities are growing and developing rapidly, urbanisation is advancing quickly, and our national companies are increasingly making their mark as global players. <...> We have long been told that competition is an inviolable principle; yet, regrettably, Western competitors today are resorting to every conceivable means to reclaim their erstwhile dominance. They go so far as to employ instruments of direct physical force, including the destruction of industrial and logistical infrastructure, pipelines, and similar facilities. Efforts are underway to block international transport corridors, to seize sea‑going vessels, while illegal restrictions are imposed, accompanied by threats of so‑called secondary sanctions, on those who refuse to act in the interests of others and instead seek to defend their own national interests. I know my colleagues could cite hundreds of such examples of this, but consider this: over 30 000 sanctions have been imposed on Russia – nearly twice as many as against all other countries in the world combined. <...> We must also acknowledge another fact: the countries that initiated this sanctions pressure, and which are now grappling with serious problems such as budget deficits, mounting public debt and industrial decline, have been unable to do the same. 👉 It turns out that they are the ones facing complex and severe consequences. This is are not mere speculation; these are facts drawn from their own statistics. <...> Russia is open to interesting and promising initiatives in industry, trade and tourism. We are ready to contribute to the world’s energy and food security together with our partners, and to jointly shape reliable global routes, such as the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor and the North-South International Corridor. Through the combined efforts of the bodies of power, businesses and expert community, BRICS is creating a new stable platform of global growth. It is notable that its key elements, the operating rules for companies and organisations are not imposed from the outside by the so-called golden billion. Likewise, we do not impose anything on others. Our rules are based on innovative business approaches, breakthrough technological solutions, highlighting the national interests of our states and nations. Read in full #BRICS2026

🏰 On September 11, 1812, the Russian settlement of Fort Ross was established on the northwestern coast of the continental United States. It was the first European settlement and a fortress on the coast of Northern California located 80 km north of San Francisco. It marked the southernmost point in North America reached by Russian pioneers. In the 18th century, Russian industrialists, hunters and farmers began exploring Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. Settlements began to spring up all along America’s northwestern coast. These places would later become known as Russian America. 🧭 The harsh climate of Alaska made farming difficult, and food shortages began to be felt. To address this problem, Alexander Baranov (1790-1818), the first chief administrator of the Russian settlements in America, sent several exploratory expeditions led by his closest aide and associate Ivan Kuskov (1765–1823) to California. Ivan Kuskov spotted a plateau 30 km north of Rumyantsev Bay (present-day Bodega Bay), which was separated from the surrounding area by deep ravines and surrounded by valuable timber forests and grazing land. Kuskov purchased the plot from the Native Americans for three blankets, three pairs of trousers, two axes, three hoes, and several strings of beads. He named the nearby river the Slavyanka (the Russian River). 🇷🇺 From March to September 1812, construction work was carried out on the newly acquired land, and a fortress and a settlement were built. On August 30 (September 11), the flag of the Russian-American Company – the Russian tricolour bearing the imperial double-headed eagle - was raised at Fort Ross. In a short time, orchards and vegetable gardens were planted, and farmers began raising livestock and poultry. Our ancestors hunted sea otters and sea lions that inhabited the coastal waters. Fort Ross thus became the main source of food supplies for the Russian settlements in Alaska. Maritime industries also developed. The fortress had a shipyard and a boatbuilding workshop. California’s windmills and shipyards appeared first at Fort Ross. The population was ethnically diverse: Russians lived side by side with Native Americans and Aleuts. The settlers not only got along with the local population, but also provided them with basic education and professional skills, and many Native Americans at Fort Ross became carpenters, blacksmiths, and shipbuilders. ☦️ The fortress was also home to California’s first Orthodox church building, namely, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, which remains an important historical, cultural, and religious centre for San Francisco’s Russian-speaking community. By 1841, the food supply problem in Alaska had been resolved by other means, and Fort Ross was deemed operating at a loss. The colony’s lands were sold to the “Emperor of California,” American businessman and landowner John Sutter. The last Russian settlers returned home in 1847, and in 1867 the United States purchased Alaska. 🕰 Today, a museum dedicated to the history of the Russian colony and the daily life and traditions of its settlers is open on the site of the former fortress. It also displays a replica of the flag presented by Emperor Paul I to the Russian-American Company. Located on the picturesque Pacific coast, Fort Ross attracts visitors from around the world. These historic sites also inspired the plot of the famous opera “Juno and Avos” by Alexey Rybnikov, inspiring future generations to create artistic works, including the well-known portrait of Concepción (Conchita) Argüello by Russian artist Anatoly Sokolov, which was donated by the artist’s family to the State Historical Museum in Moscow in September 2001. This year, the Fort Ross Historical Park hosted a Russian cultural heritage festival for the first time in six years. The programme included performances of folk songs, Russian food tasting, and demonstrations of traditional crafts, as well as a traditional Russian round dance to the music played on ancient instruments. #HistoryOfRussia

