Vladimir Putin received in the Kremlin Alexei Komissarov, who heads the ANO Russia - Land of Opportunities.
This open space, created three years ago at the initiative of the President, brings together talented and caring people of all ages and professions to enable them to fully realize their potential. Contests, educational programs, charitable initiatives - everything in order to give a chance to as many people as possible.
Vladimir Putin has held a meeting with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
"During the session, the participants discussed the current issues of Russia’s social-economic development. Besides, they touched upon the current issues on the international agenda, including the situation in Afghanistan, and on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border," Peskov said.
Vladimir Putin participated in the inauguration ceremony for the start of railway traffic through the second Baikal tunnel on Wednesday via a video link.
The train near the western tunnel entry started moving and in ten minutes the participants greeted the arrival of the train from the eastern entry.
The new tunnel crosses the Baikal ridge and connects two Russian regions: the western portal is situated in the Irkutsk Region and the eastern one - in the Republic of Buryatia, the Kremlin’s press service said earlier. Development underground reached 6,682 meters in challenging geological conditions. The progress hit 300 meters per month, with the tunnel running to a depth of up to 300 meters.
Construction of the tunnel started in 2014 as part of the Baikal-Amur and Trans-Siberian railways upgrade and development project.
The old single-track Baikal tunnel, built in 1985, was one of the bottlenecks on the Baikal-Amur Mainline. The new tunnel is situated 35 away from the old one and, now that it is open, the traffic will now be on both tracks. The throughput capacity of the segment will surge 2.5-fold from 13.2 to 32.4 mln tonnes of cargo annually after the opening of the second tunnel.
Vladimir Putin congratulated Russian gymnasts Angelina Melnikova, Viktoria Listunova, Vladislava Urazova and Lilia Akhaimova on their victory in the artistic gymnastics team event at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.
“For the first time ever, Russia has won the Olympic gold in the artistic gymnastics team event. I heartily congratulate you on the well-deserved victory.
This success has become a worthy prize for your talent and perseverance in reaching your goals, for your team spirit, solidarity and beautiful, graceful performance of the most complicated elements. While surpassing your famous rivals in a fair and uncompromised competition, you have written a new page in the history of Olympic achievements, lived up to the expectations of your coaches, mentors, and numerous fans and lovers of artistic gymnastics.”
Issuing more dollars to cover the budget deficit in the United States affects the entire world economy, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, opening a meeting on economic issues on Tuesday.
According to him, inflation in the United States has exceeded 5% with a target of about 2%, and the United States has been making up a budget with a 15% deficit for two years in a row.
"So they cover this deficit at the expense of what? At the expense of the issue [of the dollar]. This is where inflation comes from," Putin said.
"Of course, this affects entirely and completely the world economy, considering the importance of the American [economy] for the whole world and the largest, most in-demand reserve currency," he said.
Speaking at the meeting, Putin invited the participants to focus on how the Russian economy is overcoming the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
"We see that the global economic recovery continues overall, with quite high rates, though this process is connected with inflation risks as well," he said.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier that Kremlin Chief of Staff Anton Vaino, Russian Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, Economic Development Minister Maksim Reshetnikov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and Central Bank Chief Elvira Nabiullina were all taking part in the meeting.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin embarked on his working trip to the Far East and Siberia. His program began with visiting the Iturup Island of the Kuril Archipelago.
President Vladimir Putin ordered him to pay special attention to the Kuril Islands. The head of state noted that Russia has been working on the creation of necessary conditions for participants of economic activity there for a long time. The head of state also announced unique and unprecedented measures on involving Japan in the economy of the Kurils. The final initiatives will be formulated after Mishustin’s trip is over.
On Monday, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said that Mishustin’s trip to Iturup "contradicts the Japanese government’s consecutive position on the Northern Territories and causes extreme regret." The high-ranking Japanese official added that Tokyo would continue to collect and analyze information about this trip.
Russian Ambassador to Japan Mikhail Galuzin was summoned to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. Later, Galuzin told journalists that Moscow would not accept Tokyo’s protest over Mishustin’s trip.
Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting on the development of the transport system in St Petersburg and Leningrad Region, on Monday.
According to the President, such a project for such a large agglomeration as St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region will certainly be in demand.
The head of state recalled that the ring road and the Western High-Speed Diameter, interchanges had already been built earlier. However, he drew attention to the fact that more than 7 million people live in the city and its environs, so the development of transport is extremely important. They are important for people, for the economy, for the tourism infrastructure, the president said, proposing to discuss at the meeting what will need to be done additionally in order for the situation to continue to improve.
On Navy Day, Vladimir Putin, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief reviewed the Main Naval Parade held in the Neva River, St Petersburg. Prior to the main part of the parade, the head of state sailed aboard a cutter around the combat ships gathered in parade formation in the Bay of Finland and in the inner harbor of Kronstadt.
The President greeted the crews and congratulated them on Navy Day. Around 4,000 sailors, and over 50 ships, boats and submarines took part in the parade as well as 48 naval aviation aircplanes and helicopters. The ships included the Marshal Ustinov missile cruiser, the Admiral Kasatonov frigate, the Vice Admiral Kulakov large landing ship, the Gremyashchy and the Stoiky missile corvettes, the Pyotr Morgunov and the Minsk large landing ships, and the Alexander Obukhov and the Vladimir Yemelyanov minesweepers. The static part of the parade featured for the first time the Knyaz Vladimir submarine strategic missile cruiser of the Borey-A project.
Russia’s Main Naval Parade is taking place in St. Petersburg and Kronshtadt on Navy Day on July 25 this year (the event is annually celebrated in Russia on the last Sunday of July). This year, the Russian Navy is celebrating its 325th anniversary. The parade is being held without spectators due to the tense epidemiological situation.
Russia is constantly and successfully improving its naval armaments and can detect any enemy and deliver an inevitable strike against it, if necessary, Vladimir Putin said ahead of the beginning of the Main Naval Parade 2021, on Sunday.
