Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 4, 2024

Table of Contents

 

1. Sergey Lavrov’s participation in the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council
2. Sergey Lavrov’s participation in the 22nd Doha Forum
3. The Republic of Korea update
4. Worsening situation in Syria
5. Ukraine crisis update
6. Italy's duplicity regarding mercenarism
7. Moldova update
8. Russian media’s petitions in connection with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay’s draft report on the safety of journalists
9. We Accuse photo exhibition
10. The Alexander Nevsky Remembrance Day
11. 25th anniversary of the treaty on the Creation of the Union State between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus
12. Heroes of Russia Day
13. Regarding the 9th International Kremlin Charity Cadet Ball
14. 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Chile
15. Upcoming 100th anniversary of Artek
16. The Exhibition-Fair of Folk Arts and Crafts of Russia Ladya. Winter Fairy Tale - 2024

Answers to media questions:

1. Unrest in Georgia
2. Moldova refuses to repay debts to Russia’s Gazprom
3. The Philippines’ reaction to the Russian Ufa submarine’s presence in the South China Sea.
4. Re-election of the European Commission President
5. Media coverage of the Ukraine crisis
6. The West using double standards with regard to Taiwan
7. Russia’s work in the UN
8. Syria update
9. Possible compromises on Syria
10. Hostilities resumed between Israel and Lebanon
11. Armenia’s cooperation with ICC
12. Assistance to Russian citizens in Georgia
13. Russia’s role in the settlement of the situation in Syria
14. The Kurdish issue in Syria
15. The fight against international terrorism in Syria
16. Interaction on the 3+3 South Caucasus Regional Cooperation Platform
17. Keith Kellogg’s Plan to end the Ukrainian conflict
18. Russia’s response to Western promises
19. Russian-Iranian contacts
20. Normalisation of Russian-Georgian relations
21. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili calls on children to join street protests
22. Western influence on Georgia developments
23. Russian fairs and festivals abroad
24. Human trafficking from Ukraine to the EU
25. 25th anniversary of the Russian diaspora’s magazine Vmeste (Together)

 

 

Sergey Lavrov’s participation in the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council

 

On December 5-6, 2024, Sergey Lavrov will take part in the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council in Valletta, the Republic of Malta.

The ministers will discuss the current situation at the OSCE, which is amid a deep institutional crisis caused by a desire of a small group of Western member states to subordinate it to their mercenary interests.

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Sergey Lavrov’s participation in the 22nd Doha Forum

 

After taking part in the OSCE Ministerial Council, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will travel to Doha, Qatar, where he will address the 22nd Doha Forum (December 7-8) and hold a number of international meetings on the sidelines of the forum. We will update you on them in due time.

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The Republic of Korea update

 

We are watching with concern the tragic developments underway in the Republic of Korea. We hope that they will not affect the socio-political situation on the Korean Peninsula, which has been complicated by the incendiary activities of the United States and its allies.

We recommend the Russian citizens and compatriots in South Korea to maintain contact with our Embassy in Seoul, which regularly issues updates for both Russian citizens and the general public.

According to reports from our Embassy in South Korea, the situation in Seoul and other cities and provinces of the Republic of Korea has normalised following the lifting of the martial law. There is no danger of mass unrest that could affect people’s lives. At the same time, Russian citizens have been recommended to closely monitor the situation, to refrain from taking part in political public events, and to have the hotline telephone numbers of our Embassy on hand.  

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Worsening situation in Syria

 

On November 27, militants from the international terrorist organisation Hayat Tahrir al-Sham operating in the Idlib de-escalation zone, alongside other armed groups, including the ones that are part of the Syrian National Army, launched a large-scale offensive in northwestern Syria. According to reports, the militants managed to seize Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, as well as a number of population centres in Idlib and Hama provinces. Notably, the attack was carried out on the day a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah came into effect.

We strongly condemn this attack led by terrorists recognised as such by the UN Security Council. Notably, there are many foreign combatants among them, including those from the former Soviet Union. Clearly, Ukraine was also involved, based on the information we are receiving about cooperation between the Kiev regime’s special services and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, including the transfer of UAVs and sharing the experience of using them. This is not the first or the last region where the Kiev terrorist regime is using its criminal experience. Before that, there were African countries, and now it’s Syria.

The actions of terrorist groups accustomed to wreaking havoc and leaving a trail of destruction behind them have aggravated the already tense situation in Syria. There is no doubt they would not have dared to go ahead with such an audacious action without incitement and comprehensive support from external forces seeking to provoke a new round of armed confrontation and a spiral of violence in Syria. The radicals clearly aim to undermine many years of efforts to achieve sustainable normalisation in that country by creating a serious threat to the safety of civilians in the combat zone, whom they plan to use as human shields in accordance with their established tactics.

The militants’ crimes have provoked a sharp deterioration in the already difficult humanitarian situation in the Syrian Arab Republic and a new wave of refugees and internally displaced persons. Only recently, Syria itself provided shelter to about half a million migrants fleeing the war from neighbouring Lebanon.

We express our solidarity with the leadership of Syria and its people in this difficult situation. We reaffirm our commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. We strongly support the Syrian authorities’ efforts to counter terrorist groups and to restore the constitutional order.

We engage with our international partners to ensure the speedy stabilisation of the situation in Syria, primarily by harnessing the Astana format potential. The foreign ministers from the troika of guarantor countries - Russia, Iran and Türkiye - remain in close contact.

We hope that all countries that have influence on the situation on the ground in Syria use it in the interest of restoring security and stability in that country as soon as possible. The strengthening of the positions of terrorists in Syria will create additional serious security threats not only to the countries of that region, but also to the entire Middle East.

As a reminder, the Foreign Ministry’s recommendations to our citizens to refrain from travelling to Syria due to complex military and political situation in that country remain valid.

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Ukraine crisis update

 

December 1 this year marked the 33rd anniversary of the Ukrainian national referendum of 1991, when the vast majority of Ukrainians expressed their support for the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. This decision endorsed the course towards implementing the core principles of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine dated July 16, 1990 concerning the nation's nuclear-free, neutral, and non-aligned status. Presently, Kiev appears to overlook these fundamental pillars upon which Ukrainian statehood was constructed. Furthermore, the regime under Mr Zelensky continues its deliberate dismantling of Ukraine, thereby depriving it of any prospect for a viable future.

We have consistently highlighted that the resolution of the Ukraine crisis hinges on Kiev's return to the principles enshrined in those foundational documents upon which modern Ukraine was established. Currently, there is a discernible trend towards transforming Ukraine into a terrorist state, at least the regime in power fits such a description.

The Ukrainian Nazis, with unabashed complicity from the West, persist in terrorising civilians both in Russia and within their own nation.

On November 26, in Novaya Kakhovka, Kherson Region, five civilians were killed and 21 injured due to terrorist gunfire on a bus.

On November 27, a large-scale drone attack was thwarted in the Krasnodar Region; a woman sustained injuries from the debris of a downed drone in Slavyansk-on-Kuban.

On the same day, 25 Ukrainian UAVs were intercepted and destroyed over the waters of the Black Sea and the territory of Crimea.

Ukrainian terrorists have launched 345 munitions and 154 UAVs at residential areas in the Belgorod Region. Drone attacks on civilian vehicles in the villages of Ustinka, Berezovka, Kolotilovka, and Chaika, as well as the residential area of Malinovka, resulted in eight individuals being wounded.

During the night of December 1, a child was killed due to a targeted drone attack by Ukrainian Nazis on the residential areas of the Starodubsky municipal district in the Bryansk Region.

All perpetrators involved in these and other heinous acts by the Kiev regime will be identified and will undoubtedly be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Russian courts continue to convict Ukrainian neo-Nazis and mercenaries for war crimes, relying on the evidence gathered by the Investigative Committee.

