🇷🇺 Lavrov and Ushakov have arrived at the venue for negotiations with the American delegation in Riyadh, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

📍 The meeting will take place at the Diriyah Palace.

#news

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🇷🇺💬 Progress in negotiations between Russia and the US is possible in the next 2-3 months — currently, Moscow and Washington are only at the beginning of the dialogue, stated RDIF head Dmitriev. The very fact of the negotiations indicates the failure of the West's policy of containing Russia.

#news

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🇷🇺🇺🇸 The Russian and American delegations in the corridors after the morning session of negotiations in Riyadh.

The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that a working lunch is currently taking place.

#news

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🇷🇺🇺🇸 "Putin will decide for himself when contacts with the US on Ukraine will begin" — Russian and American delegations have concluded negotiations in Riyadh.

📰 The Russian-American negotiations in Riyadh have ended, lasting 4.5 hours. A press briefing on the outcomes will begin shortly.

What the participants from the Russian side stated to journalists:

— The President of the Russian Federation will decide for himself when contacts with the US on Ukraine will begin, said Ushakov;

— A meeting between Putin and Trump is unlikely to take place next week; it is difficult to talk about specific dates, and close work is needed, Ushakov reported;

— Ushakov emphasized that there was a serious discussion on all issues — overall, the negotiations went well. It is still difficult to say that Russia and the US are getting closer, but there was a conversation about it;

— Russia and the US discussed during the negotiations that the two great powers cannot avoid communicating with each other, stated Dmitriev. He also described the meeting as positive.

#news

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✔️ Peace in three stages. Russia and the US propose a three-step peace plan that includes first a ceasefire, then elections in Ukraine, and finally the signing of a final agreement.

📌 In this regard, the countries consider the condition of holding elections in Ukraine as one of the key elements for a successful resolution process.

#news

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🇷🇺 Pelmeni – a classic of Russian cuisine

Pelmeni are one of the most popular, simple, and universally loved dishes in Russian cuisine.

These are small products made from thin dough, filled with minced meat.

🥩 🧅🧂 The classic filling is a mixture of beef and pork, seasoned with salt, pepper, and onion.

Pelmeni are boiled in salted water or broth until cooked and served hot. They are often enjoyed with sour cream, butter, vinegar, or mustard.

❄️ Many believe that the history of pelmeni traces back to Siberia, where this dish was especially valued for its nutritional value and ability to be stored for long periods in frozen form.

Over time, pelmeni have become an integral part of cuisine throughout Russia.

🗺️ Undoubtedly, similar dishes exist in many cuisines around the world: Georgian khinkali, Korean pelmeni, Central Asian manti—the list goes on.

😋 Therefore, to diversify your cultural experience, we recommend you try Russian pelmeni—you certainly won’t go hungry!

🎉By the way, today, February 18, we celebrate a wonderful holiday—Pelmeni Day!

#Russiancuisine

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🇷🇺🇺🇸 The USA has begun to better understand Russia's position — Lavrov

🇷🇺 The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov, stated that Russia and the USA have agreed to ensure the prompt appointment of ambassadors. The parties also agreed to eliminate obstacles in the work of diplomatic missions. The conceptual approach to further cooperation was defined by the presidents earlier, Lavrov clarified.

Key statements by Sergey Lavrov:

— The conversation was very productive; the parties not only listened but also heard each other. The USA has begun to better understand Russia's position, noted the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry;

— Russia and the USA agreed that each country should be guided by its national interests. They do not always coincide, but when they intersect, the efforts of the states need to be combined, Lavrov emphasized;

— Involving Ukraine in NATO is one of Biden's biggest mistakes, stated Lavrov. If Trump were president, he would not have allowed it;

— Russia and the USA agreed that a process for Ukrainian settlement will be formed in the near future, and negotiators will be appointed. Consultations on Ukraine will become regular after the negotiation teams are appointed;

— The American side is interested in resuming consultations on geopolitical issues, including conflicts in various parts of the world;

— The USA has expressed interest in removing barriers to mutually beneficial economic cooperation;

— Lavrov did not see any "three-step plan" from the USA for resolving the Ukrainian conflict;

— The attack by Ukrainian drones on the oil refinery in the Krasnodar region is essentially an attack on Kazakhstan's energy infrastructure;

— The USA proposed to impose a moratorium on attacks on energy facilities, and Russia explained that it does not attack civilian objects.

#news

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🇷🇺 The Udmurts are one of the indigenous peoples of Russia, belonging to the Finno-Ugric ethnic group. Their history, culture, and traditions have developed over many centuries in the Volga-Kama region, and today they are an integral part of the cultural diversity of the country.