The Russian leader recalled the behests of Russian Emperor Peter the Great sealed in the Navy’s Charter: "never to lower the ship’s flag before any force, never to retreat or surrender the ship to the enemy."
Vladimir Putin congratulated investigation officers on their professional holiday (Investigation Officers’ Day) on Sunday.
The President thanked them for their hard and extremely responsible work, which is very important and relevant for the country as a whole and for all Russian citizens.
The Investigative Committee and the relevant departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Federal Security Service defend the law, the interests of the state, society and individuals, hold criminals accountable, and play a vital role in the fight against crime and corruption.
The experience of Russia’s relations with the West in recent decades shows that any unilateral concessions made by Moscow will be seen as weakness, and new unacceptable demands will follow, Sergey Lavrov said at a webinar on Russia’s foreign policy, on Friday.
"we will pursue an independent, nationally-oriented foreign policy, that is, a pragmatic foreign policy. we will not take into consideration any threats and ultimatums, except that we will stand firm against them," Russian Minister stressed.
The state of emergency on the Trans-Siberian Railway and Russian-Japanese economic cooperation in the Kuril Islands, Vladimir Putin discussed with permanent members of the Security Council of the Russian Federation on Friday.
Due to torrential rains in Transbaikalia, traffic on the Transsib [Trans-Siberian Railway] has been blocked. A bridge collapsed on a railroad linking east and west. The supports could not withstand the flow of water. Dozens of trains, including passenger ones, have been canceled.
The situation on the Transsib became the topic of Vladimir Putin's meeting with the permanent members of the Security Council. The President instructed the government to ensure the vital activity of the adjacent blocked areas, and the coordination of all services responsible for the elimination of the emergency.
Also, Prime Minister Mishustin, who is scheduled for a working trip to the Far East in the near future, Putin instructed to pay special attention to the Kuril Islands. Russia and Japan, according to the president, are working to create conditions there for joint economic activity.
There are good developments to be formulated and implemented in the near future. Some proposals for work in the Kuril Islands, Vladimir Putin stressed, are unique and unprecedented.
In Transbaikalia, because of this, the railway bridge on the Trans-Siberian Railway collapsed. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the movement is paralyzed. In addition, five more road bridges were washed away.
Rostov-on-Don was literally flooded. The streets of the city have turned into rivers. Water poured into the bus cabins, passengers in search of rescue climbed onto the handrails. In one of the districts a mudflow came down, many cars had to be pulled out by hand. The blow of the elements fell on Stavropol. There is a thunderstorm, a squally wind.
A similar situation is in Tambov, but some townspeople decided to take advantage of the situation and go in for extreme sports.
Russia has always been and remains the guarantor of Europe's energy security. This was stated today by the press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov, commenting on the joint statement of the United States and Germany on Nord Stream 2. It, in particular, speaks of support for Ukraine and retaliatory actions if Russia suddenly tries to use energy as a weapon.
Peskov stressed that Moscow has never viewed energy resources as an instrument of political pressure. And to the news that Berlin will seek to extend the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, he replied as follows:
For some reason, the Russian Federation is not mentioned here, although this agreement can only be extended between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Therefore, the effect of this statement, I do not know how to translate it into other languages, but in Russian - "no one informed me about my marriage." Nevertheless, I want to remind you that President Putin has repeatedly, including a few days ago, spoke of Russia's readiness to discuss the extension of the agreement on gas transit through Ukraine after 2024. This is exclusively a matter of economic feasibility and profitability.
In the capital of Tatarstan today, on the day of the Our Lady of Kazan Icon, a revived historical cathedral in honor of this shrine, one of the most revered in Russia, was solemnly opened.
The rite of consecration was performed by Patriarch Kirill. The former stone church was blown up in Soviet times. A lot of people took part in the construction of a new church on the site of the finding of the miraculous icon, this was noted by Vladimir Putin, who sent his congratulations.
Returning home - this is what they say today about the opening of the reconstructed cathedral. The icon is finally at the place where it was found, in Kazan.
The old icon was found by the girl Matrona. First, a chapel was built on this site, then a wooden temple, then a stone one. The last building was erected in 1808; the temple was a place of pilgrimage for believers from all over the country. But in the 30s of the 20th century, the cathedral was destroyed.
“Today we are witnesses of how in the place where no manifestations of religious life were supposed at all, this majestic cathedral was consecrated as a monument to the spirit, courage, strength and faith of our people. And how wonderful it is that representatives of the Islamic clergy are with us today. Today we are together, everyone, as those who maintained solidarity with each other in the difficult years of persecution, and together on this solemn day, ”said Patriarch Kirill.
They first started talking about the restoration of the temple back in 2004, when the Our Lady of Kazan Icon from the Pope's chambers in the Vatican was transferred to Kazan. And in 2016, it was decided to restore the temple at its former, historical place.
“Exactly five years ago, we, led by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, laid the first stone in the foundation of the restored church. And today, in this majestic cathedral, in the presence of the Patriarch and distinguished guests, the Divine Liturgy is again celebrated. The capital of Tatarstan and our glorious Fatherland have regained one of their main spiritual shrines, ”said the head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.
Today's event is being handed out to be historical. A huge temple was rebuilt with the help of believers and business. Vladimir Putin also sent his congratulations to Kazan today.
“The Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan Icon was erected by the efforts of scientists and restorers, employees of museums and libraries, priests, benefactors, volunteers, literally built by the whole Ortodox world. I am sure that the cathedral will become one of the spiritual centers of Kazan, will serve the cause of the revival of religious shrines and age-old traditions in the ancient land of Tatarstan, ”the plenipotentiary representative of the Russian Federation in the Volga Federal District Igor Komarov read out the telegram.
Today, many celebrated that the day of finding the Our Lady of Kazan Icon coincided with one of the main Muslim holidays, Eid al-Adha. This is symbolic for multinational Russia, where different peoples have lived in peace for centuries.