Georgian mercenaries Giorgi Rusitashvili, Nodar Petriashvili, and Vano Nadiradze have been sentenced in absentia to 14 years’ imprisonment, while Ushangi Mamulashvili, involved in recruiting foreign mercenaries for the Ukrainian armed forces and the creator of the so-called Georgian Legion, has been sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment.

A commander of the Ukrainian armed forces, Alexander Zhakun, received a life sentence in absentia. His criminal orders to shell residential neighbourhoods in Uglegorsk (Donetsk People's Republic) in January 2015 resulted in the deaths of four civilians, including two children, and injuries to one adult and a child.

The court has ordered that British mercenary James Scott Rhys Anderson, captured in the Kursk Region, be detained in connection with a criminal case opened against him for participating in hostilities on Russian territory as a member of the Ukrainian armed forces.

Russian law enforcement agencies will persist in their efforts to bring Ukrainian Nazis and foreign mercenaries to justice for war and other crimes.

In the pursuit of an illusory victory over Russia, the administration of the outgoing US President, alongside European “hawks” – more akin to “lame ducks”– have gambled on intensifying conflict. They are endeavouring to arm the Kiev regime to the fullest possible extent before the new US President assumes office, thereby seeking to ensure the perpetuation of hostilities into 2025.

According to media reports, about 150 British and French Storm Shadow and Scalp-EG long-range missiles have been send to Kiev. The Netherlands have supplied three Patriot air defence systems. Washington and Berlin have approved the new Ukraine weapons aid packages worth $725 million and $650 million. The Americans also plan to send hundreds of thousands of artillery shells, thousands of missiles, and other weapons to Kiev by mid-January 2025.

Norway is particularly active in increasing financial aid to Ukraine. It has approved the allocation of about $3.2 billion in 2025 and at least $13.9 billion by 2030. This generous move is easy to explain: the longer the conflict and confrontation between the West and Russia, the higher will global hydrocarbon prices be, with Norway receiving high revenues from that. This simple logic is frightening. Therefore, we are not surprised by the pro-escalation statements Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Eide made in an interview with a Norwegian newspaper on November 23, 2024, encouraging the use of long-range missiles inside Russia. There is no other explanation or interpretation of that.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke in an interview with the UK media on December 2, 2024, about prioritising the supply of both defensive and offensive weapons to Ukraine in order to reinforce its negotiating position. This is nonsense. What negotiating position of Kiev are they talking about if the Kiev regime has legally banned any talks with Russia, yielding to pressure from the British and the Americans?

The inadequate Ukrainian leader, Zelensky, makes statements every day on the impossibility of any talks with Russia, while NATO Secretary General Rutte says that weapons deliveries are vital for strengthening Kiev’s negotiating position. Do the NATO and other Western leaders ever look out of their windows? Do they know what their predecessors or allies mired in the NATO negativism said two days ago and what statements and decisions they made? They are out of synch.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is echoing Rutte. According to his warped logic, London must continue to arm Kiev to put an end to the conflict and start peace talks. Doesn’t he know that Britain is waging a proxy war against Russia, as former Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted in an interview with a UK newspaper on November 28, 2024? Johnson, Starmer’s predecessor, said that he went to Ukraine in the spring of 2022 to preclude any talks with Russia. This is outright shamelessness and lies.

The Kiev regime has long learned to use the Western aid smartly, getting profits (read: stealing) from the resale of weapons and plundering financial aid. How can the increased supply of weapons and money to Kiev improve its negotiating position? The weapons are stolen or resold. The money is channelled into the pockets of Zelensky and his junta, although some of it goes back to their masters. These funds are being split up between them. However, there are indications that some people in the West are coming to see through this scheme. 

Zelensky’s statements about the inability of the Ukrainian army to retake the occupied territories show that the strategy of pouring weapons and money into Ukraine has failed, and that Ukraine’s military capability has been exhausted. This could be a tactical move to up the stakes and demand more of everything. But we also know what other Western officials say.

The sponsors of the Kiev regime are planning an escape route that would explain the Ukrainians why they have been betrayed so badly. When commenting on Kiev’s potential refusal to give up some of its territories for peace, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that it is for Kiev to decide its future. In other words, the West is starting to realise that the realities on the ground make it impossible for them to defeat Russia. Now they are trying create a philosophical and ideological basis for extricating themselves before the inevitable failure of their wards, like they did in other cases. That is why they are not only shifting responsibility but also blame to them.

The confessions made by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel are also rather symptomatic. Back in 2022, she publicly admitted that the Minsk Agreements had been necessary to prepare Ukraine for a war with Russia. This time, she opened up in her recently published memoirs where she shocked many “fans” of Vladimir Zelensky. She wrote: “Upon first encounter, Vladimir Zelensky appeared to me a very narcissistic person with a lack of restraint – a person capable of unleashing a war to satisfy his own ambition. The horrendous consequences for Ukraine were predictable even back then.” The German leader of many years with so much experience and weight in NATO (considering the former performance of the German economy, the EU listened to her, too) already knew and saw who they were dealing with back when Vladimir Zelensky was only introduced to the Western circle. Why was Vladimir Zelensky made a hero of the new Western ideological paradigm? Why did the West put him on a pedestal, making him a king for an hour? They do it all the time. It is a question that Western leaders will have to answer.

Everything we start to read, listen to and see coming from Western leaders now (recollections, memoirs and revelations) looks more like confessions about creating a monster and bringing him into the halls of power – and what they did to Ukraine and its people. I believe it is just the beginning and many more revelations are to come. It is not a confession and penance but an exhibitory attempt to justify oneself and shift the responsibility onto others. Then, neither Germany, nor the official Berlin nor Angela Merkel will be responsible. The responsibility will rest with Vladimir Zelensky who, as Angela Merkel describes, is nonsensical, narcissistic, unrestrained and ambitious.

On December 1, 2024, before they even officially took office, the new high-ranking European officials urgently travelled to Kiev. President-elect of the European Council Antonio Costa and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas wanted, I quote, “to show their unwavering support to the Ukrainian people from the first day of their mandates.” They also needed to make sure that Zelensky’s regime would continue fighting “until the last Ukrainian.”

Antonio Costa spoke to the political leadership of Ukraine and promised to the Kiev puppets that he would allocate, before the year is out, some 4.2 billion euros to close gaps in their budget, and would transfer 1.5 billion euros every month throughout 2025, as a loan from G7, to be paid from the interest on Russia’s frozen (in our opinion, stolen) sovereign assets. Kaja Kallas also pitched in with a statement that it is acceptable to send ally troops to Ukraine, without specifying who exactly she had in mind.

Despite the change of the composition in the EU bureaucratic ranks, the ideology of destruction and disconnection from reality has been passed down in full. It can be concluded from their statements that the EU bureaucrats completely lack concern about the wellbeing of EU citizens. As soon as they took office (perhaps even before it became fully official), they immediately flocked and ran to Ukraine that is not a member of the EU. They did not conduct the inventory of the European economic affairs; they did not visit any European cities that may be challenging and problematic in terms of humanitarian situation. They did not talk to European citizens, simply to listen to their point of view or even understand how the European Union lives and what it breathes. They are not interested. Although they do have a mandate exactly to handle European matters. These matters concern them less than Ukraine. After all, it is Ukraine where the money is sent, embezzled and returned from.

Head of the Lvov Regional Administration Maxim Kozitsky reported that there are no more churches of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church left in his region. According to him, out of 54 parishes, 27 joined the schismatic Orthodox Church of Ukraine along with their churches. The other 27 closed. He did not mention though that this result was achieved primarily by force, deceit and threats of repression against any dissenters.

