Vladimir Putin has said that at the talks with his US counterpart Joe Biden they agreed that the two countries’ ambassadors will return to their workplaces in Moscow and in Washington.
"As for the return of ambassadors to their places of work - of the US ambassador to Moscow, and, respectively, of the Russian to Washington, we agreed that this issue is resolved," the Russian leader told reporters after the Russian-US summit in Geneva.
In Geneva, Vladimir Putin began negotiations with the President of the United States of America, Joseph Biden.
Russian-American consultations began with a narrow-format meeting with the participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
Putin has expressed the hope that the talks with his US counterpart Joe Biden will be productive."Mr. President, I want to thank you for your initiative of today’s meeting," the Russian head of state said on Wednesday in his opening remarks at the Geneva talks addressing Biden.
"I know that you had a long trip, a lot of work. Nevertheless, many issues that require top-level discussion have accumulated in Russian-American relations," Putin noted. "I hope that our meeting will be productive".
The talks between the Russian and US presidents are taking place in the Villa La Grange library. Top Russian and US diplomats Sergey Lavrov and Antony Blinken as well as interpreters are in the library along with the two leaders.
The Russian leader will have his first bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden, who arrived on Tuesday and has already met with Swiss President Guy Parmelin and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis of Switzerland.
Earlier, the spokesperson for the Canton of Geneva, Emmanuel Cuenod, told that Russia had not requested Switzerland for a protocol ceremony for Putin at the airport.
The talks between the presidents of Russia and the United States, Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden, will be held at the Villa La Grange in Geneva on June 16.
The Swiss president will deliver a welcome speech, after which Putin and Biden will begin negotiations - first in a narrow format, then with the participation of the delegations. Under the plan, the meeting in a narrow format will last for about an hour, while the meeting in an extended format will be divided into two parts and will last approximately until 18:00 local time (19:00 Moscow time). Then the two presidents will give separate press conferences.
Russian-American relations have reached their lowest point in years, so the parties sooner or later had to agree on a new summit.
This was stated by Vladimir Putin to the NBC correspondent Keir Simmons on the eve of a meeting with his American counterpart Joe Biden.
In an interview, the text of which was published on the Kremlin's website on Monday, the Russian leader suggested looking for compromises acceptable to all, expressed his hope for cooperation with Washington in cyberspace and space, and also admitted the possibility of discussing the exchange of prisoners.
Putin also answered questions about attitudes towards the opposition and the murder charges, the international agenda and what is important to him successor in the presidency. TKS has collected the key and brightest statements of the Russian leader.
Vladimir Putin expects the upcoming summit with his US counterpart Joe Biden in Geneva on June 16 to restore personal contacts and establish dialogue on issues of mutual interest, in an interview with the program, Moscow. Kremlin. Putin.
Among the issues of mutual interest, Russian President named strategic stability, the topic of regional conflicts, nature conservation measures and environmental protection as a whole, on the global scale, and economic cooperation.
Many American companies want to operate in Russia but they are being pulled by the ears from our market and they are ceding their place to rivals.
The fact that the US has abated its negative rhetoric towards Russia in the run-up to the summit should not be misled.
In the run-up to summit meetings, both sides always try to reduce some negative rhetoric to create the corresponding favorable atmosphere for work.
Vladimir Putin in interview with the program, Moscow. Kremlin. Putin, notes that Russia is ready to extradite cyber criminals to the United States on a reciprocal basis.
Moscow has repeatedly called on Washington to sign a cybersecurity agreement that would make it possible to jointly fight in this area.
Such understandings are formalized in corresponding interstate relations where the sides assume certain commitments. In an overwhelming majority of cases, they are equitable. Both sides assume equal commitments.
These agreements also apply to the extradition of criminals. And if they are achieved, then Russia, of course, will do it, but only if the other side, in this case the United States, agrees to the same and also extradits the corresponding criminals to the Russian Federation.
Cybersecurity is one of the most pressing issues today because any disconnections of whole systems entail very grave consequences and this turns out to be possible.
Vladimir Putin responded to Indian journalist regarding Russia-India relations, during the meeting with foreign journalists as part of the recent SPIEF'21.
Russia-India relations, according to Putin, are developing very successfully, in a trusting and traditional manner. These are relations of a truly strategic nature, since they cover a whole range of areas of interaction. These include issues of economics, energy and high technologies. It is also a military-industrial complex, and this is not only about buying and selling Russian weapons.
Russia has a very deep and trusting relationship with India, which is manifested in the fact that India is the only partner of Russia with which joint design and production efforts are being carried out, including the Indian territory, the latest and most modern weapons systems, including missile equipment.