“The most important values are one for all. This is love for one's neighbor, caring for one's family, honest work, striving for justice. And I am sure that the consecration of this wonderful cathedral in the very heart of Kazan will be the next step to preserve unity, trust, and mutual understanding between peoples. This is what our country is rightfully proud of, ”said Valentina Matvienko, Chairperson of the Federation Council.
The temple will open to believers tomorrow. A unique ancient cave temple, which was accidentally discovered during excavations, will also be available for visiting. It is there that the very place of finding the shrine is located.
Vladimir Putin attended the opening ceremony of the 15th International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2021on Tuesday.
The whole world was probably looking forward to this minute. The main intrigue of the MAKS 2021 air show is the plane that has already become famous, although no one has seen it yet.
A few days before the air show, Rostec announced a super-premiere - the latest military aircraft. And then he fueled interest, gradually opening the curtain. And today, finally, the long-awaited novelty is presented to everyone.
Now it can be viewed in detail. angular shape - the fighter will be invisible to radars. The armament bays are hidden inside the fuselage. And the main feature is one engine. now there are no such vehicles in the Russian army. now will be. Llight tactical aircraft of the fifth generation, called Checkmate. next generation platform. Wide combat capabilities. The pilot is assisted by artificial intelligence. Although the new aircraft is called a fighter, it will be able to destroy not only air targets.
The first flight of the new car should take place in two years. In the meantime, already well-known planes soar into the sky near Moscow. This year, for the first time, the Su-57 participates in an air show as a serial fighter. Officially, the MiG-35 and Su-30 are not yet the fifth generation, but they are ready to challenge it. And this is not all that the jubilee airshow can surprise the audience with.
Two years ago, a civilian MS-21 aircraft flew here with American engines, and the PD-14 engine was separately demonstrated at the stand. And now our engine lifts our plane into the sky during the airshow.
Another premiere. Short-haul IL-114-300. The plane is smaller than the MC-21 and has its own niche for local airlines. Replacing the old An-24.
Tven more deserved An-2 now also has something to replace. light multipurpose aircraft Baikal, the President examined it. There, the head of state was shown a business version of the Superjet. Together, these new items make up the lineup that will become the face of Russian aviation in the future.
These new helicopters were also shown to the President today. ANSAT-M differs from its predecessor in increased flight range. firefighter Ka-32 received a new fire extinguishing system. a postal drone will be able to deliver parcels without a postman.
Now it is important that all promising models become serial samples, adding to the fleet of Russian airlines. And this is precisely the main task of the aviation industry, a meeting on the future of which the president held at MAKS.
However, today it is hardly possible to achieve success without international cooperation. Kazakhstan became Russia's partner at MAKS this year. Also, Belarus and other EAEC countries are taking part, and not only. 250 foreign companies from more than 50 countries.
Among such developments, for example, an all-electric aircraft, a prototype of which is presented in Zhukovsky. However, the air show is not only the technologies of the future, but also traditions. one of these is Russian ice cream, which the president tastes during his visit to the exhibition. an irreplaceable delicacy in hot weather. Vladimir Putin has not changed this tradition even today, having treated the entire government delegation to ice cream while watching the flight program.
At the very beginning of the meeting, the traditional Islamic greeting of the guest: 'Eid Mubarak!' [Blessed holiday!]
It was evident that the presidents were glad to have a new personal meeting. And a lot of topics have accumulated since the last negotiations in January. One of the most acute is the implementation of the Moscow agreements between Azerbaijan and Armenia on Nagorno-Karabakh, which put an end to the bloodshed in the region last year.
The conversation, of course, also touched on the economy. After a slight downturn during a pandemic, connections are being restored with confidence. Russia took the third place in terms of trade with Azerbaijan.
Ilham Aliyev also noted clear progress in the restoration of economic ties between the two countries. Separately, the operation of the North-South transport corridor from Helsinki to Mumbai, which passes through Russia and Azerbaijan.
Aliyev said that more than a thousand students are already studying in two branches of Russian universities in Azerbaijan - Moscow State University and the First Medical named after Sechenov. At the same time, 15 thousand Azerbaijani young people study in Russia, and 16 thousand - at the departments of the Russian language in Azerbaijan. Aliyev called them a large cohort of young people connected with Russia by language, communication and education.
Russia’s S-500 next-generation missile system has struck a fast-moving ballistic target in a training exercise at the Kapustin Yar range.
The first S-500 system will be procured to the Moscow Region’s air and missile defense unit after a full cycle of tests is completed, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters.
The S-500 missile system has no analogues in the world and can intercept the whole range of current and future means of air and space attack of a potential enemy at all altitudes and speeds.
S-500 will replace the S-400 systems. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said earlier that procurement of S-500s to the Russian army would begin in 2020, while specialists have been working on the system since 2017.
Russia has consistently delivered development goals despite difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Vladimir Putin said by a video link at the meeting of the Council on Strategic Development and National Projects, on Monday.
"Despite great trials and the need to mobilize resources to combat the coronavirus, we consistently progressed because we always, even in the most difficult time, kept the focus on our common national goals that are close and clear for every citizen of the country," President said.
Among such goals are the rise of regions, cities and settlements, creation of new jobs, welfare and prosperity of Russian families, the Putin added.
the Admiral Gorshkov frigate has successfully test-fired the Tsirkon hypersonic missile against a surface target at the range of over 350 km and the flight speed reached 7 Mach [8568 km/H], the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.
The Project 22350 frigate Admiral Gorshkov successfully test-fired the missile from the White Sea. the surface target was located on the coast of the Barents Sea.
According to the ministry, there are plans to equip submarines and surface vessels of the Russian Navy with the Tsirkon system.
Imperceptibly, in conditions of extreme importance - this is how the Security Service of the President of Russia works, since its creation 30 years old. One of the key structures of the state security relates to the FSO.
If it were not for the earphone wire and conversations with your own fist, these guys could well be mistaken for members of the official delegation of the head of state.
The main task of the service employees is the physical safety of the head of state. The decree on the creation of this structure was signed by the first president of Russia, Boris Yeltsin, nine days after taking office.