We see similar cases happening all over Ukraine. The Kiev regime will not be able to hush up the problem of religious persecution and outrageous violation of believers’ rights in Ukraine. The regime will take full responsibility for its religious crimes against the international community and the Ukrainian people.

The real attitude of the Zelensky’s regime to the canonical Orthodox Church is clear from the events in the Kursk Region, where the Ukrainian Nazis completely destroyed two cathedrals and damaged ten churches during the invasion.

The facts I mentioned and numerous others once again confirm that the problem of denazification and demilitarisation of Ukraine remains relevant, along with eliminating the threats coming from the Ukrainian territory. All these goals will certainly be achieved.

In his interview with American public figure and publicist Tucker Carlson, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov explained, in extensive detail, what is currently happening in Ukraine and what the Kiev regime is doing outside Ukraine against the civilians, the civilian infrastructure, and which terrorist attacks it commits. He also spoke about the origins of the Ukrainian crisis and about the future of our region. The interview will be released shortly. We will disseminate it by all means. Please follow the media of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

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Italy's duplicity regarding mercenarism

 

Let us delve further into the issue of double standards, particularly concerning Italy. This is not a discussion on the global topic of double standards and their absence, but a focused examination of the issue of mercenarism. We are frequently met with “remarkable” slogans advocating for the protection of human rights, democracy, and liberal values. This high-minded rhetoric from the West often serves as a cynical façade for geopolitical manoeuvres and aggressive neo-colonial ambitions. A prime example of this is the presence of foreign mercenaries in Ukraine, highlighting both the prevalence and the erosion of these double standards.

Our attention has been drawn to an article published on November 27, this year, in the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, penned by the renowned journalist Lorenzo Cremonesi. It is worth recalling that this “gallant” crusader of the Italian media front gained notoriety when, in October, he accompanied Ukrainian Nazi formations into the Kursk Region, thereby flouting Russian laws and emulating the missteps of his compatriots from the RAI national public broadcasting company.

In his latest piece, Cremonesi explores the challenging daily life of an Italian mercenary in Ukraine, who uses the callsign Polo. This individual laments to the journalist about the scarcity of “nearly everything,” the formidable Russian combatants, and Russian air superiority. Furthermore, he divulges the presence of approximately thirty Italians fighting within the Ukrainian International Legion and discusses their ideological and political views. Polo also discloses the identities of Italian soldiers of fortune who have perished in Ukraine, with their personal details fully published.

Despite the presence of direct quotations, the article notably lacks a crucial element – an anchor to reality. The image of the mercenary is romanticised, as he is portrayed in a favourable light, driven by “noble motives.”

I must remind you that this piece was featured prominently in one of Italy's leading social and political publications, yet, to our knowledge, it did not trigger any legal repercussions despite Italian law stipulating criminal liability for mercenary activities.

On November 17, an Italian participant in the hostilities in Ukraine, Giulia Schiff, openly admitted her involvement in the killing of Russian servicemen during a pro-Ukrainian rally in Rome. This criminal remains at large, and we have no information regarding any legal proceedings initiated by the Italian judiciary or law enforcement agencies. However, we are addressing this matter with the Italian authorities. Do they have standards? Do they have laws? Are they applied selectively or consistently? Is Italy a democracy? A nation governed by the rule of law? Or, as these articles suggest, a land of complete lawlessness?

We are acutely aware that Italian citizens who have participated in combat on the opposite side of the front, defending the peaceful populace of Donbass against the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev, face prosecution by Italian justice, which acts decisively in such instances.

What does this signify? Cynicism? Double standards? A “murder” of principles? A cynical approach to international politics? It also concerns their own citizens. Is this cynical disposition extended towards them as well?

It appears Italy has officially distinguished between “good” and “bad” mercenaries, “right” and “wrong,” “necessary” and “superfluous.” This is not about citizens of other nations. Despite high-minded slogans, we have long understood that Western liberal democracies exhibit a remarkable indifference to human rights. However, one would expect some concern for their own citizens.

We have encountered this notion of “moderate terrorists,” as once described by the West concerning Syria. And what, pray tell, have these “moderates,” endorsed by Washington and London, accomplished in Aleppo? Under Western patronage, they continue to destroy, rape, kill, plunder, and wreak havoc. It is the same principle at play.

I urge Rome to clarify its stance on mercenarism: to determine what is permissible or impermissible within this nation. If it is permissible, then perhaps the laws should be amended. If not, then the laws should be enforced impartially, devoid of politicisation.

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Moldova update

 

The Moldovan leadership continues to engage in anti-Russia and Russophobic rhetoric, not seeming to realise that this irresponsible policy is counterproductive and detrimental to the interests of the Moldovan people.

On December 2, President Maia Sandu announced that “disinformation and electoral corruption (that was a good start where she was being honest about herself, before going off the track) have become two of the most destructive tools of the Kremlin’s hybrid war against our democracy.” Prime Minister Dorin Recean echoed her words claiming that Moldova was under information attack from Russia.

If we hear such statements, we certainly have to respond with a strong counter-narrative. Predictably, the Moldovan leaders failed to cite any confirming facts, because there are none. The reason for the outburst of Russophobic insinuations is simple and crystal-clear. When the heating season began, the republic found itself in a dire predicament, so its senior officials are now trying to absolve themselves of responsibility by any means, hiding their own misguided actions and groundlessly blaming the situation on the mythical Russian malign influence. Of course, holding LGBT parades is easier than preparing the country for winter. I perfectly understand. Maia Sandu’s regime has been focusing efforts on introducing Western values in Moldova. Now it is time to talk about some real values.

As reported, the natural gas price for end consumers in Moldova increased 27.6 percent on December 1. Experts expect this decision to be followed by a 50 percent rise in electricity bills, according to some estimates. At the same time, according to several NGOs, poverty in Moldova has reached the highest level for the last 10 years, 31.6 percent. The share of low-income households is 65 percent, and those who cannot afford even the most basic necessities account for about 25 percent. Half of the population does not have access to health services. How about some values, Ms Sandu? In rural areas, natural gas heating is a luxury for many now. Having to survive the winter without heating has become a very real prospect for people in Moldova. They talk about the luxury of being connected to the natural gas system, but they cannot afford to pay for the supply now. It is not about building a public gas supply grid or seeking permission to sell the fuel to consumers. They have it. It is just too expensive to use now.

The country’s macroeconomic indicators are also disappointing. How is this Russia’s fault? Which of the facts I mentioned can be traced back to “the Kremlin’s hand?” The draft 2025 budget that Moldova has published envisions a deficit of about $730 million. This deficit will obviously be covered by new loans from the EU and the IMF, for lack of the country’s own resources. Who will be paying them back? The answer is simple – they will be charged on the next generations of Moldovans. They will bear this yoke, which Maia Sandu is polishing so religiously now. The Moldovan Finance Ministry’s forecasts that put the public debt at $7.5 billion at the end of 2025 confirm this. This level of public debt is disastrous for a country with a population of 3 million people.

The Moldovan authorities do not seem to be able to take any effective measures to rectify this situation. Even if they want to or are willing to, they are in no position to do it. On the contrary, with the advice and consent of their Western sponsors, Chisinau continues to pursue a policy that is totally detached from reality, something the Moldovan people call a theatre of the absurd.

Indicatively, the head of state, Maia Sandu, prefers to shy away from economic issues, by running away from journalists who ask her about gas prices. The opposition notes that she has other priorities, such as campaigning and voting at presidential and parliamentary elections in her native Romania and supporting protests in Georgia. I would like to remind everyone that winter has set in.

