"By the end of the year, by the end of the Russian presidency, we expect to announce the full list of those countries that will become BRICS partners. I cannot specifically comment on any particular countries right now because it would essentially negate not even the position, but the line that we have agreed upon with the other BRICS participants and that we have adhered to since Kazan," emphasized Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.

"Here I am, enjoying some tea, and then I hear such news: they say the residence is closed, New Year is canceled, and I'm not even here. My dear ones, come to Veliky Ustyug, and with all your heart and soul, you will touch the fairy tale. <...> I am waiting for you!"

"Our neighbors are quickly following the Ukrainian path into a dark abyss. This usually ends very badly," the politician warned.

"For such things, people used to be hanged on lampposts. Now it’s a more humane time. They’ll get away with it," wrote the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council.