They are often in sight, but no one knows practically anything about them. How many employees are in the Presidential Security Service, what they are armed with, how exactly they protect the head of state - all this, of course, is a secret. But at least one principle of their work is known: the best improvisation is prepared improvisation. All possible, even the most incredible, scenarios are calculated in advance.
The activity of the President of Russia, of course, creates many additional problems for the Security Service. Vladimir Putin travels a lot around the country. And for him it is a common thing - after a meeting in the local administration, unplanned approach to people. Ensuring safety in these conditions and not interfering with communication is not easy.
Here's another episode. St. Petersburg, Navy parade. Vladimir Putin was supposed to get into the car, but suddenly changed his mind and decided to walk. You can see how the security officer is transmitting on the radio that the script has changed. The President suddenly approaches the audience.
To fulfill the task, no matter what, is the main principle of the Russian president's security service. A seemingly insignificant but very eloquent episode took place in Germany at the G20 summit. The heads of state enter the building, and their guards are forced to enter through another door. All obediently leave their presidents and go where they were told. The Russian guards follow their President. The confused representative of the German special services did not dare to insist.
Sometimes the security service of the President of Russia has to perform functions that are not typical for it, as, for example, it was recently in Switzerland, at the talks between Putin and Biden. The press service of the American president failed to cope with the simplest task - to lead the journalists inside the building. The Russian bodyguards had to connect.
The security service of the President of Russia is not only those employees whom we see next to the head of state. Some we shouldn't see, but they are also nearby. Maybe under water, or maybe in the sky - depends on the situation, which must always be under control.
Vladimir Putin argues that Russia's relationship with neighboring countries, the former republics of the Soviet Union, is based primarily on compromise and mutual respect for sovereignty.
In the international arena, building a certain type of relationship, even between closest neighbors, is always a compromise. Our goal is not to force anyone to accept a particular model. We are looking for a compromise, Putin said.
Vladimir Putin clarified the issue of the transit of Russian natural gas through the territory of Ukraine, answering a journalist's question in connection with statements by President Zelensky in Berlin about the need to include this issue on the agenda of the next meeting of the Normandy format.
"Russia signed a five-year contract to deliver a certain amount of Russian natural gas to our consumers in Europe via Ukraine. The Normandy format and other similar formats are political platforms for discussing the situation in southeastern Ukraine. They have nothing to do with commercial projects like Nord Stream or Nord Stream 2 or the transit of our gas through the territory of Ukraine. Despite all the current difficulties, Russia undertook certain obligations under this contract and will fully meet them," Putin said.
Now, the volume of transit gas currently accounts for only one third of the throughput capacity of the Ukrainian pipeline.
So, recall that Russian Gazprom and Ukrainian Naftogaz signed a gas transit agreement for five years in 2019. many experts suggest that in 2024 Russia will stop transit of natural gas through Ukraine and redirect hydrocarbon flows through Nord Stream 2. however, the most likely scenario is which Russia will continue to transit gas through Ukraine in order to avoid confrontation with the West, but will reduce its volume as much as possible, just to keep the pipeline in working order.
Sergey Lavrov’s replies to media questions on Afghanistan after participation in the international conference Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities, on Friday.
None of Russia’s Central Asian allies stated their intention at the Tashkent conference of hosting any part whatsoever of the US military infrastructure, which the Americans are moving out of Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Minister said.
"As for the plans by the Americans that they are in fact making public and actively promoting, they seek to persuade Central Asian countries and Pakistan, in particular, to use their territory for accommodating some military infrastructure, which the Americans are moving out of Afghanistan," Lavrov said.
"First of all, Pakistan and Uzbekistan have already officially stated that this is out of the question and they will not use their territory to host such infrastructure. We conferred both in bilateral contacts, and now at the meeting of foreign ministers of five Central Asian states plus Russia on this issue. None of our allies has stated their intention to subject its territory and population to such a risk," the Russian foreign minister stressed.
The participants in the talks also spoke about another US initiative, namely, the attempt to withdraw Afghans who collaborated with the Americans and accommodate them "either temporarily or permanently on the territory of Central Asian states," Lavrov revealed.
"At first, they talked about 10,000 but quite recently I heard already as part of the American discussions in various political think tanks in the US that the figure of 100,000 until the end of the year was mentioned," Lavrov added.
"Today, I already mentioned this in my contact with my Central Asian counterparts and they understand perfectly well all the risks that these plans harbor and they will, perhaps, make the right decision, proceeding from their own interests," Russia’s foreign minister specified.
Expanded "group of three" on the settlement in Afghanistan
Russian Foreign Minister also pointed out that including India and Iran in the expanded "group of three" (Russia, China, the US, and Pakistan) on the settlement in Afghanistan would enrich the possibilities of this format.
"The ‘group of three' discussed in particular the candidacies of India and Iran [as new members]. I think that this can enrich the possibilities of this format," Lavrov said.
The foreign minister noted that one of the key tasks of the expanded ‘group of three’ is the involvement in the dialogue on the settlement of all political and ethnic groups residing in Afghanistan.
Russia is seeking to eliminate barriers that obstruct vaccine production and distribution around the world, Vladimir Putin said at an online summit with leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on Friday.
"We believe that it is vital to continue working together on creating new vaccine production capacities in Asia-Pacific, elimination of administrative and other barriers that hinder their production and supply," Putin said.
He added that Russia believes expansion of vaccination scales to be a primary task in the fight against the pandemic.
"We are ready for close cooperation with APEC partners on such key areas as organization of mass immunization of populations, including work migrants, rehabilitation and recovery of health of those, who had the virus," the Russian leader said.
According to him, the global vaccination pace determines, how fast the global economy can be revived, how risks linked to new waves of infections can be minimized, and how negative trends in the social sphere can be overcome.
Putin recalled that Russia had already developed four "safe and reliable" coronavirus vaccines, which are being used now. "The high quality of the first global coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V, has already been confirmed by almost 70 states, which officially approved it for use," the president clarified.