On December 2, 2024, the Bertelsmann Stiftung in Germany awarded Maia Sandu a Mohn Prize of 100,000 euros. This comes as yet another display of concern for any other country, such as Romania and Georgia, rather than Moldova. Why did she receive this prize? It would be logical to think that she received it for raising popular standards of living, for resolving any political crisis or making Moldova more competitive on global markets. I do not know any motives for awarding a prize of 100,000 euros to a state leader. Speaking of humanitarian aspects, this prize can be awarded for promoting pluralism, freedom of speech or something else. It turns out that she received the prize for her exemplary commitment to the cause of upholding and promoting democracy. What does this mean? This does not imply democracy in Moldova itself. Maia Sandu is killing it, shutting down television channels, media outlets and endlessly issuing quotas that limit the presence of media outlets and journalists, seen as undesirable by her. Her regime has already won a reputation for harassing the opposition. This is why the prize’s category says nothing about democracy or its promotion. It mentions exemplary commitment to the cause of upholding democracy. The real situation with democracy does not matter; the most important thing is that a person remains committed. She has received 100,000 euros for this, and this is quite convenient.

At the same time, Moldovan authorities have completely cleansed the country’s media space of opposition media outlets, primarily Russian-language outlets. Since 2022, they have shut down 14 television channels and blocked over 60 internet resources. This affects 3 million people. It appears that they have now resolved all issues. They received 100,000 euros for commitment to democracy and  consequently, they already want to block Tik Tok that, in their opinion, is a tool of digital manipulation.

People in the republic have already called this situation a “kingdom of crooked mirrors.” There was no alternative because the Moldovan leadership blindly copies its Western sponsors who consider hypocrisy and deception as a means of existence. This will yield negative results because tremendous disagreements have accumulated. At best, the West will suggest that its former protégé address their issues independently. We can now see this in the situation with Vladimir Zelensky. The US President’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has said that they should decide what they want themselves. An even worse scenario is possible. We can already see it. The situation is deplorable. It would be more appropriate to award the prize for falsifying the referendum’s results and for stealing the elections. This is Maia Sandu’s real “achievement” or anti-achievement, to be more precise. This is what has happened during her tenure.  

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Russian media’s petitions in connection with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay’s draft report on the safety of journalists

       

We continue to receive overwhelming numbers of petitions from the Russian federal and regional media outlets in connection with the controversial 2022-2023 draft report by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity, which ignores the facts of targeted killings of Russian journalists by the Kiev regime. The outrage that swept the Russian media, especially the ones that lost their colleagues at the hands of Ukrainian Nazis, was expressed in a number of petitions in the name of the Director-General of UNESCO.

We are now witnessing something that is truly unprecedented. This is the first such occurrence in the practice of considering such reports. The unprecedentedly heated debate of November 21-22 prevented the 34th session of the Intergovernmental Council of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) from taking a decision on the above document within the allotted time. This has never happened at UNESCO before. As a reminder, the Russian side vehemently rejected the report and challenged the “methodology” used in compiling it. But we were not the only ones.

Several countries that faced similar arbitrariness on the part of the UNESCO Secretariat supported us, which I mentioned earlier. They did so not just because we were right in this regard, and this report was absolutely unfair and falsely described the state of affairs with regard to our country, but also, and maybe above all, because other countries were also affected.

We always say that it is important to support the efforts to establish the truth and to achieve greater justice, when you see that the truth is coming under attack, because then this trouble will come to you. It is better to act preventively. Here, as we realised, many countries had an opportunity to voice all their claims, because their journalists, who were also affected, were not included in the above “report.”

Other representatives of the World Majority spoke about the need to revise the report in light of official information from member states. The discussion on this topic will continue during the resumed 34th session of the IPDC on December 13 in Paris.

We will, of course, bring to the attention of UNESCO’s senior officials all letters, petitions and appeals that we receive. At the same time, due to their large number, we suggest that all mass media contact the Union of Journalists of Russia, which offered to join its appeal to Audrey Azoulay in the format of an open letter. This was done because there is an overwhelming number of appeals and in order not to send them all in a box, we decided to do it in a modern digital form, and pass the links to the petition published by the Union of Journalists of Russia in the form of an open letter, which can be signed by journalists and media. We will accept any of your appeals. I’m talking about the media. We will pass on everything, including your e-mails, letters that you will send by snail mail, and even phone calls. We will pass it all on. But for purposes of convenience, in order to duplicate your voice, your intention, and your desire to be heard, you can now also sign this open letter online.

Please note that this appeal by the Union of Journalists and this open letter can be signed by any mass media, Russian or international publications, and professional communities of journalists.

We are going to the next round of the IPDC with the understanding that the document cannot be adopted in its current revision. It is absolutely unacceptable, as it does not reflect the real picture with the safety of journalists, but at the same time it contains a blatant abuse of statistics and becomes, in fact, a source of disinformation, which UNESCO is under obligation to combat under its mandate.

This destructive and inordinately biased policy of the UNESCO leadership undermines the credibility of this UN special agency and causes serious harm to its authority, while Ms Azoulay herself is in fact an accessory to the information aggression against Russia, the war on the truth. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov covered these matters when he met with ambassadors from the World Majority countries accredited in Russia. We will not put up with this.

At the resumed session of the IPDC Intergovernmental Council, we will again raise the issue of non-transparent “criteria” and pseudo-methodology that underlie preparations of such reports, the unacceptability of using data obtained from pseudo-independent NGOs working on Western grants, and the disregard of official statistics of countries, which is made available to UNESCO. All this must be done to prevent such odious documents from emerging in the future.

It must be done to make sure that the journalists who are ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their profession, for the sake of the truth, and for the sake of their audiences, do not get ignored in the future, and to make sure that the bureaucrats sitting in these offices that were created for the very opposite purpose, which is to uphold the truth, are not tempted to do what they are doing now, and to make sure that officials and bureaucrats do not ignore media representatives who die valiantly at their workplaces. They consciously put their lives on the line, they knew they might die or get maimed, but they did it for the sake of obtaining photo and video material, and showing the scene of the events, so that the audiences and the world do not get utterly confused in these terrible cobwebs of the post-truth, and to make sure that there is a source of truthful information.

We all need to unite in this sense and fight back this absolutely false, insane approach to ignoring journalists who work on the information front lines.

We have repeatedly stated that this represents our principled approach which we will continue to abide by. We have heard so many countries and representatives from different countries, as well as public figures, say that the journalistic work is a priority, and that journalism and journalists must be protected. International conferences and meetings, including the UN Security Council sessions, were devoted to this. These resolutions were developed by the relevant committees and bodies of the UN and other OSCE and the Council of Europe bodies. They made it one of the most important issues in their activities. And everyone went silent as one. Those who used to “beat their chests” and say that they would stand up for freedom of speech and safety of journalists, because it is a vital priority have gone silent. We will not remain silent.

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We Accuse photo exhibition

 

On December 4, Moscow will launch the We Accuse international photographic project, which is being jointly implemented by the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Novye Regiony Rossii journal, and the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Library.

The flagship photo exhibition will be opened in the hall of the Foreign Ministry’s central building and later will travel to Russian regions, including Mariupol (DPR), Berdyansk (DPR), Melitopol (Zaporozhye Region), Lugansk (LPR), Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov-on-Don, and other cities. The project will also embrace a number of foreign countries that are ready to see and perceive the truth about atrocities committed by the Ukrainian regime.

The photographs were taken by Sergey Venyavsky, Editor-in-Chief of the Novye Regiony Rossii journal and member of the Russian Union of Journalists. 

The display includes 18 black-and-white photographs shot in the special military operation zone and in Russia’s border regions – the DPR, the LPR, and the Zaporozhye, Kherson, Rostov, Kursk and Belgorod regions – from May 2022 to September 2024.