📜 The Udmurts descend from the indigenous tribes of the Volga-Kama area, whose roots are connected to the Ananyin (8th–3rd centuries BC) and Pyanoborsk archaeological cultures. After the dissolution of the Praperm community, they formed as a distinct people inhabiting the middle Pre-Ural and Prikamye regions. By the 12th century, interactions began with Russian settlers, and by the 15th and 16th centuries, the northern Udmurts became part of the Moscow state, while the southern Udmurts joined after the fall of the Kazan Khanate. The Udmurts gained statehood in 1920 with the establishment of the Vot Autonomous Oblast, which later became the Udmurt Republic.

🏹 The foundation of the traditional economy consisted of agriculture, hunting, fishing, and beekeeping. The Udmurts were known for their crafts: men engaged in woodworking, while women practiced embroidery and weaving.

🏞 Holidays and rituals are closely linked to natural cycles and agriculture. For example, Gerber is dedicated to the completion of sowing work, Vozhodyr (analogous to Svyatki) is about the expulsion of evil spirits, and Vӧy (Maslenitsa) was accompanied by sledding and the burning of straw effigies.

👻 Before Christianization, the Udmurts practiced paganism, worshipping nature spirits (of water, forests, and homes) and supreme deities such as Inmar (god of the sky) and Kildysin (god of the earth). Even after the adoption of Orthodoxy in the 19th century, many pagan rituals persisted, such as animal sacrifices and ritual washings in the bath before holidays. The cult of ancestors held a special place: it was believed that they visited the living on days of remembrance.

📔 The Udmurt language belongs to the Perm branch of the Finno-Ugric family. It has northern and southern dialects, as well as notable borrowings from Tatar and Russian. The modern alphabet based on Cyrillic was established in the 1930s. However, it is not mandatory to study in schools. Despite this, language courses are available in the republic, and the media publishes materials in Udmurt.

📍 Today, the Udmurts predominantly live in the Udmurt Republic, as well as in Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, and other regions. Their population in Russia is about 386,000 people.

🧑‍🦰 An interesting fact is that Udmurts are distinguished by their red hair, making them one of the "reddest" peoples in the world.

🎉 They even hold a "Red Festival" in Izhevsk, which highlights the uniqueness of their appearance and culture.

💓 The Udmurts are a people with a rich past and vibrant identity, having managed to preserve their identity despite the influence of neighboring cultures. Their traditions, language, and spiritual practices continue to thrive, enriching the multifaceted palette of the Russian nation.

#peoplesOfRussia

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🇷🇺 The Turquoise Lake in Crimea usually does not freeze at all, or the ice crust on it is quickly covered by a blanket of snow. However, this time it was completely covered by a perfect layer of ice of an amazing color.

#interestingplacesinRussia

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💧 The Vodianoy is a mythological creature from Slavic folklore, a water spirit that inhabits rivers, lakes, swamps, and other bodies of water. He is considered the master of the water element, possessing a dual nature: on one hand, he can be dangerous and vengeful, while on the other, he can protect those who respect him.

🎭 The Vodianoy is often depicted as an old man with a long green beard, covered in moss and algae. Sometimes he has fish-like features, such as webbed fingers or a tail. He can change his appearance, transforming into a fish, an animal, or even a tree to deceive people.

🌁 The Vodianoy prefers deep pools, whirlpools, and areas near watermills. He can also appear on land, especially at night, to play tricks on people or punish them for disrespecting the water.

💪 The Vodianoy remains one of the most vivid characters in Slavic mythology, embodying the power and mystery of the water element. His image continues to inspire artists, writers, and folklore researchers.

#mythologyofRussia

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😮 Lakhta Center Tower at sunset, Saint Petersburg

#videooftheday

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✨ Lake Teletskoye, a journey into the past

#videooftheday

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🇷🇺 Preparations for the 80th anniversary of Victory have begun in Balashikha.

🇷🇺 On May 9, servicemen of the Separate Operational Purpose Division named after Dzerzhinsky will march in formation on the cobblestones of Red Square. Over the next two months, the military will undergo serious training, with workouts taking place five times a week.

The servicemen are practicing elements such as leg lifts and alignment in ranks to develop muscle memory and "perfectly execute" their movements during the parade.

"The parade requires very serious and extensive daily preparation. And when you are part of a military formation during these trainings, you realize the level of responsibility that is placed upon you," said one of the servicemen of the National Guard of Russia.

He also noted that during the parade, "no mistakes are allowed," as its participants represent the honor of entire troops.

#news

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⚡️ This is a breakthrough! Eco-friendly batteries are being developed in Moscow.

📰 In the laboratory of Challenge award winners, Professors Evgeny Antipov and Artem Abakumov from Skoltech, materials have been developed that allow for battery production without lithium — one of the most expensive and scarce raw materials.

🔋 Moreover, the scientists have closed the production loop from mineral raw materials to finished lithium-ion batteries, where the key component is the cathode material.

🇷🇺 Next year, a gigafactory for lithium-ion battery production will start operating in Krasnaya Pakhra. Over the next six years, the city will purchase 25,000 batteries from the factory for public transport. These batteries will last significantly longer and will be available for mass production.