The Russian President has no doubts that Russian-Indian relations will continue to develop consistently for the benefit of the peoples of India and Russia.
Vladimir Putin responded to a Japanese journalist on the controversial issue of the South Kuril Islands at a meeting with foreign journalists as part of the recent SPIEF'21.
Putin briefly recalled the background of this issue. Japan's position has changed very often since 1956, when they started talking about the two islands. Then, at the initiative of Japan, talks about this part of the Kuril Islands stopped. Later, Russia resumed them at the request of the Japanese side, when it came to two islands. After that, Japan's position changed again, and this time it was about four islands. Meanwhile, neither Russia nor the Soviet Union ever agreed to this.
During the preliminary discussions, the Russian side was interested in issues relate
d to security. Namely, how to resolve these issues, taking into account the fact that the United States plans to deploy modern attack missile systems on Japanese territory. Russia has always been concerned about whether these missile systems would be deployed at a distance that would threaten the Russian Federation. Unfortunately, Russia has not received an unambiguous, firm and clear answer.
This was followed by recent amendments to the Russian Constitution, which makes it impossible to alienate any territories of the country.
Putin believes that in any case, Russia should build good-neighborly relations with Japan. In particular, continue negotiations on a peace treaty between the two countries ... however, given that the Japanese side has always linked the issue of a peace treaty with the return of the Kuril Islands, therefore, the prospects for its signing, as well as the return of the South Kuril Islands to Japan, are absolutely unrealistic.
The inflated conceit of the United States, according to Vladimir Putin, can play a cruel joke.
The fatal mistake of empires is their excessive self-confidence in their economic and military might, which creates the illusion that blunders and mistakes are permissible in their foreign policy.
But problems are piling up, and there comes a time when it is no longer possible to cope with them all. And the United States is firmly and steadily following in the footsteps of the Soviet Union.
On Russia Day, Vladimir Putin visited the exhibition History through the Eyes of Artists at the New Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val. It is timed to coincide with the 800th anniversary of Alexander Nevsky.
The excursion for the President and Patriarch Kirill was led by Metropolitan Tikhon of Pskov. They were also accompanied by the director of the museum, Zelfira Tregulova.
The exposition was prepared for a year and a half. In the halls there are more than a hundred paintings from forty Russian museums. Some have never exhibited in Moscow before. And there are generally unique exhibits.
For example, a helmet that has lain in the ground for eight centuries. Scientists do not exclude that it could have belonged to Alexander Nevsky himself. The exhibition will open to the general public on Sunday.
After the awards ceremony, Vladimir Putin talked to the laureates in an informal setting. During such informal communication, extremely important topics are often discussed. So it was this time.
With the creators of the world's first registered vaccine against coronavirus, the president spoke about why the vaccination campaign is not going as fast as it could, and also about the development of a drug for children.
Alexey Ginzburg promised to register a coronavirus vaccine for children on September 15-20. However, according to the creators of Sputnik-B, Denis Logunov and Sergei Borisevich nasal spraying of this vaccine provides effective protection for children from 8 years of age.
On Russia Day, Wednesday, Vladimir Putin presented gold medals "Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation" and State Prizes in Science and Technology, Literature and Art, for outstanding achievements in human rights and charitable work for 2020.
The solemn ceremony took place in St. George’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.
The title of Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation has been conferred on Icebreaker Captain Gennady Antokhin. His 30-year work record includes risks and triumphs, dozens of extremely difficult expeditions and rescue operations. Mr Antokhin generously shares his professionalism with young captains and teaches them how to safely escort ship convoys in the harsh environment of the Arctic.
Tractor driver Alexander Bondarenko from the Don River area has devoted almost half a century to his profession. A member of a workers’ dynasty, he is sincerely concerned about his work and achieves outstanding results. It is precisely these dedicated, strong and truly hard-working people that drive the growth of the Russian agriculture sector and who provide record-breaking harvests of which the entire country feels proud.
Lyudmila Suslyakova is an amazing woman whose unique toughness, fortitude and diligence are so characteristic of Kuzbass residents. She operates a crane at a blast furnace department and has been managing hot iron flows for the past 40 years.
Murad Kazhlayev has long dreamed of devoting his life to children. An outstanding orchestra conductor, composer and a wonderful melodist, he enriched world culture with musical traditions of Daghestan, his homeland, created unique symphonies and ballets, jazz compositions and soundtracks for theatre performances and feature films.
Heroes of Labour also include Engineer Viktor Polyakov. An employee of ODK Saturn Plant in Yaroslavl, he worked his way through the ranks and was eventually promoted from machine fitter to managing director.
