⚜️On March 18, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Crimea's reunification with the Russian Federation. On this day, we would like to share with you the documentary that highlights the recent history of the peninsula and its people. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the coup d'etat in Kiev, inspired by Western countries that paved the way for the exile of the legitimate president of Ukraine, comprehensive crisis in this country and started the process of its disintegration. In this circumstances Crimean people had no option, but to seek protection of Russia.
https://youtu.be/MKhikm4riOI?si=032n1RL3BPEl04fs

Embassy comment about the situation of the Crimean Tatars in the Crimea before and after 2014

As of January 1, 2023, the number of Crimean Tatars in the Republic of Crimea (RK) is 253.7 thousand people (13% of the total population).

During the period that Crimea was part of Ukraine (1991-2014), official Kiev treated the regional development of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (ARC) on a residual basis.

It was during the 1990s that Kiev relied on the conflict between the Crimean Tatar community and the regional authorities of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (traditionally elected by the Russian majority) and artificially provoked interethnic confrontation.

In 1991, the “Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People” (banned in the Russian Federation) was created in Simferopol - the executive body of the national congress (Kurultai), which openly declared the “special” right of the Crimean Tatars to the peninsula, up to the creation of a “sovereign national state”.

After the reunification of the peninsula with Russia in 2014, the basis for the development of interethnic relations was Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of April 21, 2014 No. 268 “On measures for the rehabilitation of the Armenian, Bulgarian, Greek, Italian, Crimean Tatar and German peoples and state support for their revival and development." The document identified the main directions for the final settlement of issues of adaptation of representatives of a number of Crimean ethnic groups who were subjected to forced deportation in 1941-1944.

Under the Head of the Republic of Crimea, an advisory body was created - the Council of Crimean Tatars, designed to streamline the relationship of the Crimean Tatar activists with the state authorities of the region.

Measures are being implemented for the rehabilitation of repressed peoples on such a scale that is much wider than the total costs of Kiev allocated for the “development of national minorities” in previous years.

The local authorities are actively creating a positive cultural and humanitarian atmosphere for the Crimean Tatars and other peoples and ethnic groups. After 2014, the Crimean Tatar Theater and the Crimean Tatar Museum of Cultural and Historical Heritage received additional funding. Crimean Tatar folk ensembles operate within the Crimean State Philharmonic.

Publications are published in the national language with government support. Radio "Vetan Sedasy" broadcasts. In total, there are currently more than 50 Crimean Tatar media outlets.

Currently, the first public television in the Crimean Tatar language, created in 2015, is actively developing - “Millet” (“People”) with radio station “Meydan”, which is financed from the state budget.

Previously created in the interests of the Crimean Tatars, the Crimean Engineering and Pedagogical University was not, like other Crimean universities, included in the Crimean Federal University, but functions today as an independent university.
Currently, seven municipalities of the peninsula have about two dozen schools teaching in the Crimean Tatar language and a school-lyceum in the city of Old Crimea with five linguistic electives (Armenian, Bulgarian, Greek, Crimean Tatar and German).

There are a number of Crimean Tatar national-cultural autonomies (NCAs), which did not exist in the “Ukrainian” Crimea.

Crimean Tatars form the basis of the Muslim community of Crimea. After 2014, a course was set to return religious buildings to communities with their subsequent restoration at public expense.

There were about 480 mosques in Ukrainian Crimea. Of these, about 300 were not legalized, were partially built on lands seized by communities, or were not subordinate to the central Crimean muftiate. To date, the issues of registration of land plots and buildings have been almost completely resolved, over 40 new mosques have been built, and more than 20 more are under construction. Among them is the Main Cathedral Mosque in Simferopol (with a capacity of about 4 thousand people).

Crimean Tatars are represented in government bodies, especially in the executive, including law enforcement. There was a significant increase in their number in the regional and local deputy corps compared to the “Ukrainian” period.

The successful integration of Muslims of the peninsula into the ummah of the Russian Federation is facilitated by the organization of the annual hajj of Crimeans to the shrines of the Islamic world.

Contrary to the widespread malicious speculation about the “atmosphere of fear and hostility,” a climate of interethnic harmony has developed in Crimea in recent years, supported by the active participation of the Crimean Tatar community in the public life of the peninsula.

Embassy Comment

We have read the article “Return of Russia’s imperial quest: Who’s next after Ukraine?” by Jonathan Eyal, published in the Straits Times on March 19, 2024.