He added that Russia actively fosters localization of its vaccine production abroad, which is based on technology transfer, while agreements were inked with several foreign companies, including APEC ones, to produce more than 800 million doses of Sputnik V every year in total.
Vladimir Putin explains the thesis of his article "that those who try and use people living on our historical territories against Russia will thus demolish their own country."
The President noted that this material (article) appeared after the development and adoption of the law on indigenous peoples by the Ukrainian authorities. The law declares the Russian people living in the historical territories of Russia to be foreigners. In fact, the authorities are beginning to expel them from this territory. This was one of the factors that prompted Putin to write the article.
Regarding to whom all this is addressed, and what the Russian leader had in mind, he noted one aspect: "People living in Ukraine are unlikely to look calmly at incumbent rulers who gain power under certain slogans and who later change their colour just like chameleons and defend entirely different positions. As a rule, they defend the interests of their superiors and those financing their stay in power, rather than the interests of the Ukrainian people."
Sergey Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi have discussed information security, the situation in Central Asia and the Iran nuclear deal at a meeting on the sidelines of the high-level international conference "Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities" in Tashkent.
"A thorough exchange of views on topical global and regional problems, including international information security, the situation in Central Asia and the Asia-Pacific region and Iran’s nuclear program, took place. Particular attention was paid to the current situation in Afghanistan. They reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating the Afghan settlement process through the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, taking into account the results of its meeting held within the framework of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers session," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the two top diplomats reiterated their mutual commitment to stronger coordination within the UN, the G20, BRICS and other international organizations. The foreign ministers spoke highly of the outcome of the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries held in Dushanbe on July 13-14 in the context of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the SCO marked this year. They highlighted the organization’s pivotal role in strengthening security and ensuring economic development in Eurasia, noted its growing influence on the global stage and indicated their desire to facilitate its further development.
The meeting took place in a confidential and constructive atmosphere typical of Russian-Chinese relations. "The two ministers noted that the existing bilateral ties surpassed such a form of interstate cooperation as military-political alliances of the Cold War era," the report said.
The large-scale forum was organized by representatives of United Russia and the local public organization Russian Center, which advocates strengthening ties with Russia. More than 800 participants discuss the protection of the rights of Russian-speaking residents of Donbass and the efforts that Moscow is making to support them.
The forum is attended by Donetsk People’s Republic leader Denis Pushilin, chairman of the Russian parliament committee on CIS affairs, Eurasian integration and relations with compatriots Viktor Vodolatsky, coordinator of the Russia-Donbass integration committee, Russian parliamentarian Andrey Kozenko and other officials.
The participants include politicians, activists, scientists, students, representatives of organisations and movements, athletes, servicemen and delegates from the Lugansk People’s Republic and Abkhazia. The DPR leader is expected to address the forum participants.
Discussions will focus on Russia’s achievements in the key spheres of pubic life and stronger international partnership and Russia-Donbass integration; special attention will be paid to Moscow’s efforts in protecting Russian-speaking people’s rights outside the Russian state.
Commenting on the anti-Russian statement of Volodymyr Zelensky, Vladimir Putin noted that this statement is only a choice of the Ukrainian authorities, which does not reflect the opinion of the people.
We are talking about the interdependent and intertwined fates of millions of people living in modern Ukraine and modern Russia. This constitutes the historical and spiritual interweaving of our peoples, which took centuries to form. "What the current authorities say has nothing to do with the people. The authorities talk about their own personal choice. But this does not necessarily mean that this choice is final," Putin said.
Vladimir Putin, answering reporters about a recent article (“On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians”), said that the triune people (Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians) is not gone and it will never be gone.
Putin recalled that during Soviet times there were attempts to eradicate religiosity among the Soviet people. When the Great Patriotic War broke out, Vyacheslav Molotov, during his speech on the radio, addressed the people as “fellow citizens”. But Joseph Stalin, who spoke after everyone realized the impending disaster of the war unleashed by Nazi Germany, addressed the nation as "brothers and sisters." This is how people call each other in the church. Later, the patriarchy was restored. Today the church plays its well-deserved role in society.
The Russian leader spoke about this with the President of Belarus. Lukashenka said that when he plays hockey and team members are angry that someone is making a mistake, in the heat of screaming they shout: “Come on, don't you understand? You're not Russian? “Phrases like this come without hesitation, from the heart. There are also millions of such people in Ukraine. "So, no, it is not gone and it will never be gone," Putin said.
Vladimir Putin in his article “On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians”, and now personally, claims that the anti-Russia project started in the Middle Ages and continues to this day.
The project started back in the 17-18 centuries in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Later it was used by the Polish national movement, and before the First World War it was used by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The goal was quite simple: divide and conquer. Before World War I, Russia's potential adversaries had a simple goal - simply to weaken the country. They pursued this goal vigorously, promoting an anti-Russian concept and dividing part of one nation in order to weaken the rival. Why the Bolsheviks had to take up this concept and implement it when creating the union is historically not clear.
Perhaps at that time it would have been more logical to unite the country, especially since they believed that this was a transitional period. But they left everything as it is, and, unfortunately, the time bombs eventually exploded.
"So, it all started a long time ago, during the Middle Ages, and it continues to this very day. They are simply recycling old schemes. History repeats itself," sums up Putin.
Vladimir Putin clarified to reporters what he meant by talking about the 'time bombs' that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union in his article about the Unity of Russians and Ukrainians.
Putin reiterated that The USSR republics’ right for secession was "the most dangerous delayed action mine" under the statehood of the Soviet Union, Russian President Vladimir Putin said. In his words, the Soviet Union’s early leaders, Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin, had a debate about it.
Another delayed action mine was the Communist Party’s leading role, because "it turned out that it was the only thing that held the entire country together as a single nation."
Putin said he might raise the subject again in future: "There were other delayed action mines as well. Maybe, we will talk about them later."
Vladimir Putin told reporters on Tuesday he decided to write an article about the unity of Russians and Ukrainians several months ago, because active work on the ‘anti-Russia’ project has started in Ukraine, and this cannot but cause concern in Moscow.
