Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎉 Today Moscow and Muscovites celebrate #CityDay — a holiday that reflects our Motherland’s history, culture, and traditions.
This year, our beloved capital turns 8️⃣7️⃣9️⃣ years old.
📜 Moscow was first mentioned in the ancient chronicles circa 1147. The Ipatiev Chronicle describes an invitation from Prince Yury Dolgoruky to his friends and allies, led by Prince Svyatoslav Olegovich of Novgorod-Seversk, to meet in Moscow:
Over the past centuries, the small fortress and settlement have grown into a global metropolis and the capital of the great country.
Today, Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of over 13 million covering an area of over 2'500 square kilometres. In total, more than 20 million people live in the Moscow agglomeration. It has a major role in the country’s political, cultural, and academic life and is an attraction hub for talents and ideas from across the globe.
✨ Moscow's city day is not only a tribute to history but also a look forward into the future. The capital incorporates old traditions and modern achievements, preserving its rich heritage while progressing at a dynamic pace. The Smart City is an exact reflection of our beloved capital — a leader in the digitisation of urban services.
The history of Moscow is a story of courage, creation, and the unity of the entire nation. A Hero City, a symbol of resilience and spiritual strength, Moscow is rightly considered the heart of Russia. Moscow will host more than a hundred events on September 5 and 6 to celebrate its 8️⃣7️⃣9️⃣th Anniversary.
👉 See more about the celebration events
Happy Birthday, dear Moscow! 🎉
#Moscow879
This year, our beloved capital turns 8️⃣7️⃣9️⃣ years old.
📜 Moscow was first mentioned in the ancient chronicles circa 1147. The Ipatiev Chronicle describes an invitation from Prince Yury Dolgoruky to his friends and allies, led by Prince Svyatoslav Olegovich of Novgorod-Seversk, to meet in Moscow:
“Come unto me, brother, to Moscow. And Svyatoslav went to him with his son Oleg.”
Over the past centuries, the small fortress and settlement have grown into a global metropolis and the capital of the great country.
Today, Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of over 13 million covering an area of over 2'500 square kilometres. In total, more than 20 million people live in the Moscow agglomeration. It has a major role in the country’s political, cultural, and academic life and is an attraction hub for talents and ideas from across the globe.
✨ Moscow's city day is not only a tribute to history but also a look forward into the future. The capital incorporates old traditions and modern achievements, preserving its rich heritage while progressing at a dynamic pace. The Smart City is an exact reflection of our beloved capital — a leader in the digitisation of urban services.
The history of Moscow is a story of courage, creation, and the unity of the entire nation. A Hero City, a symbol of resilience and spiritual strength, Moscow is rightly considered the heart of Russia. Moscow will host more than a hundred events on September 5 and 6 to celebrate its 8️⃣7️⃣9️⃣th Anniversary.
👉 See more about the celebration events
Happy Birthday, dear Moscow! 🎉
#Moscow879
❤1🔥1
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🗓 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:
***
🔹 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
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
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇺🇳 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.
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.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺 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!
🐎 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!
Forwarded from 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.
❓ 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.