It is regrettable that the author does not try to give an unbiased picture, and even deliberately distorts historical facts by fitting them into the narrow framework of the Russophobic views of the current Western elites. He bluntly accuses Russia of aggression and attributes to it narrow selfish interests that have never been typical to our country. What the author may be right about is that, as he himself puts at the end of the article, everyone was surprised in the early 1990s that the Cold War ended peacefully without a shot being fired. But even here one can argue by looking at the facts, which show that only thanks to the good will of Russia and its leadership at that time, it was possible to overcome the legacy of the Cold War and set a path to shared prosperity for Europe and the world.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia and its people sincerely sought to join the European family, create fair conditions to ensure equal and indivisible security, establish mutually beneficial economic cooperation and reach a completely new level of integration with the European continent. This is precisely what we were guided by when we proposed to the West an idea to conclude a treaty on European security in 2009. This has always been the basis of our activities at the OSCE and UN. We are guided by this nowadays when we promote the concept of the Greater Eurasian Partnership.

Within this context, one can only express regret that Mr. Eyal is obsessed with Russophobic constructs, sees a threat behind every step of Russia, warns the world of Armageddon, completely ignoring the fact that the roots of the current problem lie in the West, which, as history shows since the end of the Cold War, never abandoned his selfish ambitions to disintegrate and subjugate Russia.

🎥The documentary 'Crimea's Renaissance' is about a 🇷🇺Russian region that returned home 10 years ago.

Life on the peninsula has changed completely in a decade. This documentary showcases developments in infrastructure, healthcare and education, alongside the restoration of historical sites and the rise of wine tourism.

👉WATCH the documentary to learn more on the achievements of the region, in which the whole country can take pride: https://www.rt.com/shows/documentary/594392-crimea-transformation-over-past-decade/

#CrimeaIsRussia #TogetherForever

❗️Five transformations in #Crimea since reunification with 🇷🇺Russia: A decade of progress

📈🏗️ Economic revitalization: Crimea has undergone substantial economic growth since reuniting with Russia in 2014. The region has seen significant investments in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and airports, fostering connectivity and accessibility;

🏖️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Tourism boom: Crimea's breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks have fueled an explosion in tourism over the past decade. The establishment of new hotels, resorts, and entertainment facilities has catered to the increasing influx of visitors, boosting the local economy;

🏡🪙 Enhanced living standards: Improved access to social welfare programs and infrastructure has elevated the quality of life for Crimea's residents. Investments in healthcare, education, and public services have contributed to overall well-being and prosperity;

⛪️🕌 Cultural renaissance: Crimea's rich cultural heritage has experienced a revival since its reunification with Russia. Efforts to preserve and promote Crimean Tatar, Ukrainian, and Russian traditions have fostered cultural pride and unity among diverse ethnic groups in the region;

🚰💡 Energy and water independence: Crimea has achieved greater energy and water self-reliance since joining Russia. The completion of key infrastructure projects, such as the construction of power plants and water desalination facilities, has bolstered the region's self-sufficiency and resilience.

#CrimeaIsRussia #TogetherForever

ASEAN-Russia Young Diplomats Summit convened

March 2, 2024

https://asean.org/asean-russia-young-diplomats-summit-convened/

Russia hosted the ASEAN-Russia Young Diplomats Summit on Saturday, 2 March 2024, in Sochi. The event was held in conjunction with the VII Global Forum of Young Diplomats, at the sidelines of the World Youth Festival 2024.

The Summit brought together young diplomats from the ASEAN Member States and Russia, representatives of the Russia-ASEAN Business Council (RABC) and the ASEAN Centre in MGIMO-University.

Diplomats from the ASEAN Member States and Russia exchanged views on the trends of modern diplomacy and shared their vision of the prospects for ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership. They discussed new areas of cooperation in the fields of science and education, volunteering, as well as development of people-to–people contacts, business, sports and e-sports ties.

Ambassador of the Russian Federation to ASEAN, Evgeny Zagaynov, in his welcoming remarks emphasised the special attention that Russia is paying to the strengthening of youth-to-youth interaction with the ASEAN Member States. Executive Director of the Russia-ASEAN Business Council, Daniyar Akkaziev, noted the role of young entrepreneurs from ASEAN and Russia in promoting the creative industries. Meanwhile, experts from the ASEAN Centre in MGIMO-University highlighted the importance of academic exchanges in deepening dialogue with the ASEAN Member States.

The ASEAN-Russia Young Diplomats Summit paved the way for new creative initiatives to empower youth and increase their opportunities to be involved in decision-making. Constructive engagements, dialogue, and collaboration among young diplomats provide unique opportunities to forge trustworthy professional networks and lay a solid ground for close cooperation in the future.