The Russian leader said that just like in individual freedoms, a state’s freedom is limited by the freedom of others, and called upon those who had begun ‘military exploitation’ of the Ukrainian territory to take Russia’s concerns seriously.
The idea of the publication, which is "slightly more than just an article" emerged because relations with Ukraine have changed drastically. "In all appearances, active work on the ‘anti-Russia’ project has begun, and of course this cannot but cause certain concern with us," Putin said.
Moreover, forces that favor normal ties with Russia have no chance of engaging in legitimate political activities in Ukraine. "Nationwide mass media are getting closed, [people] are placed under house arrest as was the case with [Ukrainian lawmaker and party leader Viktor] Medvedchuk. At the same time, Ukrainian governmental bodies make absolutely illegitimate decisions, which are beyond their sphere of competence. Therefore, those forces have no chance of engaging in legitimate political work," Putin said.
A Russian Su-30 fighter was scrambled to intercept a US spy plane over the Black Sea, Russia’s National Defense Control Center reported on Tuesday.
On July 13, radar stations of the Southern Military District’s air defense quick reaction alert forces detected an aerial target over the Black Sea approaching the Russian state border, the statement says.
The US spy plane was not allowed to violate the Russian state border, it stressed.
The crew of the Russian fighter identified the aerial target as a US Air Force EP-3E Aries electronic warfare and reconnaissance aircraft and shadowed it.
After the foreign military plane made a U-turn from Russia’s state border, the Russian fighter safely returned to its home airfield. The Russian fighter’s flight proceeded in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace.
The meeting of Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday took place at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg.
As the Russian leader noted, Minsk remains a large and reliable partner for Moscow in the economic sphere. But the ties between the two countries are much broader, which confirms the intensity of contacts at the highest level.
Despite the fact that the Kremlin called the meeting between Putin and Lukashenko expected, it was still not announced. And that the presidents will hold talks today, in the morning it became known from the Belarusian Belta news agency. The news was accompanied by footage of the president's departure from a cargo airfield near Orsha. And this is Pulkovo airport. Lukashenko unbuttons his shirt right during the greeting, in St. Petersburg +30°C.
A couple of hours later, the motorcade of the Belarus President at the Constantine Palace. Putin immediately denies rumors about the unplanned and urgency of these negotiations - they were agreed on a month and a half ago in Sochi.
Last year, due to the pandemic, the trade turnover of the two countries fell noticeably, but this time it managed to recover. And, what is also important for Moscow, Minsk remains solvent.
Recent June sanctions by the West against Belarusian producers of potash fertilizers, petrochemicals, tobacco and industrial giants such as MAZ and BelAZ were the impetus for the neighbor's further deepening of ties with Russia.
On Monday, Vladimir Putin's article "On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians" was published. The topic is sensitive for both peoples, therefore it is debatable. The story, without which it is impossible to understand why everything is so now... it long, with breaks, but with all its acuteness it is a common one - a conviction that the President of Russia has expressed more than once in one form or another. Now it is a picture unfolded in time for readers on both sides of the border.
On the Kremlin's website, the President's article appeared in two languages at once - Russian and Ukrainian, so that all residents of the neighboring state can familiarize themselves with it. And it is worth doing it, because now in Ukraine it has become fashionable to rewrite history. First, Putin emphasizes that his thesis of the unity of Russians and Ukrainians is not a tribute to the political situation, but a conviction. Parts of one people were divided artificially...
At the same time, Putin emphasizes: Russia has never been and will never be "anti-Ukraine." Our country is open for dialogue and is ready to discuss the most difficult issues.
Cooperation on climate issues is critically important for Moscow and Washington, and it could give impetus to the development of relations in other areas. This was discussed at a meeting between Sergey Lavrov and the US President's Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry.
They have known each other for a long time - ever since Kerry was Secretary of State under Obama.
The American came on a working visit. Russia and the United States are preparing for a large international conference on climate, which will be held in Glasgow in the fall, and at the same time are looking for points of contact that would help establish a bilateral dialogue.
Lavrov considers Kerry's visit an important and positive signal from the point of view of improving relations, removing tensions in them and starting normal professional work in areas where Russia and the United States can find common denominators. This approach is fully consistent with the spirit of the Geneva Summit. Lavrov and Kerry seem to intend to strengthen it in every possible way on the basis of a mutually beneficial dialogue aimed at balancing interests.
US and Russia, being among the leaders in greenhouse gas emissions, must act together on climate change, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry said during talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
"The deal is to be able to deal with the climate issue separately. It’s too important, too significant, and we very much need to move together. The US is the world’s second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, Russia is the fourth. We are among that small group of 20 nations that is the equivalent of 80% of all emissions. What we do, what we decide to do is critical," Kerry said.
He underscored that the cooperation between Washington and Moscow on climate must develop despite the existing disagreements. Kerry noted that Washington is glad that Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the virtual summit on climate in April, and that the White House believes that the Geneva summit was constructive and was important for both countries.
Kerry paid special attention to Russia’s role in the Arctic, including its current presidency in the Arctic Council.
"The Arctic [is] melting at the rate faster than anything we’ve ever measured, the fastest in the world," he noted.
Italy beat England in a penalty shootout in the UEFA Euro 2020 Final. The match took place at Wembley Stadium in London in the presence of 67,173 spectators.
So, the European Championship, which has kept millions of fans in suspense for a month, is over. The final match, and the victory of Italy, which was vigorously celebrated in the country all night.
This tournament will be discussed for a long time. After all, it was possible to hold it in a pandemic, observing a delicate balance between strict restrictions and the ability to arrange a real football holiday. As it happened, for example, in St. Petersburg, which hosted seven Euro games. This championship was marked by sensations and records, there were also scandals.
Italy becomes European football champion for the second time in history.
On Sunday, the Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Nikolai Patrushev celebrated his 70th birthday.
Vladimir Putin congratulated him on his anniversary. The President noted that they have been linked by many years of friendship and joint work. Brilliant erudition, the ability to take personal responsibility - these are the qualities that, according to the head of state, distinguish Patrushev. There were many of the most difficult problems in his life, and he always found a solution. And he completely devoted himself to the cause, whether it was work or his favorite volleyball.