I don’t think it is necessary to explain the project’s aim. It is about photo facts and documentary evidence, not artistic value alone.

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The Alexander Nevsky Remembrance Day

 

December 6 is the Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky Remembrance Day. His name is closely linked with the history of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Empress Catherine I instituted an order in honour of Alexander Nevsky, which became one of Russia’s highest and most honorary awards. The awardees include the first foreign minister of the Russian Empire, Alexander Vorontsov, and Chancellor Alexander Gorchakov.

In 1828, the domestic church of the most Orthodox Prince St Alexander Nevsky, designed by Karl Rossi, was opened at the Foreign Ministry in St Petersburg’s Palace Square near the Pevchesky Bridge. It conducted the services of baptism, crowning, burial, and others for the benefit of ministry employees, who also took the oath of allegiance there as they got enrolled in the ministry. In 1902, a solemn service was held at the church to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Foreign Ministry. Many Orthodox churches attached to Russian diplomatic missions abroad were also dedicated to the most Orthodox Prince St Alexander Nevsky. 

Alexander Nevsky, one of the most important personalities in Russian history, was endowed with an exceptional mind of a statesman that combined with a profound faith. At a difficult and dramatic stage in Russian history, he managed to uphold and preserve people’s national self-consciousness and, in effect, made a civilisational choice that predetermined Russia’s image for centuries to come. He combined a resolute opposition to the Western aggressive ideological and military expansion with a sublime and wise diplomacy, thereby laying the foundations of Russia’s current foreign policy. 

An Alexander Nevsky bust was unveiled at the Foreign Ministry building to celebrate the 220th anniversary of the Foreign Ministry on September 12, 2022. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in the ceremony.

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25th anniversary of the treaty on the Creation of the Union State between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus

 

On December 8, we will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Creation of the Union State. This document once again intertwined the destinies of Russia and Belarus, promoting the well-being and prosperity of our fraternal peoples. Our relations are consistently grounded in the principles of good neighbourliness, mutual respect, consideration of each other's interests, and love.

Over the past quarter-century, we have made significant strides in building the union. Considerable progress has been achieved in establishing a shared social, economic, cultural, humanitarian, defence, migration, and information space within the Union State. Its financial, economic, and technological sovereignty has been markedly enhanced. The virtually equal rights and opportunities afforded to our citizens within the migration, labour, and social spheres, as well as in healthcare and education, are taken as a given. Unity and mutual support allow us to successfully navigate the unprecedented pressure from the collective West. Today, we can rightfully describe our allied relations with Minsk as exemplary of constructive integration cooperation within the Eurasian space. While aiding the achievement of national development goals, the Union State simultaneously serves as one of the pillars of the emerging Greater Eurasian Partnership and a new continental architecture of cooperation across security, economic, and cultural domains.

In recent years, we have managed to achieve a qualitative acceleration in the union-building process across various dimensions. The successful implementation of 28 union programmes has laid a robust foundation for the formation of a common social and economic space from Brest to Vladivostok. The Supranational Tax Committee and the Interstate Customs Centre have been established. The Concept of Migration Policy of the Union State and the updated Military Doctrine have been adopted. During the meeting of the Supreme State Council held in St Petersburg on January 29 this year, new benchmarks for 2024−2026 were defined. Alongside the economic tasks, these include the goals of creating a common information space and addressing cultural, humanitarian, scientific, technical, and social issues.

Amid the progressive expansion of the common cultural and humanitarian space within the Union State, special emphasis is placed on the joint preservation of historical memory and the patriotic education of youth. The Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development, aimed at integrating the realms of science, technology, and innovation with the economy, is being implemented.

Ensuring the information security of the Union State holds great importance. In March 2023, the relevant Concept was adopted. In November this year, the Union State Media Company was established to unify all media resources of the Union State and elevate their work to a qualitatively new level.

In accordance with bilateral programmes of concerted action in the field of foreign policy (the current one is designed for 2024−2026), Russian and Belarusian diplomats closely coordinate their approaches and provide mutual support on multilateral platforms, adopting common or closely aligned positions on virtually all issues in the UN, OSCE, and other organisations. A key task for the foreign ministries of both countries is to provide diplomatic support for the integration processes within the Union State. Special attention is given to enhancing its authority on the international stage, including through the adoption of joint statements and reports under its auspices. Within the framework of the annual joint meetings of the collegiums of the Russian and Belarusian foreign ministries, we develop common approaches across various areas of foreign policy cooperation. The most recent meeting took place on November 22 this year in Brest.

In connection with the forthcoming anniversary, a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State, with the participation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, is scheduled for December 6 in Minsk. Members of this supreme body also include heads of government and speakers of the parliamentary chambers. The meeting is expected to approve a suite of major decisions aimed at bolstering the economic and technological potential of the Union State, ensuring the security of Russia and Belarus within the framework of the common defence space, further equalising the rights of our citizens, and expanding cultural ties between them.

A series of other high-level events, including cultural and scientific occasions, will be dedicated to this significant date. On December 9, the Russian Foreign Ministry's Reception House in Moscow will host a thematic photo-documentary exhibition with the participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, heads of the executive agencies of the Union State, the EAEU, the CSTO, and the CIS, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps and the media.

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Heroes of Russia Day

 

On December 9, we mark Heroes of Russia Day to pay tribute to the Heroes of the Soviet Union and Russia and the holders of the Order of St George and the Order of Glory.

This celebration dates back to the 18th century and is associated with St George the Victorious. On December 9, 1769, Empress Catherine II issued an executive order establishing the highest military award, the Order of Great Martyr St George the Victorious (four classes), awarded for exemplified military prowess.

The statute of the Order specifies that “neither a high origin, nor the previous merits or wounds received in battles shall be taken account when the Order of St George is awarded for the feat of arms. It shall be bestowed on those who not only acted in accordance with the oath of allegiance, honour and duty, but have also distinguished themselves in battle for the benefit and glory of the Russian arms.”

The first Orders of St George the First Class were bestowed on Catherine II and military commander Pyotr Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky. Throughout the order’s history, 25 people were awarded the first class of the order, and there were only four holders of all four classes of the order -- military leaders Mikhail, Kutuzov, Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly and Ivan Dibich-Zabalkansky (Hans Karl Friedrich Anton Graf von Diebitsch und Narten), and military leader and diplomat Ivan Paskevich-Erevansky. Over 10,000 people were awarded different classes of the order. In 1807, the Cross of St George was established for the lower ranks of the military.

Both were abolished after the 1917 revolution, and the Order of St George was replaced with other military decorations. On April 16, 1934, the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Union established the title of Hero of the Soviet Union awarded for collective and individual achievements to the benefit of the nation. There were eight Heroes of the Soviet Union in the Foreign Ministry – Alexey Azarov, Andrey Bolotov, Alexey Yepishev, Viktor Kazakov, Sergey Romanovtsev, Fyodor Sadchikov, Yakov Susko and Ivan Fyodorov, and one holder of three classes of the Order of Glory – Nikolay Bulychyov.

In a way, the title of Hero of the Russian Federation succeeded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. In December 2016, it was awarded posthumously to Andrey Karpov “for the fortitude and courage he displayed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Turkey and for his great contribution to conducting Russia’s foreign policy.”

The Hero of Russia Day is marked on December 9 is accordance with the Federal Law of February 28, 2007, On Amendments to Article 1.1 of the Federal Law On the Days of Military Glory and Memorable Dates of Russia. A gala reception is held every year on December 9 at the Kremlin’s St George Hall for Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Russian Federation, full cavaliers of the Order of Glory and cavaliers of the Order of St George. Everyone respects this tradition. That day is celebrated throughout Russia.