The solutions found by Russian scientists opened a path to the long-awaited vaccines from other dangerous viral diseases. This breakthrough was achieved by Alexander Gintsburg, Denis Logunov and Sergei Borisevich, who have been conferred the National Award in science and technology.
The winners also include founders of a new approach to treating head and neck tumours: Igor Reshetov, Evgeny Choinzonov and Sadulla Abakarov. They use their world-class original developments, high-precision and gentle treatment, and the most advanced methods of tissue and organ restoration.
Valery Zapassky and Yevgeny Aleksandrov have invented a new concept of studying the object’s magnetic characteristics at the atomic level. This method can unveil the mystery of how elemental particles form objects, which is important for developing technologies for construction, energy, medicine and exploration of space and the World Ocean.
Grigory Alfeyev (Metropolitan Hilarion) carries on the traditions of Russian education while combining his church service with positive creative activity. His literary, musical and cinematographic works become an event in Russia’s cultural life, and his education programmes on Russian television gather million-wide audiences all over the world.
The National Award is conferred on Khibla Gerzmava, with her enchanting voice and unique acting talent, for her contribution to the development of Russian and world operatic art. She can skilfully perform both the most complex parts of the opera repertoire and jazz compositions, and is one of the most popular Russian singers.
Alexander Rukavishnikov, one of the most famous masters of monumental sculpture in the world, is another winner of the National Award. His brilliant talent can solve even the most difficult creative tasks, and his works are not only skilfully composed, but also filled with a deep understanding of the essence of the images he creates as well as an impeccable sense of space.
Yelena Topoleva-Soldunova chose to support the development of civil society over a quarter of century ago. She stood at the origins of many social and volunteer initiatives, and took part in the development of the legal framework for the work of NGOs.
Winner of the National Prize for Outstanding Achievements in Charity Work, Faina Zakharova, has also dedicated her life to working for the benefit of society. Her enormous energy of kindness and compassion, as well as bravery and intelligence are completely devoted to the Life Line Charity Foundation: an organisation that has helped more than 10,000 children.
Millions of Russia's fans, as well as throughout Europe, are looking forward to Euro 2020. It will be possible to enjoy the spectacle during the championship in special fan zones, of course, observing all the necessary security measures during the coronavirus time.
Masks are required, the temperature will be measured at the entrance. Fan zones in nine Russian cities. In Moscow - in Luzhniki, in St. Petersburg - on Palace Square and at three other addresses.
St. Petersburg has become one of the main cities of Euro 2020. The Russian national team will play here two matches in their group - against the teams of Belgium and Finland.
The Federal Guard Service (FSO) introduced a new "employee" on Friday. Now the snowy owl Buran is on guard of the Moscow Kremlin. Together with his companions - a falcon, a hawk and an owl - he will protect the Kremlin from the crows.
Crows scratch with their claws the gold leaf of the Kremlin domes, ravage flower beds and survive from the territory of songbirds. Winged predators came to the rescue. The sky above the Kremlin is guarded by an owl, hawks and a newcomer to the detachment - the Kremlin cadet Buran. The snowy owl has been serving for less than a year.
Vladimir Putin on Friday held a meeting on current issues of the single voting day with the permanent members of the Security Council, via videoconference.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin, and Special Presidential Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov.
On a single voting day, September 19, 2021, election campaigns of various levels will be held in the Russian Federation, including elections of deputies of the State Duma, heads of 12 constituent entities of the Federation and elections of deputies of legislative bodies of state power in 39 constituent entities RF.
The Moscow City Court on Wednesday recognized the Navalny Headquarters and FBK movement, previously included in the list of foreign agents, as extremist organizations.
Under the guise of a signboard about the human rights activities of the FBK, the so-called "Fund for the Protection of Citizens' Rights" and "Navalny Headquarters" preached the ideology of extremism.
The prosecutor's office turned out to be more than enough proof of these charges. Many of them are classified as "secret", so the court sessions since April were held behind closed doors. However, what has become widely known to everyone would have been enough for an indictment.
Which Western countries are primarily interested in this can be understood at least by the fact that the US State Department was the first to oppose the court decision regarding the FBK and Navalny Headquarters. A country where supporters of Donald Trump are being tried for domestic terrorism just for expressing disagreement with the results of the past presidential elections in America.
Vladimir Putin commented on the statements of Volodymyr Zelenskiy that Ukrainians really want to join NATO in an interview on Wednesday.