The ball just takes off over the site, and already at the moment when the trajectory of its flight became clear, in a split second, that is, the receiving team must know the combination that it will play - a reception, a pass, an attack hit.
Someone considers chess to be an obvious sports symbol of strategic thinking, while Nikolai Patrushev prefers volleyball, in which instant decision-making, combinations learned by heart and precise implementation. However, the ability to play in a team is far from the only skill required for a security professional. This kind of work shapes the personality.
Obvious inconsistencies in the case of the alleged poisoning of Alexei Navalny, which is so actively promoted in the West, were found in the draft report of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
The official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova drew attention to this. The draft report of the OPCW states that experts from the organization were sent to Berlin on August 20 last year to assist in the investigation. On the very day when Navalny felt unwell on the plane and after an emergency landing was hospitalized in a hospital in Omsk. He was transferred to a German clinic only two days later. And, according to Zakharova, this testifies to an obvious falsification of the facts: “We all understand perfectly well that even if we take an extraordinary case with tight deadlines, some kind of emergency situation, this technically cannot be. In order for Berlin to make a decision, this is still a very important moment, it was necessary to have some materials, some data in order to request the whole organization for the prohibition of chemical weapons for a support group. What kind of materials did Berlin have at the time of the incident itself, when there were not even primary analyzes yet, there was no primary information from the doctors. The Russian delegation drew attention to this not just a discrepancy, to this blatant fact, which destroys the entire Western myth about chemical weapons poisoning, to which the Director General of the OPCW technical secretariat simply could not answer, he just sat and was silent.
"The only explanation is that on August 20, when the Russian citizen was just admitted to medical institutions, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons had already made a decision to prepare and send a technical support team to investigate the poisoning (the OPCW does not deal with conventional poisoning, the OPCW deals exclusively with chemical weapons) and the only explanation is that everything was prepared by them (West, Berlin) in advance,"emphasizes Zakharova.
The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution on which Russian and American representatives worked together.
It concerns the mechanism for providing humanitarian assistance to Syria. Today the only border crossing on the border of the Arab Republic expired, through which supplies from Turkey went without agreement with Damascus. According to the approved resolution, the checkpoint will continue to function for at least six months. In addition, as noted by the permanent representative of Russia to the UN Vasily Nebenzya, the document emphasizes the need for progress in establishing supplies through the contact lines, which was not the case before: 'Today we are witnessing a historic moment. For the first time, Russia and the United States managed not only to come to an agreement, but also to present a joint text, which was supported by all our colleagues on the Council. We hope that such a scenario will become a turning point, from which not only Syria and the Middle East region will benefit, but the whole world as a whole.'
'Of course, I think this is an important point in our relationship. It shows that we are capable of working with Russia through diplomatic channels to achieve common goals. We came to an agreement on one of them. I look forward to expanding opportunities to work with Russia on other issues of common interest,' said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador to the United Nations.
On Saturday at midnight, Vladimir Putin congratulated university graduates on completing their studies.
July 10, all of Russia celebrates a special day - the All-Russian Student Graduation Day. The President warmly congratulated the young specialists who had just defended their theses on the successful completion of their studies at universities.
Student years become history, and they enter a completely new stage, when almost everything will depend on themselves.
In a modern world, it is extremely important to constantly search for and obtain new knowledge and skills, to be always aware of the most advanced solutions in your professional spheres, to be able to introduce and use them; and this concerns virtually all careers.
Putin wished everyone success in their search for their unique path and their true vocation: 'Yes, it does not always happen right away, the first time. But the most important thing here is not to give up, and then you will definitely find a career that will fully reveal your knowledge, abilities and the best human qualities. You will be totally proud of this career because it will benefit the people and will serve the whole of Russia.'
Tight control over the arms trade was the topic of Vladimir Putin's meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security Council on Friday.
The president demanded to restore order in this sector after the tragedy at a school in Kazan. Today they talking about specific proposals and measures. The head of state expects them, first of all, from the heads of law enforcement agencies.
Vladimir Putin held telephone talks with Joe Biden on Friday.
This is the first telephone conversation between heads of state since the Russian-American summit, which took place in Geneva on June 16. At that time, the focus was on strategic stability, cybersecurity, regional conflicts, trade relations and cooperation in the Arctic.
According to the Kremlin, the presidents continued the dialogue on information security and the fight against cybercrime, begun at the Geneva summit. The need for substantive and constructive cooperation in this area was emphasized; it should be permanent, professional and non-politicized.
At the same time, despite Moscow's willingness to cooperate on cybersecurity, there have been no calls from the United States in a month.
Another topic of conversation is the situation in Syria. The emphasis was on the humanitarian aspects. Putin and Biden positively assessed the coordination of efforts on Syria, including in the UN Security Council.
Vladimir Putin also expressed condolences in connection with the collapse of a residential building in Florida. The tragedy occurred on June 24, 78 people were killed.
It is known that the telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden lasted an hour.
The quality of the road surface on the Moscow Region Central Ring Road (CRR) was appreciated by Vladimir Putin at the wheel of the presidential Aurus.
On a short trip, the head of state was accompanied by a girl - an Avtodor specialist. And, of course, not some ordinary employee.
As it became clear from the dialogue, the chief specialist Stanislav Kuznetsova prepared thoroughly for the presentation of the road for the President.
At this time, the builders were already waiting for the President's command to start the movement along the last remaining section of the Central Ring Road.
To the sound of horns, a column of construction equipment set off along the section between Simferopol and Kaluga highways. Traditionally, the builders were the first to get the right to drive on the new road.
At the head of the convoy are two unmanned trucks. These last 25 kilometers, due to the abundance of engineering communications, turned out to be the most difficult - the road was built here for more than a year. And now the Central Ring has closed.