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Regarding the 9th International Kremlin Charity Cadet Ball

 

On December 11, the 9th International Kremlin Charity Cadet Ball will be held at Gostiny Dvor in support of the special military operation.

This annual event is vital for preserving and strengthening the best traditions of the Russian Armed Forces, for the continuity of generations, and for the patriotic, spiritual and moral education of young people. It is aimed at reviving and promoting the cultural and historical heritage of our Motherland and at creating a strong bond between the future defenders of the nation.

The ball will be attended by the children of participants in the special military operation, the students of departmental and general cadet schools, Suvorov and Nakhimov military schools, and general schools that have special cadet classes, as well as members of military patriotic youth clubs, children from regional orphanages, cadets from Russian military universities, and delegations from 58 friendly countries.

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Question: It has come to light that the Russian side intends to gather information regarding its citizens detained in Georgia during the anti-government demonstrations. According to to the Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, these individuals violated the law by assaulting law enforcement officers. Will Moscow demand their extradition or assist Georgia in the investigation?

Maria Zakharova: Regardless of the situation in Georgia or indeed any other nation globally, when a Russian citizen finds themselves in a predicament – whether due to claims from local law enforcement, personal circumstances, or emergencies – and seeks assistance from Russian foreign missions or consular departments of our embassies, or if we become aware that our citizens are in distress, our diplomats invariably take action. We adhere to a specific protocol. We are duty-bound to ascertain the fate of Russian citizens.

As you are aware, not through our own doing, we lack diplomatic relations with Georgia. However, we maintain an Interests Section at the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation in Tbilisi. Consequently, any information concerning Russian citizens who are detained, arrested, or potentially injured will be thoroughly verified. Should they, as citizens of the Russian Federation, require any form of assistance, we are obligated to provide it. This support may vary, including translation aid, securing legal representation, and so forth. These individuals are Russian citizens, and we have corresponding obligations towards them in such scenarios. Everything else pertains to particular individual cases, which must be addressed accordingly. If individuals decline the assistance of Russian diplomats, foreign missions, or consular services, then naturally, they cease insisting on the involvement of our official structures. This occurs as well. Nevertheless, each case will be investigated.

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Question (retranslated from English): What is Russia's stance on the events and developments in Syria? In your view, which countries are covertly supporting those attacking the Syrian government forces? How do these countries assist the concerned militants?

Maria Zakharova: As I understand, you are asking about our collaboration to address the unfolding situation in Aleppo. Naturally, we are primarily in direct communication with official Damascus, closely cooperating with the Syrian authorities. Secondly, while I will not disclose the specifics of these contacts, I can confirm their existence. On a diplomatic level, we are engaging with the guarantor countries, as I have mentioned earlier today. Telephone communications are ongoing and will continue. Rest assured, we will keep you informed.

I have addressed the second part of your query earlier. I would encourage you to await the insights of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, which he discussed in his interview with Tucker Carlson. This will be made public within the next day and a half. Sergey Lavrov provided his perspective on the situation there.

It is abundantly clear that Syria has become a testing ground for the collective West, chiefly the United States, to conduct its "experiments." For many years, this has been a daily topic of our discussions. An entire terrorist "international" was cultivated there by Washington, London, and other nations subscribing to the destructive NATO ideology, with weapons and funds supplied. To what end? Initially, as declared over a decade ago, to overthrow the legitimate government in Syria. When this attempt failed, the objective shifted to persistently undermining and defeating Syria. This was subsequently followed by outright plundering, resource theft, and exploitation. We have provided detailed assessments on these matters regularly over the years. The involvement of foreign actors is evidently significant. I have touched upon one facet of this. For further details, I recommend watching Sergey Lavrov's interview.

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Question: The majority of the population of north and east Syria are Kurds. And the conflict in the region between the Syrian national army, which is a fighting group, and Syrian Democratic Forces has escalated in the last week. What’s your stand about it, and how will you try to lower this conflict down and not allow the conflict of other regions in Syria to affect those places, because when it reaches these places, it might reach Iraq as well?

Maria Zakharova: Are you asking me what needs to be done to normalise relations between the Kurdish populations of Syria’s regions? I would say they need to engage in dialogue with official Damascus, which has never rejected it. At the same time, you need to differentiate between engaging with the population, which tends to be constructive and cooperative, and manifestations of extremism and terrorism.

Question: [Am I right to] think that you support dialogue between the Kurdish forces in Syria and the Syrian Government? 

Maria Zakharova: I would not go into details. I cannot claim that I have any information that would allow me to draw any such conclusions. I will check with our experts, and we will be sure to send you a detailed answer based on the situation on the ground.

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Question: How would you comment on the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, where the rioters have launched an offensive, backed by the West and Turkey? What is the situation now? Russia has military bases there. Shouldn’t Russia take into account a few previous mistakes and maybe establish some sort of protectorate over Syria?

Maria Zakharova: I would say you’re talking about mistakes, deceptions or other nuances of the situation with too much ease, like about some daily routine.

Fighting international terrorism is a challenge and a major endeavour that our country has been shouldering for a long time, not as part of what you call a protectorate, but as part of assistance to the Syrian people at the request of the Syrian leadership. We have a long history together, a long history of victories and problems. This cannot be otherwise. This is not a one day challenge, or a problem with a one-month deadline. This crisis has been meticulously premeditated by Western countries, which, unfortunately, were able to rely on certain forces inside the region to put together an international terrorist conglomerate that they are now running to suit their own purposes.

What are their purposes? Above all, the West seeks chaos. Next in line is siphoning off resources. The third best is deploying armed militants, terrorists, extremists there to carry out some obviously dirty and illegal missions. They’ve been doing that for years. This problem cannot disappear overnight. As you rightly said, it is a complicated issue, and we are dealing with it.

We have seen our highs and lows over the years. May I remind you how it all began in Syria? They started with direct threats against our country. And those threats were not all talk. We were warned that, if we tried to preserve the constitutional order in Syria and prevent the collapse of Syrian statehood, we would regret it and that we would fail. That is what we have been told. So we have been through various situations, and we have dealt with them in a variety of ways.

We know that our goal is absolutely legitimate and noble – to help a sovereign, independent state that is suffering from international terrorism. We are working towards this goal, as President of Russia Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said.

Question: What defines the objectives of the terrorists and insurgents in Syria? They have captured Aleppo and are now advancing towards Homs and Hama. Are there any internal issues within Damascus?

Maria Zakharova: Military experts should comment on this matter. I will allow them to provide their insights, as they are well-equipped to address such queries with expertise. Should you not obtain a response pre-emptively, I will endeavour to furnish an answer based on their findings.

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Question: What are the primary aims Russia seeks to achieve in the transition of the 3+3 platform in the South Caucasus into a fully-fledged organisation, and what measures are being taken to ensure its efficacy in light of the prevailing geopolitical climate in the region? Has Russia communicated its proposals on this matter to the other nations involved in this platform?

Maria Zakharova: Our nation addressed the prospects of enhancing cooperation within the 3+3 Regional Cooperation Platform during the ministerial meeting in Istanbul on October 18 this year.

Following the outcomes of the meeting, the Turkish side, which currently presides over the 3+3 platform, is advancing the requisite activities in collaboration with the other participants. At this juncture, it is Turkiye that is at the helm of coordination. It would be prudent to seek commentary from our Turkish counterparts regarding the progress of these efforts.

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Question: On December 2 this year, the "Kellogg Plan," associated with the special envoy for Ukraine of the President-elect of the United States, Mr Donald Trump, emerged in the public sphere. It suggests, notably, that Ukraine's entry into NATO be deferred for a decade and that sanctions against Russia be rescinded. Has Moscow reviewed this plan? How does Russia evaluate Kellogg's propositions, and is there an intention to engage with the new US special envoy for conflict resolution?