Photo source: World Festival of Youth

🎙 President Vladimir #Putin at the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Crimea and Sevastopol’s reunification with the Russian Federation (March 18, 2024)

💬 Crimea is not only a strategically vital territory, not only part of our history, our traditions and Russia’s pride. Crimea is primarily its people. The people of #Sevastopol and #Crimea, they are our pride. They remained faithful to the homeland over the decades, they never separated themselves from Russia, and this is precisely what made it possible for Crimea to come back to our common family🇷🇺

The same is true of #Donbass and Novorossiya. The people living there expressed their will to return to their family during the days of the “Russian Spring.” Their path home involved much greater difficulty and tragedy. Nevertheless, we did it, and it is also a great event in the history of our state.

🚉Now we are making progress and moving forward together, side by side. Just this morning, I received a report that the railway from Rostov to Donetsk, Mariupol and Berdyansk has been restored. We will continue this work and soon trains will go straight to Sevastopol. This would be yet another alternative route – instead of the Crimean Bridge.

Read in full👉 tinyurl.com/5n88ywvu

#CrimeaIsRussia #TogetherForever

#CrimeaIsRussia

🗓 Russia & Crimea have gone hand in hand throughout history dating all the way back to the second half of the X century, when the peninsula’s eastern part was included in the Ancient Rus' Principality of Tmutarakan.

☦️ The Rus' reinforced its position in Crimea after the successful campaign by Grand Prince Vladimir against the Byzantine city of Korsun' in 988. It was here, in Tauric Chersonesus that Vladimir the Great was baptised & initiated Christianisation of Rus' — a decision that largely determined the future of our Motherland, its cultural & historical path.

In the XIII century, the Golden Horde seized Crimean lands. After its collapse, the Crimean Khanate, vassal of the Ottoman Empire, emerged in the XV century. During the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–1774, Russia ended the Ottoman domination on the peninsula.

📜 In 1783, Catherine the Great issued a Manifesto on the accession of the Crimean Peninsula to the Russian Empire. This was done on requests of Crimeans themselves.

⚔️ Subsequently, Russian soldiers bravely & honourably defended the peninsula against Russia's enemies. We remember the heroes who fell during the Defence of Sevastopol in 1854-1855 & the Soviet soldiers during the Great Patriotic War's Battle for Crimea.

In 1954, Crimea was incorporated into the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic against the will of its residents & in violation of the law.

🗳 In the 1990s, residents of Crimea repeatedly attempted to receive broader autonomy from Ukraine & enhance their historical ties with Russia.

What did Kiev do? It substantially limited the rights & freedoms of the Crimeans. And following the February 2014 coup d'état & the seizing of power by the nationalists, there emerged a very tangible threat of the same kind of brutal violence to be used against the peninsula's residents.

🇷🇺 On March 18, 2014 the much-awaited reunification took place — based on the free expression of will by Crimeans in the March 16 referendum Crimea acceded to Russia, reuniting once again & now forever!

🇷🇺🇮🇳📞 During the extensive telephone call, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi congratulated Vladimir Putin on his landslide victory in the Russian presidential election and offered his sincere wishes of prosperity and well-being to the Russian people.

Both Parties expressed satisfaction with the consistent and dynamic development of mutually beneficial ties in trade, the economy, investment, energy and transport, reflecting the spirit of their special and privileged strategic partnership.

The President and the Prime Minister also exchanged views on various issues on the international agenda, particularly regarding the situation around Ukraine. They affirmed their commitment to coordinating their countries' actions within multilateral formats, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and #BRICS.

🤝 The conversation was warm and friendly. Vladimir Putin wished Narendra Modi successful parliamentary elections in India.

#RussiaIndia

🌷Today marks International Nowruz Day, a holiday symbolising new beginnings and the arrival of spring.

Nowruz (Persian — "new day") is considered the start of the new year by more than 300 million people around the world and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in Central Asia, the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, the Middle East and other regions.

📜 Nowruz originated in Ancient Persia. It marked the arrival of summer and the defeat of the evil spirit. The holiday acquired particular importance during the reign of the Achaemenid dynasty in the 400s-500s BC. Nowruz regained its status under the Safavid dynasty, with the holiday rituals becoming increasingly elaborate up to the XX century as a means of demonstrating power and grandeur.

Over time, Nowruz has not only become a national holiday but a cultural event, which unites various nations and faiths in mutual respect.

🇷🇺 Nowruz is an essential and integral part of the historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage of many peoples of Russia and is widely celebrated in Dagestan, Tatarstan, and Bashkiria.