Mr Zelensky cannot fail to know that at least 50% of Ukrainian citizens do not want the country to join NATO. And these are smart people. They don't want to be in the line of fire. They don't want to be a bargaining chip and cannon fodder. Among other things, these people seem to feel that they are part of our common civilization. And they do not want one part of civilization to oppose another part of civilization and at the same time perform some kind of dance to someone else's music.
Vladimir Putin reacted negatively to Volodymyr Zelensky's bill on the indigenous peoples of Ukraine, which did not include Russians, in an interview on Wednesday.
The President recalled how Ukraine emerged as a state. This is a product of the Soviet period. The Bolsheviks, organizing the Soviet Union, created Ukraine, like other union republics. These territories (present-day Ukraine) became part of the Russian state in 1654 after the Yaroslavl Rada.
It is quite obvious that the people who came with these territories to the Russian state called themselves Russians. Therefore, it is simply incorrect to speak of Russians as a non-indigenous people. It's funny and stupid. This does not fit the story absolutely.
In general, the division itself into indigenous, first-class categories of people, second-class, and so on - this is definitely quite reminiscent of the theory and practice of Nazi Germany.
This is absolutely unacceptable and does not comply with any norms of international humanitarian law.
Vladimir Putin participates, on Wednesday, via videoconference, in the launching ceremony of the first production line of the Amur Gas Processing Plant, a project implemented by Gazprom.
The Amur Gas Processing Plant near Svobodny ranks among Gazprom’s major infrastructure projects in Russia’s Far East. Its construction was launched in 2015. The facility will process multi-component natural gas from the Yakutia and Irkutsk gas production centres. The gas will be delivered via the Power of Siberia gas pipeline.
The Amur Gas Processing Plant is to attain design capacity in early 2025 and will annually produce 42 billion cubic metres of gas. Six production lines with an annual capacity of seven billion cubic metres of gas each will be activated stage by stage. The Plant will include the world’s largest helium production facility with an annual capacity of up to 60 million cubic metres.
Gazprom’s processing capabilities will increase by 80 percent after the Amur Gas Processing Plant attains design capacity.
On Social Worker’s Day, Wednesday, Vladimir Putin had a meeting with representatives of social organisations via videoconference.
The President congratulated all caseworkers on the Social Worker’s Day.
320 years ago, on June 8, 1701, Peter the Great decided to create a national social security system at the state level.
Outstanding philanthropists and selfless people, as well as representatives of different classes, perceived good deeds and helping people in need as a very important aspect of their lives.
Currently, these moral principles are embodied in the daily work of employees of state and municipal social service bodies, volunteers, representatives of the non-profit sector, charitable foundations and religious associations.
Putin thanked the social workers for their warmth, compassion and generosity, for all their achievements and work for the benefit of their wards.
Despite the colossal burdens and difficulties, caseworkers selflessly and heroically fulfilled their duty. They worked to the limit of their capabilities, almost seven days a week, took care of other people, tried to protect them from danger, in order to console and reassure the elderly and seriously ill.
It is necessary to expand the participation of public and charitable organizations, as well as volunteers of all ages in the provision of social assistance. The sincerity, warmth and human kindness of social workers are certainly the key to overall success.
Vladimir Putin assured Indian journalist Priyanka Tikoo that the rapprochement between Russia and China could in no way affect Russia's strategic partnership with India, during a meeting with foreign media in St. Petersburg last Friday.
The President stressed that any partnership between countries should not be aimed at being friends, just to confront someone else. 'We need to be friends with each other in order to achieve common goals, to solve the tasks facing states.'
In addition, conditions were created so that India, China and Russia could work in the same organizations: BRICS, SCO and of course the UN.
Putin expressed confidence that the leaders of India and China, who treat each other with great respect, will always find a way to solve the problems they face. The main thing is that extra-regional powers do not stand in their way.
On Monday, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the European Council Charles Michel.
Relations between Russia and the European Union, as well as a number of current international issues, were discussed in detail.
Putin stressed that, although Russia and the European Union remained significant trade and investment partners, the current state of Russia-EU relations could not be considered satisfactory. It was noted that a return to pragmatic and respectful cooperation would be in the interests of both. Mutual opinion was expressed that it is important to step up cooperation in specific areas like healthcare, the climate agenda, and settling regional conflicts.
Combatting the spread of the coronavirus infection was also discussed, including the prospects for certifying the Russian vaccine Sputnik V in the European Union and ensuring conditions for mutual travel while complying with anti-pandemic restrictions.
Developments around Nagorno-Karabakh were discussed in terms of the importance of the further and consistent implementation of the statements made by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia on November 9, 2020 and January 11, 2021. Priority tasks include unblocking economic and transport connections in the region and resolving local humanitarian problems. Michel expressed support for these efforts, including the work of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs (Russia, the US and France).