Maria Zakharova: The "Keith Kellogg Plan," which surfaced on December 2 this year in the public sphere, cannot be regarded as an official document. It seems we are referring to certain "concepts for consideration" articulated by Mr Kellogg and his team, which were initially presented back in April this year.

As reiterated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, we basically remain ready to consider any constructive proposals aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict, provided they take into account the realities "on the ground" and encompass the spectrum of Russian interests we have delineated.

I am not convinced that it is currently prudent to evaluate and discuss these informal ideas at an official level. It appears to be somewhat premature.

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Question: Russia placed trust in the West's assurances that it would not expand to its borders. The West has not upheld these assurances. Russia endorsed the Minsk agreements, yet again the West has been deceptive and has armed Ukraine. Russia, Syria, and Iran accepted the pledges made in Astana, with the outcome being the present situation in Syria. How can we cease blindly trusting the West's promises and recognise their deceit in advance?

Maria Zakharova: I believe that this realisation has already occurred. The testing of the Oreshnik ballistic missile serves as evidence of this change.

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Question: Sceptical media campaigns against Russia and Iran aim to undermine relations between these nations and topple the authorities in Syria. Is there a coordinated response between Russia and Iran?

Maria Zakharova: I would advise all sceptics to revisit the contents of the media releases following the telephone dialogues between the Presidents of our nations on December 2 this year and the Foreign Ministers on November 30 this year.

Both exchanges pertained to the perilous terrorist assault in various regions of Syria, which Moscow and Tehran perceived as an affront to the sovereignty of a nation friendly to us.

Naturally, any notion of a "rift" in relations between Russia and Iran is inappropriate. It is, however, how our adversaries would wish to portray it. I believe we will not afford them such satisfaction. On the contrary, further engagements and discussions are being coordinated, during which we will deliberate on the expansion of our cooperation, including the execution of large-scale projects of regional significance in the domains of transport and energy. This also pertains to the exchange of perspectives on the situation in Syria, which all countries in the region have a vested interest in stabilising.

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Question: We are observing the current developments in Georgia, as well as the statements from European politicians that seemingly encourage civil unrest. Could you provide your comments on this situation and also elaborate on the current stage of the normalisation process in bilateral relations between Moscow and Tbilisi?

Maria Zakharova: I have already touched upon this matter in part. The Presidential Executive Office and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin have also addressed it.

This remains an internal issue for Georgia. We do not interfere, have not interfered, and have no intention of interfering in this process. Nevertheless, we cannot help but notice the overt efforts to destabilise the situation to the point of yet another "colour revolution." What is the purpose of this? Why is it happening?

The West is dissatisfied with a sovereign, independent Georgia. Regrettably, they perceive it as a mere tool, a staging ground, or a plaything. The West does not desire Georgia to exist as an autonomous state. It fails to acknowledge and respect that the Georgian people represent a nation with an ancient and vibrant history, possessing its own interests both regionally and globally. Georgia has natural partners and neighbours in the region, historically established connections, a modern agenda, and its own vision and path. This is a course, I believe, affirmed by international law – the right to chart its own destiny and realise its aspirations. Yet the West overlooks Georgia, as it does many other countries, in this context.

Moreover, the situation in and around Georgia serves as a stark illustration of how the West, despite its grandiose rhetoric about democratic values and freedom of choice, attempts to forcefully impose its self-serving will upon a sovereign state. The will of the vast majority of the population is being disregarded, contrary to international law. This is a blow to democracy. The West is undermining Georgian democracy by refusing to accept the will of the majority of the Georgian people.

On the other hand, consider the situation in the United States, where their electoral system allows for a leader to assume power without securing the majority of the popular vote, but rather through indirect mechanisms involving electors in a somewhat opaque manner. They may not fully comprehend the concept of direct democracy, direct elections where citizens can cast their votes unequivocally.

Even the opinion of the OSCE ODIHR, which validated the elections in Georgia and found no significant issues with their outcomes, is being ignored. Although questions about methodologies, etc. remain open, this entity, despite its alignment with Western ideologies, confirmed the legitimacy of the elections.

The European Union announces the "suspension of the European perspective," employing various measures of economic coercion, halting financial assistance. This is tantamount to blackmail. Citizens are being coerced over their legitimate electoral choices. Is this the only instance of such behaviour? Consider Venezuela – how many elections have taken place there? The tally is staggering. Dozens of elections are deemed "incorrect" when outcomes are unsatisfactory. The same tactics are employed: economic measures, embargoes, sanctions, asset freezes, sanctions lists, and acts of intimidation. The will of the majority is not respected. Numerous other instances abound.

Currently, the West is creating economic difficulties for Georgia, exacting retribution on its citizens for their sovereign choices. The populace is being incited to protest, pitted against each other, and provoked into hostility.

I was asked earlier today about calls for school students to take to the barricades. I apologise for my emotional tone, but in this instance, I speak not only as an official representative but also from a civic stance. Over the past 24 hours, I have witnessed numerous pleas from individuals questioning how it is possible for a woman in a leadership position to urge children to take to the streets, where Molotov cocktails are thrown, barricades erected, and violence ensues. I must state that it is utterly inhumane to impose such a burden on those for whom you bear responsibility.

The admonitions and criticisms directed at Georgia's law enforcement agencies regarding their actions in response to the disturbances caused by certain demonstrators exemplify double standards. It is notable that in previous similar situations in Armenia and Moldova, the European Union directed its appeals towards the protesters, not the law enforcement agencies. This inconsistency is evident – we witness the same circumstances, but now the roles are reversed.

Recent events in South Korea (which have hopefully subsided) prompt reflection. Where are the three Baltic states, which typically leap to impose sanctions, include on their "hit lists," and cast aspersions and accusations? They remained silent. Why? As the Russian proverb goes, "one's own never stinks." This is a consistent pattern in the West.

We have faith in the wisdom and dignity of the Georgian people, trusting that they possess the foresight and resilience not to be manipulated into becoming pawns in someone else's dirty and perilous game. I sincerely hope that Georgia is under some divine protection, shielding its children from being drawn into the streets. This is a heartfelt plea, not just as someone engaged in diplomatic service, but as an individual who can fathom for a second the consequences of such actions.

We have experienced this in our own country. We recall how, to achieve their desired outcomes, the "opposition," later revealed to be funded by Western money and grants, similarly brought children to the streets. I vividly remember parents with prams at "protests" – which were actually acts of sabotage and provocation – where infants were present, and school children were handed stones, cans, or bottles, provoking law enforcement tasked with maintaining order. All of this transpired in our own nation. I wholeheartedly wish the people of Georgia navigate this challenging period without succumbing to provocations and prioritise the well-being of their children.

Regarding the prospects for normalising bilateral relations with Georgia, we are prepared to proceed as far as Tbilisi is willing to go.

Once again, I apologise for my emotional expression. I have not encountered anything quite like this in recent history.

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Question: If President of Georgia Salome Zarubishvili is not leading the colour revolution, she is actively participating in it. Do you think the main goal and objective is to disrupt the upcoming presidential election scheduled for December 14? Will Moscow officially support such a bright candidate from the Georgian Dream party as Mikheil Kavelashvili at the election?

Maria Zakharova: This is Georgia’s internal affair.

As for Salome Zarubishvili’s term, it expires in a week and a half under the Georgian law. It is for competent Georgian authorities to give a legal assessment of her activities, declared goals or undeclared hidden motives.

We allowed ourselves to comment on this situation a little more only because there were calls from Salome Zarubishvili to bring children and schoolchildren into the streets. This should never be done under any circumstances.