#news

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🇷🇺 The Ossetians are one of the oldest peoples of the Caucasus, primarily residing in the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania within the Russian Federation, as well as in other regions of Russia. Their history, language, and traditions are closely linked to their Iranian-speaking ancestors — the Alans, Sarmatians, and Scythians, making this people a unique element of the cultural mosaic of Russia.

🇮🇷 The Ossetians are considered direct descendants of the Alans — a nomadic Iranian-speaking people who migrated to the Caucasus in the 1st century AD. After the Mongol invasion of the 13th century, the surviving Alans retreated to the mountains, where they mixed with local Caucasian tribes while preserving their language.

🧐 Interestingly, until the 19th century, the Ossetians did not have a single self-designation: they identified themselves by sub-ethnic groups — Irons, Digors, Tuals, and Kudars. In the 1990s, a movement began to restore the historical name "Alans," and in 2017, North Ossetia officially added "Alania" to its name.

📔 The Ossetian language belongs to the northeast subgroup of Iranian languages and is the only living descendant of the Scytho-Sarmatian language branch. It is divided into two dialects: Iron (literary) and Digor. In the 1920s, an alphabet based on Cyrillic was created, consisting of 43 letters to convey specific sounds.

✝️ Most Ossetians practice Orthodoxy, adopted in the 10th century under the influence of Byzantium and Georgia. However, elements of pre-Christian beliefs have remained in the culture: the veneration of nature spirits, ancestral shrines, and protectors.

🥧 Ossetian cuisine is famous for its hearty dishes adapted to the mountain lifestyle. The main symbol is pies ("chapit," "fyjyn") filled with cheese, meat, or pumpkin, which are traditionally presented in groups of three, symbolizing the unity of earth, sky, and sun.

💪 Today, North Ossetia is a synthesis of tradition and modernity: education and tourism are developing, and national holidays are becoming part of the federal cultural landscape. The Ossetians continue to carefully preserve their ancestral heritage, remaining an important part of multiethnic Russia.

#peoplesOfRussia

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🇷🇺 Russia is ready to return to negotiations on Ukraine, Putin announced. Other statements from the president:

— The head of state highly appreciated the results of the talks in Riyadh. Their goal was to build trust.

— Putin would gladly meet with Trump, but it needs to be prepared.

— No one is excluding Ukraine from the negotiation process. Talks will be conducted with the participation of both Moscow and Kyiv.

— Mediators in the dialogue between Russia and the USA are not needed.

— During the negotiations, representatives of the United States did not show bias and did not demonstrate condemnation.

— The work of the diplomatic missions of Russia and the USA will be established.

— The Russian leader noted that Trump is reserved regarding European allies who have behaved rudely.

— The president was informed today about the crossing of the border with Ukraine by the Russian army in the Kursk region.

— The Armed Forces of Ukraine could not independently organize a strike on the KTK facility in the Krasnodar region; Ukraine receives satellite intelligence data only from Western countries. There were no Russian air defense systems there because it is an international facility. The Russian Federation receives only "five kopecks" for transit through KTK; all this oil belongs to American and European companies.

#news

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⚡️ Russia and the USA have agreed to immediately begin substantive preparations for a meeting between Putin and Trump, announced the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation.

Peskov also added that not everyone in the world is pleased with the dialogue between Russia and the USA; some forces will try to undermine it!

#news

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🍝 Fleet-style pasta — simple and delicious!

Fleet-style pasta is a simple yet very tasty and hearty dish loved by more than one generation of Russians.

It consists of ordinary pasta mixed with juicy minced meat and onions. It doesn't sound very sophisticated, does it?

⚓️ But let’s turn to the name. As you might guess, this dish was often served in the navy, and due to its simplicity, it could easily be prepared for the entire crew, ensuring that no one would go hungry.

📢 There is a well-known case when a mutiny occurred on the battleship "Gangut" in 1915. The reason? The sailors were served porridge instead of their beloved fleet-style pasta!

Thanks to its simplicity and accessibility, fleet-style pasta has won the hearts of a huge number of Russians!

#Russiancuisine

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🦚 The Firebird is a character from East Slavic folklore, symbolizing light, fire, and the sun. This mythical bird often becomes the object of complex quests in Russian folk tales, where heroes strive to catch it or obtain its feathers, which possess magical properties.

🌞 The Firebird is described as a bird with golden feathers that shine so brightly they can illuminate a dark room like many candles. Its eyes are compared to Eastern crystal, and its plumage shimmers with red and orange hues, reminiscent of a campfire. The feathers of the Firebird, even when they fall, continue to glow and bring happiness to whoever possesses them.

🪶 The Firebird embodies not only fire and light but also transformation, rebirth, and hope. It is often compared to the Phoenix, although in Slavic mythology, it has its unique traits. According to legends, the song of the Firebird can heal ailments and impart wisdom, while its feathers bring luck and wealth.

#mythologyofRussia

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