Celebrations will take to the streets of Moscow as well. Participants of the 18th citywide festival will share stories about family traditions, showcase their national cultures and rituals.

🎉 Happy Nowruz to everyone celebrating the holiday of renewal and spring! Many wishes of success and family well-being!

#InternationalNowruzDay #Nowruz2024

🎙 President Vladimir Putin's address to Russian citizens on the outcome of the presidential election (March 21, 2024)

💬 The official results of the presidential election were announced today. The election campaign, which was extremely important for our country, society and citizens, has come to a close.

<...>

This election campaign was intense and extremely important. At the end of the day, we were choosing Russia's future direction; we were deciding on our own future and that of our children. The absolute majority of the voters who cast their ballot realised the significance of this event.

Once again, I would like to thank everyone who took part in the voting, regardless of which candidate you voted for. Most importantly, you have shown that you treat your civic duty with respect, value freedom of choice and your vote, and to reiterate, every one of your votes was of great importance.

<...>

Thank you for your support. It is more important to me than the formal victory in the elections. It signifies support for the political and economic policies of our country and our overall results, which, of course, should be more extensive, but are nonetheless making Russia stronger and more independent.

A few words about the performance of election commissions at all levels. As always, you acted efficiently and competently, adhering to the principles of transparency and strict compliance with the law. The members of the election commissions in our historical territories showed courage and bravery, serving as an example for voters.

Thank you for your trust. <...> We will do everything possible to ensure the successful implementation of the ambitious national projects and programmes that I recently outlined in my Address.

🇷🇺 The elections have revealed that Russia today is one big, closely-knit family. We are steadfastly following the historical path we have chosen. We have confidence in ourselves, our abilities, and our future.

Read in full

#Election2024

🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview for the documentary series Oil (Moscow, March 21, 2024)

Key points:

🔹 All natural resources on which economic development, influence and might depend are instruments of political struggle. <...> The Americans have been using oil and oil prices as a weapon.

🔹 What is the oil price cap imposed on Russian oil by the Americans, which the West was pressured to adopt as well? It is flagrant interference in the workings and principles of the free market, which the Americans have been promoting for decades.

🔹 The pinnacle of using hydrocarbons as a weapon was the explosion of the Nord Stream pipelines. <...> It is evidence of the current German government’s impotence and inability not just to think independently but to even protect its vital interests.

🔹 Everyone is well aware of Washington’s methods. <...> When talking with Washington, you need to firmly press for your own advantage and never expect it to fulfil its sweet promises.

🔹 The OPEC Plus, where both Iran and Russia are members, has a clear formula for reaching agreements and finding compromises. It has been used for years, and nobody has been disadvantaged or dissatisfied.

🔹 In Syria, the oil and grain production is concentrated in the northeast, and the Americans have occupied this area. They are producing oil there and are stealing it. <...> This is colonialism pure and simple.

🔹 Oil, gas and hydrocarbons in general will continue to play the key role in the development of the global economy and in ensuring the well-being of nearly all countries for a long time to come, for many decades.

Read in full

🇷🇺🇪🇬📞 During the telephone conversation, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election as President of the Russian Federation, noting his great personal contribution to strengthening friendly relations between Russia and Egypt.

In turn, President Putin extended greetings to Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and the entire Egyptian nation for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

🤝 It was noted with satisfaction that the multifaceted cooperation between the countries is successfully developing as a strategic partnership, with major mutually beneficial projects underway in various spheres.

Current issues on the international agenda were considered, including the situation around Ukraine and in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone. President Putin praised Cairo's efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

The expectation is that Egypt, as a full member of #BRICS, will actively participate in events held as part of the Russian chairmanship.

It was agreed that contacts will continue at various levels.

#RussiaEgypt

⚡️ Russian MFA Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova:

The Office of the UN Secretary-General said it “is saddened” by the reports of the shooting.

SADDENNED? SHOOTING? Did it break out at a shooting range or something?

❗️ People are using their last ounce of strength to share live images of the monstrous terrorist attack that doesn’t just “sadden” but evokes horror, shock, unequivocal condemnation, righteous anger and compassion for the victims.

The Secretary-General condemned in the strongest possible terms today’s terrorist attack at a concert hall outside Moscow, in which at least 40 people were reportedly killed and over 100 others injured.

The Secretary-General conveyed his deep condolences to the bereaved families and the people and the Government of the Russian Federation. He wishes those injured a speedy recovery.

💬 Russian MFA Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova: We thank the Secretary-General for the timely correction and articulation of a clear position!