Regarding the additional sanctions pressure on Belarus from the European Union, Putin noted that such an approach, like any attempt to interfere in this sovereign state’s domestic affairs, was counterproductive.
When discussing the internal Ukrainian crisis, both sides noted that the 2015 Minsk Package of Measures remained the only basis for the settlement process. The President of Russia said that the Kiev authorities must strictly implement all previously reached agreements, primarily on establishing a direct dialogue with Donetsk and Lugansk and legalising the special status of Donbass.
During the discussion of developments in Libya, Putin and Michel spoke in favour of further promoting the political process and supporting the established authorities during the transition period.
Vladimir Putin, on Monday, meets with Director of the Federal Service for MilitaryTechnical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev.
Russia received $ 15 billion in revenue from arms sales abroad last year. In the backlog of orders for another 50 billion.
Competition in this market is high, but Russian products are confidently in demand.
Behind the official wording "military-technical cooperation" is one of the most important and delicate aspects in international relations. Sale of weapons and military equipment. A gigantic business, closely related to politics, in which Russia plays a significant role, for many years remaining the second largest exporter of weapons on a global scale.
For Russian exports, trade in military products remains one of the main items. The list of major buyers is headed by India, China and Egypt, but Russian weapons are also readily purchased in other countries, primarily in Asia and Africa.
Combat aircraft is our main export hit. The supply
of aircraft, for example, the Su-30 and Su-35 fighters, accounts for almost half of the foreign contracts of Russian weapons manufacturers. Our air defense systems - such as the S-400 - and ground equipment are equally famous in the world. The T-90 tank once gained fame as the best-selling combat vehicle on the world market.
But the further, the more Russia is faced with the pressure of competitors, and here, almost like in a war, any means are used.
For the purchase of Russian S-400 systems, the Americans have already punished Turkey by excluding Ankara from the program for the production of fifth-generation fighters. The USA is threatening India with no less severe punishments. Washington even passed a law allowing the imposition of sanctions against any buyer of Russian weapons. But against this background, Russia is building relations with partners. The pandemic also complicated the market situation due to the cancellation of arms exhibitions, where manufacturers demonstrate their new products.
One exception is the Russian Army 2020 forum in Kubinka. This is the only major international event that took place last year.
Last year, the Army 2020 forum was attended by nearly 1.5 million people, including 92 foreign delegations. This year, almost 50 states have already confirmed their participation in the forum a few months before its start.
Vladimir Putin signs law taking Russia out of Open Skies arms control treaty on Monday.
Until recently, the open skies agreement was one of the most important measures for maintaining international security, it helped to build confidence in the military sphere. But the United States withdrew from it, thereby upsetting the balance of interests.
It was no longer possible for Russian specialists to make observation flights over the United States, but Washington could still receive information about Russian facilities from NATO allies.
The law on denunciation has been published on the official Internet portal of legal information http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/View/0001202106070001
Earlier, the bill was supported by the State Duma and the Federation Council.
Nord Stream 2 is a purely commercial project, stressed Vladimir Putin, speaking at SPIEF 2021.
He also noted that due to the fact that Europe will not have to pay for gas transit, its cost is 25 percent lower than that of the same American LNG. It is just economically more practical.
Until now, some kind of evil propaganda is being hammered into people's heads with the idea that politics is playing here, and about the desire to bypass some countries.
NS-2 must be completed, especially since the new US administration has consistently declared that it wants to build good relations with its main partners in Europe. How can you build good relationships with your partners without caring about their interests?
The Russian gas source is the cleanest in the world. Because the US gas industry produces more than 70 percent of its gas by hydraulic fracturing, while Gazprom uses hydraulic fracturing to produce only 11 percent. But the gas that will be transported via Nord Stream 2 is being pumped directly from below the surface. There is no hydraulic fracturing. Meanwhile, hydraulic fracturing is a catastrophic method of gas production from an environmental point of view. Tens and hundreds of tons of chemicals are pumped underground during hydraulic fracturing. This causes direct damage to the environment.
The sanctions are generally bad for the global economy; they shrink the world economy instead of helping it expand. But in this case, it is just a way to achieve unfair competition.
Natural gas is the most demanded product for the world economy in a fairly long period of transition to green energy. Of all hydrocarbons, it will last the longest on the market, since it is the most environmentally friendly carrier.
Germany’s Greens advocate buying American LNG. But if they are really green, they should know that over 70 percent of the gas is extracted by fracking, and what it means for the environment. Let us look at this systematically and honestly, and draw conclusions. And the conclusions are that the gas here is more environmentally safe, cleaner, cheaper and more reliable.