The central ring road runs about 50 kilometers from the Moscow Ring Road. The highway is laid bypassing large settlements and connects 13 federal highways. One of the sections of the Central Ring Road also passes through the territory of new Moscow.
This is on frames of accelerated shooting, where days and weeks are compressed into seconds, everything seems to be fast and simple. In fact, the construction of the giant ring road took about seven years.
First, the western section was opened - from the Kaluzhskoe highway to the M-10 Russia highway. It's free. Only a small part of it has been rebuilt, mainly a reconstructed concrete pavement.
Further clockwise. The longest is the third launch complex: the 106-kilometer track was built from scratch. From the highway M-11 Neva to M-7 Volga. You can fly along it from the north-west to the south-east of the Moscow region in an hour.
Last winter, TsKAD-4, 97 kilometers long, also started working. It connects the highways M-7 Volga and M-4 Don. And here is the finish line to the Kaluga highway.
A total of 55 bridges, 144 overpasses and 18 transport interchanges have been built on the 336.5 km long highway.
The new road will become a key factor in the development of the Moscow region. It will create about 15 thousand jobs.
The Central Ring Road will become part of the Europe-Western China international corridor. The Russian section of the transport artery with a length of 2500 kilometers will include a high-speed highway from the Kazakh border, the Moscow-Kazan highway under construction with an exit through the new ring around Moscow to the M-11 road to St. Petersburg.
In 2024, a high-speed highway from Kazan to Yekaterinburg should also open. The President discussed the progress of work with the governors and Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnulin, who is in charge of the project.
After the launch ceremony, Vladimir Putin talked with the builders of the Central Automobile Ring.
Almost 180 thousand cars pass along the highway every day. Now, after the commissioning of all sections of the new ring, this figure is likely to become even higher.
Vladimir Putin talked to children who are already looking for their own way, dreaming, thinking. On Family, Love and Fidelity Day, he spoke via video link with the finalists of the Bolshaya Peremena contest. For the first time there are so many of them. And for the first time, so many fresh, interesting ideas.
This year, the geography of the Bolshaya Peremena contest is wider, and there are more participants.
Over 2.5 million schoolchildren. And for the first time, students from fifth to seventh grades - more than a million children. In Artek these days there are finalists, with whom the President traditionally contacts.
By the way, the conversation with the President is not yet the finale of Bolshaya Peremena. The winners will be announced in a week. High school students will receive financial awards, and pupils from the fifth to seventh grades - tickets for the special train Bolshaya Peremena, which will travel on the Transsib in September.
The first topic of Vladimir Putin's Cabinet meeting on Wednesday was the tragedy in Kamchatka, where the An-26 plane crashed on a regular flight on the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky - Polana route.
Rescuers are working at the crash site, they are faced with the task of finding and identifying the bodies of the victims. There are three versions of what happened - unfavorable weather conditions, aircraft failure and crew error.
"A technical commission has been set up to investigate the incident. Unfavorable weather conditions, technical failure and pilot error are being considered as the three main causes of the crash," the transport minister said.
Efforts are ongoing to search for, identify and evacuate the bodies of those killed in the crash, he added.
As of 4:30 p.m. local time, rescuers had found the fragments of 11 bodies on the crash site. The terrain’s features and complex weather conditions are complicating the rescue operation, Savelyev informed.
The Russian transport minister said he had visited the crash site. "As of now, the commission members and I have made a flight over the crash site," he said.
"Today we flew along the route in weather conditions that were not very good but we landed at [the community of] Palana, using a different route and experienced no problems. That is why, we want to understand why the plane’s commander made such a difficult decision," the transport minister said, without elaborating on it.
An Antonov An-26 passenger plane belonging to the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airline went missing on July 6. The plane bound from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky for Palana was carrying 22 passengers and six crewmembers.
Russia’s Emergencies Ministry earlier confirmed that the bodies of 19 people had been found on the crash site. The search is being complicated by a storm. Debris from the plane was found 3.8 kilometers away from the airport of Palana, according to the Emergencies Ministry.
The elections in Armenia demonstrated that the acting Prime Minister of the country Nikol Pashinyan has the confidence of the people, this is the most important condition for further development. This opinion was expressed by Vladimir Putin, welcoming Pashinyan to the Kremlin on Wednesday.
"And for this, the most important thing is to have the people's trust. You have it. This is shown by the results of the elections," the Russian President added.
The head of the Russian state emphasized that in difficult times for any country, people's trust is the most important condition for further development: "I really, sincerely congratulate you on this, I hope that we can formally and informally with you at lunch time. talk on all the issues that we have discussed in such detail lately and which require our solution."
Nikol Pashinyan said that the situation in the region is not very stable. "Of course, everyone knows your personal efforts and the efforts of the Russian Federation in achieving a ceasefire in the 44-day war, and I must say that after the deployment of Russian peacekeepers in general, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is stable, but from time to time there are some hotbeds of concern. , instability, ”he noted.
Russian Su-30 fighters intercepted a US Navy Boeing P-8 Poseidon multi-mission maritime patrol plane over the Black Sea on Tuesday evening, Russia’s National Defense Control Center reported on Wednesday.
Russian radar stations detected an aerial target approaching Russia’s state border. Su-30 fighters of the Black Sea Fleet’s quick reaction alert naval aviation and air defense forces were scrambled to identify the target, the statement says.
"The crews of the Russian fighters identified the aerial target as a Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft and shadowed it over the Black Sea," the National Defense Control Center said.
The aircraft that belonged to the United States was not allowed to violate Russia’s state border, the National Defense Control Center stressed.
Currently, NATO’s Sea Breeze multinational naval maneuvers are running in the Black Sea. The drills involve Ukraine, the United States, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, and Latvia. About 4,000 personnel, 40 warships, 30 aircraft, and over 100 motor and armored vehicles are involved in the Sea Breeze 2021 maneuvers.
The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is an anti-submarine warfare plane that is also capable of accomplishing patrol operations. Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft are operational in some NATO countries, including the United States. The aircraft has an operating range of over 8,000 km. It is capable of employing various anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare armaments, including Harpoon missiles.