🇷🇺🇿🇦 Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa hold talks on the sidelines of the #BRICS2026 Summit 📍 New Delhi, September 11, 2026 #RussiaSouthAfrica

📸 President Vladimir Putin takes part in the #FamiliyPhoto of the Heads of Delegation with the Leadership of the BRICS Business Council & the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance. 📹 © Kremlin.News #RussiaBRICS #BRICS2026

🇷🇺🇮🇳 President Vladimir Putin has begun his working visit to India. The first item on the Russian President’s agenda is a meeting with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. 📹 © Kremlin.News #RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti

#Announcement 🗓 On Tuesday, September 15, Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova will hold an on-site briefing on current foreign policy issues in Yekaterinburg (Sverdlovsk Region). 🕜 1:30 pm MSK 🕥 10:30 am GMT 🕦 11:30 am CET 🕡 6:30 pm CST For accreditation inquiries, please contact the MFA Press Centre. Accredited journalists will receive details on the technical aspects of submitting questions. The Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman will answer media questions received by the call centre. ❗️ Accreditation is open until September 13, 9:00 am MSK.

🛬 On September 11, President of Russia Vladimir Putin arrived in India for a three-day visit, during which he will attend the BRICS Summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings, including with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. 👉 More on Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi #RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti 📹 © RT

🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with the RBC television channel for a documentary marking the anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 (Moscow, September 11, 2026) ❓ Question: September 11, 2001, fell on a Tuesday. The working day had only just begun. The clock read 8:45 AM when the first aircraft struck the World Trade Centre. How did you learn about these events? Where were you at that time? What was your immediate personal reaction? 💬 Sergey Lavrov: I was in my office. The office of the Permanent Representative to the United Nations is a soundproofed room, equipped with specialised apparatus around the perimeter designed to suppress any sound, ensuring that nothing “escapes” the room. I walked to work, arriving at approximately 9 AM. <...> My routine was always to sit at my desk. To the right of it stood a television set. I would switch it on to a news channel – at that time, it was CNN. The sound was muted. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed an aircraft collide with a skyscraper and explode. My initial thought, at 9 AM, was that they were broadcasting some horror film. I carried on working, but something lingered in my mind. I began watching more closely and then understood the reality of what was unfolding. <...> ❓ Question: Were you not afraid to venture outside afterwards? 💬 Sergey Lavrov: Not at all. I always walked both to and from work. <...> After September 11, I passed those same little restaurants; the tables remained, but the entire mood had changed – people were glancing nervously over their shoulders, a great deal had altered. President Vladimir Putin telephoned then-US President George W. Bush and affirmed that we stood with them. Subsequently, an appropriate resolution was adopted in the UN Security Council. ❓ Question: We have spoken about public assistance. Twenty-five years have passed. Was there any non-public assistance extended by Russia to America that can now be disclosed? 💬 Sergey Lavrov: The Russia – NATO Council, which had already been established by that time, endorsed an entire programme concerning Afghanistan. Our helicopters were made available for the use of the international coalition. Intelligence data were shared. ❓ Question: How did international relations evolve as a consequence of these events? What does this signify for you? In your view, what was the gravest error in the new order? 💬 Sergey Lavrov: Relations deteriorated. Firstly, the United States exploited this international solidarity and the resolution which authorised its military operation and the establishment of an international coalition not so much to combat terrorism as to pursue its own geopolitical objectives and to broaden its presence and sway. This trend subsequently manifested itself in a number of other theatres. Prior to Afghanistan, there was Yugoslavia – an unprovoked act of aggression and the senseless destruction of a sovereign state. <...> Then there was Georgia. There was Ukraine, which we also discussed. Regrettably, this was an attempt by the unipolar world to cling to the course of historical processes. This will persist for a considerable time. This is an entire epoch. ❓ Question: Summing up the events of September 11, 2001, how would you describe – in a single sentence – what actually happened in New York on that day? 💬 Sergey Lavrov: I am not inclined towards conspiracy theories. I am aware of them. <...> Yet, on a purely practical level, an enormous number of individuals would have had to be involved. I cannot accept that with Americans – from whom everything “leaks” – nothing would ever have surfaced in the public domain. <...> We maintain dialogue with the US. We engage with all who approach us. This does not mean that we agree with everyone on every issue. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have both always maintained that they are ready to listen to each other, without any preconditions. This is the essence of politics and the essence of diplomacy. Read in full

📅 #OTD 3️⃣0️⃣5️⃣ years ago, on September 10, 1721, the #TreatyOfNystad was signed between Russia and Sweden, having finalised the Great Northern War of 1700-1721, secured our country's access to the Baltic Sea and granted the status of a great power. This document — regarded as one of the greatest achievements of Peter I — cemented the monumental military-political and diplomatic successes of the Russian state based on the outcome of a more than 20-year-long confrontation in the Baltic region. Russia became a leading European power, thanks to the efforts taken by the state and the people, clever military commanders, the heroism of sailors and soldiers, and talented diplomats. On behalf of Russia, the Treaty of Nystad was signed by Count Yakov (James) Bruce, General-Feldzeugmeister and President of the Berg and Manufactory Colleges, and Andrey Osterman, member of the Foreign Affairs College (👉 read more about that outstanding statesman and diplomat in our in-depth biopic). Under the Treaty of Nystad, Russia gained access to the Baltic Sea, and hence to the world’s ocean and its trade routes, and regained its former north-western territories, including Ingria (Izhora) and part of Karelia. Peter the Great wrote in a letter to Russian diplomat Prince Vasily Dolgoruky that the long war was a kind of a 'school', and expressed satisfaction with its outcome:

It lasted three times as long as it could, but thankfully, ended better than we could expect.

Russia also took over the Baltic territories previously seized by Sweden — Livonia with the city of Riga, and Estonia with the cities of Revel (now Tallinn) and Narva. That Baltic region suffered more than other territories under the Swedish rule. Stockholm turned it into its raw materials supplier and ruthlessly exploited the local population. In the Russian Empire, the Baltic peoples managed to recover, preserve their identity and languages, and also created conditions for the region’s development. By the middle of the 19th century, the population of Livonia and Estonia increased tenfold, to 350'000 and 450'000 respectively. *** 👑 As part of the celebrations of the Treaty of Nystad, on November 2, 1721, Tsar Peter accepted the title of “Father of the Motherland, Emperor of All Russia, Peter the Great” in the Church of the Holy Trinity in St. Petersburg. The Russian state became an Empire. 📜 #ArchivesSpeak: The original copy of the Treaty is kept in the Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Empire (AVPRI) of the Foreign Ministry of Russia. #HistoryOfDiplomacy