Therefore, German and other partners opted for Nord Stream 2.
President Biden is a very experienced man, he has been in politics all his life, Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Russian TV channel ORT on Friday.
The Russian leader is counting on the Biden-Putin summit to be held in a positive manner. However, he does not expect anything breakthrough in Russian-American relations.
Even the mere fact that the presidents will hold this meeting and talk about the possibility of restoring bilateral relations is not a bad thing.
Putin is counting on a positive result from the upcoming meeting. He hopes that conditions will be created in order to take the next steps to normalize Russian-American relations and address the issues facing both countries.
The entire international community is interested in this. This refers to issues of strategic stability, environmental agenda and regional conflicts.
The President said that he remembers very well the previous meeting, when he was the Prime Minister of Russia, and Mr. Biden is the Secretary of State, and he expects that the experience of the current US President will be a positive factor that will affect the results of the upcoming meeting in Geneva.
Vladimir Putin commented on accusations of alleged Russian hacker attacks on American meat processing plants and a pipeline, during an interview with Russian ORT on Friday.
The President considers these stuffing in the media as a provocation by certain forces that are not interested in improving Russian-American relations on the eve of his meeting with Biden in Geneva.
Putin is sure that those people who know how to think, they really see that there has never been any malicious actions on the part of Russia.
The Russian leader called these accusations ridiculous and called on the US special services to search for the true extortionists.
On Saturday, Vladimir Putin attended the unveiling of the monument to Emperor Alexander III, which was erected on the territory of the Arsenal Square at the Grand Gatchina Palace to honour the 175th birth anniversary of the Russian Peacemaker Tsar.
Emperor Alexander III, was called by the people a peacemaker tsar, because during his reign Russia did not wage a single war.
It is with the name of this ruler that the grandiose and bold plan for the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway is associated.
The monument was created by Vladimir Brodarsky, a graduate of the Ilya Repin St Petersburg Academy of Arts after a design by sculptor Paolo Troubetzkoy (1866 – 1938). The project was implemented by the Russian Military Historical Society and the Russian Historical Society.
Vladimir Putin thinks that during the meeting with US President Joe Biden in Geneva, both sides must try to find ways to regulate bilateral relations.
The Kremlin and the White House announced that the much-awaited summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden would take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 16.
According to the Kremlin, the heads of state will discuss the conditions and prospects for further fostering Russian-US relations, strategic stability matters as well as pressing issues on the international agenda, which include cooperation in fighting the pandemic and regulating regional conflicts.
Efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic must be global, Vladimir Putin stressed, speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday.
Only ensuring wide and universal access to coronavirus vaccines on all continents will eliminate the threat of new pandemic outbreaks on our planet.
According to the IMF, countries with a high level of income and 16 percent of the world’s population have access to 50 percent of the vaccines produced. as the result, only 10 percent of the world’s population have been fully vaccinated or received the first jab, whereas hundreds of millions of people have no access to vaccines simply because their countries do not have the required technology, production facilities or money to buy the vaccines. and the assistance being provided to these countries by those who can afford to do it has been negligibly small so far.
Regrettably, it is every man for himself in the fight against the coronavirus on the global scale. The necessary volume of assistance is not being provided where it is badly needed now, or, which is absolutely absurd, politically motivated bans are imposed on the purchase of tested and effective vaccines that have been proved to be completely reliable. in the current situation this looks like unwillingness to protect one’s own citizens from this threat.
Russia is contributing to the efforts against the coronavirus. For example, Sputnik V has been registered in 66 countries with a combined population of over 3.2 billion.
Putin noted that not only unique technologies were created and the production of vaccines was promptly launched in Russia, but also that foreign partners are being assisted in localizing their production.
The President asked the Government, regions and business to work together to vaccinate people who come to Russia as labor migrants. Many of them work in the Russian construction industry, in trade and services, as well as in housing and communal services.
The domestic pharmaceutical industry is ready to further increase the production of vaccines. Russia is fully self-sufficient and can provide foreigners with the opportunity to come for vaccination.
Now it has become a common practice for people from different countries, including entrepreneurs, heads of large European and other companies, to make special trips to Russia to get vaccinated against coronavirus.
In this context, Putin instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to analyze all aspects of this issue by the end of this month in order to organize paid vaccination of foreigners in Russia, taking into account the requirements of safety and sanitary control.
Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday, Vladimir Putin announced the completion of the laying of the first string of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
In addition, the readiness of the Russian gas pipeline to the Slavyanskaya compressor station was also ensured this week. This station is one of the most powerful compressor complexes in the world and is the starting point for a new gas pipeline.