This is our heartfelt cry that this should not happen under any circumstances. Victims will be demanded by those who do not want a future for Georgia. This is why we hear these calls to take children out into the streets, where Molotov cocktails are thrown, doors are broken down, barricades are built, among other things.

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Question: Regarding tensions in Georgia, if events take an irreversible course towards another colour revolution, what stance will Moscow take? Senators Vladimir Dzhabarov, Alexey Pushkov, Konstantin Kosachev, as well as Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev hinted that the situation in Georgia is developing according to the Ukrainian scenario.

At the same time, last night the likely candidate for a US envoy to the European Union Kimberly Lowe commented on the events, saying that the current Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze wants to continue integration into the EU, and added that they were ready to help. She is of the opinion that some actions of the US (she probably means the Joe Biden administration) were unfair towards Georgia.

What do you think about it? If the situation does escalate, how will Russia act as a neighbour?

Maria Zakharova: I have said many times today that this is Georgia’s internal affair.

Clearly, this situation provoked by the West will last more than a day or a week, more likely many months. If we have a look at the contemporary history of Georgia, then more than a year. This is clearly an attempt to bluntly interfere and even rule the country from the outside, on behalf of the Western wing. It is difficult to even identify what these attempts have more: NATO-centricity or some elements of the international political game. We have seen what dire consequences these Western adventures have led to both in Georgia and in the region as a whole.

I have a feeling (as I have already said today that it is based on facts) that the West does not want and is even afraid of Georgia becoming a sovereign and independent state. They are ready to invent any myth just to prevent Georgia from demonstrating its sovereignty.

I think the best example of this is that the West believes that Georgia cannot even develop its own domestic legislation (I do not mean just elections), which its people need, but must adopt to some Western stratagems. It’s hardly understandable.

I think that even Western colonies were treated less arrogantly. What the West is doing with Georgia is an insane and dangerous performance.

I am done talking about this. This is Georgia’s internal affair. We understand very well (it cannot be hidden) that Western countries are actively interfering in this agenda. This problem is created by the West, because it does not want and cannot allow Georgia to be a sovereign, independent state. Frankly speaking, it is strange to discuss this. Perhaps this is because Westerners do not know Georgian history, its rich culture, its connections, contacts, and its potential. Perhaps they do not know those who develop Western policy regarding the Georgian people and have no idea who they are talking to. Probably this is the reason.

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Question: The recently concluded Vologda Region Days in China have mirrored the success previously observed at the Made in Russia fair in Sichuan, marking the third such event in China this year. This highlights the effectiveness of such initiatives in fostering exchange and nurturing bilateral relations. Are there similar endeavours with other countries, particularly within Asia? If not, are there any plans to initiate them?

Maria Zakharova: Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that, despite challenging external circumstances and persistent sanctions pressure, the practical cooperation between Russia and China continues to progress consistently across various sectors.

China remains our foremost trading partner, with our Chinese friends demonstrating significant interest in our country, as evidenced by the increasing demand for Russian goods, notably food products, which they associate with superior quality. It is particularly noteworthy that this year, agricultural products have ascended to the second position after hydrocarbons in Russian exports to China – an achievement I consider a substantial breakthrough. Regional ties significantly enhance economic engagements, as Russian regions regularly showcase their capabilities in China, attracting diverse Chinese business sectors. For instance, the extensive Days of the Vologda Region events, held on November 18-22 this year, were conducted with resounding success.

Undoubtedly, the Russian Export Centre (REC) plays a pivotal role in advancing our domestic products internationally. In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia, the REC is executing a comprehensive programme of Russian national pavilions aimed at broadening our agricultural export footprint. Presently, there are similar REC sites in six countries globally, including four in China located in Shanghai, Harbin, Chengdu, and Shenzhen.

A key aspect of our strategy involves proactive cooperation with partners from friendly nations, including economic stakeholders from Belarus, Uzbekistan, Cuba, Turkiye, among others. We are confident that the model of hosting festivals and fairs abroad, as exemplified by the Made in Russia brand in China, will gain substantial traction. This initiative permits foreign consumers to acquaint themselves with Russian products of high calibre, as well as our cultural heritage and traditions.

With the support of the REC, companies receive essential assistance and resources, with the Made in Russia brand serving as a crucial umbrella for Russian suppliers as they navigate international markets and secure new opportunities.

The Foreign Ministry, through its diplomatic missions abroad, extends the necessary support to the Centre, facilitating cooperation with local authorities to ensure the successful organisation of events at the highest level.

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Question: Several weeks ago, I saw something strange in an EU city. I saw seven children at a bus station, all of them girls aged four to 16, with different hair, eyes and skin colour. They spoke Russian and came from Ukraine. I tried speaking with them, but all they said was, “I don’t know.” When their parents came, they said that they had allegedly fled from the Russians who could kill them. They said they lived at the bus station because the dilapidated room they were offered was not big enough for the nine of them.

I needed to move on, and so I gave all the foods I had with me to them, took the mother’s telephone number, and gave her my card and the contacts at our Embassy. I said that Russia supported Ukrainian citizens who were escaping from we know what. The next day I phoned the Embassy and told that story. A member of the Embassy staff was immediately appointed to deal with the situation, but the mother didn’t answer the phone.

We have substantial information about the transportation of our compatriots [from Ukraine] for the most nefarious purposes. That story is far from the only one.

Maria Zakharova: We must call things by their proper names. This is trafficking. In the past, the term applied to the internet. But human trafficking is forced relocation of people for the purposes of abduction, sexual exploitation, slavery, violence and trade. This is taking place in the 21st century, in its first quarter. This is what you saw.

It was pre-sale preparation of those children, those girls. The question is why local authorities do nothing about it. You are not the only one who has seen this. Contacts between local residents and the police are a usual thing in EU countries, and I wouldn’t describe it as informing. When people see something they don’t like, they immediately report this to the law enforcement agencies. Why don’t they report such cases as you saw? Does this mean that they like what they see?

How can it be that nine underage girls live at a bus station and nobody is taking care  of them? It means that you saw an example of the pre-sale preparation of children. We talk about this all the time. If you have any details or photographs, send them to us and we will do our best to see the matter through.

Question: What should Russian citizens do in such cases when abroad?

Maria Zakharova: Take photos and videos, get the addresses and send them to the local police, our diplomats at the Embassy and the Foreign Ministry.

We have seen many reports published by Interpol at EU countries in 2002 and 2023 about what happens to children delivered to EU countries from Ukraine.

In 2022 and 2023, I many times quoted their law enforcement officials, the heads of departments responsible for the law and order in EU and NATO countries. They said that they were unable to tell how many underage children entered their countries, let alone try to regulate their arrival. They can’t cite the figures, which run into thousands and tens of thousands.

These people have no documents or residence address, and these children don’t attend schools, have no medical insurance, and are not registered with any organisation that could institutionalise their presence in the country. Therefore, they are a soft target for those who engage in this dirty business.

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As far as I remember, your publication has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The leading publication of Russian compatriots in Slovakia, the magazine Vmeste (Together), was established on November 29, 1999.

Please, accept our greetings and gratitude for your civic stance. You always say that you are Russian compatriots, and I always say that you are doing more than just work together to preserve our culture and history. I believe that you are doing more by fighting for the truth based on your principles.

You have been upholding the truth from positions of civic engagement for 25 years now.

The Vmeste editorial bord has been working all these years. Its activities are clearly seen. They include thousands of items and essays about our country, our modern history, our culture, our historical and spiritual bonds and contacts, our heritage, and our common history.

I would like to once again extend our greetings and to thank all your colleagues. We are ready to help you in every way we can. We wish you creative success, strength, and more good news. You are a source of good news thanks to your activity and efforts to protect the truth and the light.

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