To summarize, Gazprom is ready to fill Nord Stream 2 with gas. this route will create direct links between the Russian and German systems and ensure energy security and reliable gas supplies for Europeans, like Nord Stream 1. This project is cost-effective and fully complies with the most stringent environmental and technical requirements.
Russia is ready to implement similar high-tech projects with European and other partners in the future, and hope that the logic of mutual benefit and mutual benefit will inevitably prevail over all kinds of artificial barriers in the current political environment.
Vladimir Putin participates in a plenary session of the 24th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday.
This year’s forum, with the theme A Collective Reckoning of the New Global Economic Reality, is one of the biggest events since the start of the pandemic. Heads of state and government, heads of major Russian and international associations, companies and banks, leading experts and politicians are taking part in discussions at the SPIEF in person or via videoconference.
Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Sebastian Kurz and Emir of the State of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the plenary session via videoconference. President of Argentina Alberto Fernandez and President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro sent video messages to the participants.
On Thursday, Vladimir Putin participates, by videoconference, in the ceremony of signing investment agreements at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2021.
On June 4, the President will directly participate in the work of the forum.
Putin said that the domestic economy is emerging from the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. He promised that he would also talk about this in his speech at the plenary session of the forum on Friday. According to the President, entrepreneurs know about the state of affairs in the economy better than anyone else, they feel it in the course of practical work on a daily basis.
President called the signed agreements the first steps at this forum. He is confident that there will be much more business contacts and negotiations with agreement signing. He stressed that the Russian government has done and will do everything to support the development of the economy.
Moscow is realistic about the upcoming meeting between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden, in Geneva on June 16 and doesn’t expect it to yield any breakthroughs, Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.
The presidents will exchange views on what threats each of the sides is seeing in the vicinity of their countries and in the global arena in general. In this sense, military exercises, the number of which has dramatically increased in quantity and quality and in the number of engaged heavy equipment and the number of participating countries and, most importantly, in their geographical proximity to our borders, by no account contribute to a normal dialogue or coordination of efforts to tackle real, not fictional, issues that are common for all.
Putin and Biden are expected to meet in Geneva on June 16. It will be the first Russian-US summit after Putin’s meeting with 45th US President Donald Trump in July 2018. According to the Kremlin press service, the presidents will discuss the current state of and prospects for further development of Russian-US relations, problems of strategic stability, as well as current issues of the international agenda, including cooperation in combating the coronavirus pandemic and settlement of regional conflicts. The US president said on May 30 he planned to raise the topic of human rights violations as well.
On Wednesday, Major General Igor Konashenkov, official representative of the Russian Defense Ministry, held a briefing on the planned Ukrainian-American exercise Sea Breeze.
During the briefing, a statement was made that “against the backdrop of incessant accusations from Western countries that Russia is allegedly building up its military potential in the southwestern borders, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and the joint command of the US Armed Forces in the European zone, with the involvement of NATO countries, are planning to conduct Sea Breeze joint exercise."
Its main participants are Ukraine, USA, Canada, Great Britain, Netherlands, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Latvia and partner countries.
This exercise will involve about 4 thousand military personnel, 40 warships, boats and auxiliary vessels, 30 units of aviation equipment and more than 100 units of vehicles and armored vehicles.
That according to the scenario of the exercise, the coalition group of forces will be involved in "stabilizing the crisis situation" caused by the activities of some "illegal" for Ukraine "armed formations", which "the authorities of the neighboring state provide comprehensive support."
In this case, the main issues to be practiced will be:
For the marine component: formation and coordination of a multinational ship formation; organization of interaction of naval forces with formations of land forces and aviation, planning and conducting joint operations; the use of amphibious assault forces in joint actions with land forces in the seaside direction;
For the land component: organizing the work of the headquarters for planning and conducting operations in accordance with NATO standards; the transfer of forces and equipment to areas of combat destination; organizing and conducting an offensive in the seaside direction in cooperation with seaborne assault forces;
For the air component: the use of combat aviation in the interests of the forces of the fleet and land forces: conducting aerial reconnaissance, striking at sea and ground targets, transporting troops and cargo.
The active phase of the exercise will be held in two stages.
At the first stage, the tasks of deploying command and communications posts, planning an operation, forming detachments of warships and redeploying aviation to dispersal airfields will be practiced.
At the second stage, a set of measures is envisaged to "stabilize the situation", including: fire engagement of surface and submarine ships of the enemy, anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defence.
And, I will emphasize that it is planned to use seaborne assault forces for joint actions of the Special Operations Forces with the Ukrainian land forces on the territory of Ukraine.
Specifically, at military training grounds in the Kherson and Nikolaev regions.
Thus, despite the fact that the exercise is naval in status and even in name, its true boundaries of military activity go far beyond the Ukrainian sector of the Black Sea.
It is there, on the territory of Ukraine, that the Special Operations Forces will practice the interaction of SOF units of various nationalities in the joint performance of tasks, as well as parachute and assault landing from helicopters, including at night.
And even more, under the guise of the exercise, it is planned to deliver modern weapons, ammunition and material property for the Ukrainian troops.
In the future, as in previous years, all this will be directed to the Ukrainian troops and nationalist formations stationed near the areas not controlled by Kiev in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Ministry of Defenсe of the Russian Federation will closely monitor the course of preparation and conduct of the Ukrainian-American exercise Sea Breeze with the involvement of NATO countries and, if necessary, respond adequately to the evolving situation in the interests of ensuring the military security of the Russian Federation.
Vladimir Putin on Wednesday discussed with the ministers the progress in fulfilling the tasks set in the Address to the Federal Assembly in the social sphere.
At the beginning of the meeting, Vladimir Putin gave the floor to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko who spoke about the implementation of the children’s tourism cashback programme and the development of the Kamchatka tourism cluster, and to Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov who reported on the organisation of the 2021 children’s leisure season.
In addition, Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Faizullin spoke about the implementation of the urban improvement programme under the federal project on creating a comfortable urban environment.
Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova delivered the main report on the implementation of certain provisions of the Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly in the social sector.
The President thanked the ministers for the work done and expressed hope that all the tasks outlined in the Address will be fulfilled.
On Wednesday, Vladimir Putin held a video meeting with the leaders of United Russia and participants in the primaries for the right to run for the State Duma, which ended on May 30.
The President called the preliminary vote of the United Russia in demand. Almost 12 million people took part in it. They selected candidates who will represent the party in the September elections to the State Duma.
Putin began the meeting by thanking the United Russia party for the way its members performed during the pandemic.
The primaries that United Russia held the other day are also an example of courage for political parties, the President said.
There are a lot of young people among the voting participants, and this, according to the president, is an excellent sign - it means that United Russia is on the right path. These people will bring fresh, topical initiatives to the political field of the country, topical for millions of people.
Sergey Lavrov delivers remarks at a stand-alone online meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations onTuesday.
The minister expressed Russia's solidarity with India and the Indian people, and readiness to continue to provide assistance in the fight against the pandemic. Only through joint efforts will we be able to overcome the current crisis for the benefit of our peoples, Lavrov stressed.
The burden has increased not only on national health systems. The pandemic has exacerbated negative trends in international relations, increasing the potential for conflict and the risk of collapse of the architecture of strategic stability. National selfishness, the desire to ensure their dominance at any cost and ignorance of the interests of other countries undermine the foundations of the multilateral system created after the Second World War. The cornerstone of this system is the observance of international law, that is, the UN Charter, and not the so-called "rules" invented by Western countries.
The challenges facing the international community and sustainable global development are growing in number and complexity. These are the threats of terrorism, transnational crime, including in the digital sphere, climate change and the growing gap between rich and poor. Lavrov is sure that these problems can only be solved collectively.
In this context, Russia supports the Indian initiative for the BRICS foreign ministers to coordinate a powerful joint signal to the world in favor of strengthening and reforming the multilateral system of international relations on a solid basis of international law, with the central role of the UN as the most universal and comprehensive organization in the world.
On June 1, International Children's Day, Vladimir Putin held, via videoconference, a traditional meeting with large families awarded the Order of Parental Glory.
The Order of Parental Glory is awarded to parents (adoptive parents) who are raising or have already raised seven or more children, ensuring an appropriate level of care for their health, education and physical, spiritual and moral development.
Large families from Kaluga, Volgograd, Omsk and Amur regions, Ingushetia, Perm Territory, as well as the Yamal-Nenets and Nenets autonomous areas attended the meeting.
On International Children's Day, on Tuesday, Vladimir Putin addressed the participants and guests of the of the Bolshaya Peremena National Festival.
The goal of the competition is to help students discover those abilities that do not fall into the traditional school system and the corresponding subject Olympiads. We are all different. Bolshaya Peremena intends to prove that not only the winner of the Olympiad, conventionally, in chemistry and mathematics, can be successful.
A separate track is designed for adolescents-foreigners studying Russian and focused on getting an education in Russia. 100 winners in this category will be awarded a grant for targeted training in Russian universities.
