❌ 3 сентября Лондон объявил об очередных неправомерных ограничительных мерах. На этот раз в отношении молодёжного «Движения первых», организаций «Волонтёры Победы», Фонда имени Ахмата Кадырова, ряда физических лиц.

В качестве обоснования используется не соответствующая действительности информация. В частности, приведены домыслы о якобы насильственном перемещении с территории Украины в Россию 19,5 тыс. детей.

Напомним, что в ходе российско-украинских переговоров в Стамбуле 2 июня Киев представил список из 339 украинских детей, оказавшихся в сложной ситуации из-за вооружённого конфликта на Украине.

30% данных из этого списка не подтвердились. Значительная часть этих детей либо никогда не были в России, либо они являются совершеннолетними или уже вернулись к семьям.

Здоровье и благополучие детей – наш приоритет. Ни о каком похищении речи быть не может. Жизни детей были спасены благодаря оперативно организованной эвакуации из зоны боевых действий. Все они находятся в безопасности. Уполномоченные по правам ребёнка ведут работу по их воссоединению с родными.

❗️ Призываем британские власти впредь воздерживаться от голословных обвинений и не мешать работе по защите прав и интересов несовершеннолетних.

Циничным выглядит и решение Лондона приурочить введение санкций против тех, кто занимается сохранением памяти о нашей общей Победе во Второй мировой войне, к 3 сентября – годовщине её окончания.

❌ On 3 September, London announced yet another set of unlawful restrictive measures. This time they target the organisations Movement of the First, Volunteers of Victory and the Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation, as well as several individuals.

The justification offered is based on untrue information. In particular, it cites unfounded claims regarding the alleged forcible transfer of 19,500 children from Ukraine to Russia.

It is worth recalling that during Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Istanbul on 2 June Kiev submitted a list of 339 Ukrainian children who had found themselves in a difficult situation as a result of the armed conflict in Ukraine.

30% of the data on this list were not confirmed. A significant number of these children had either never been to Russia, had already reached adulthood or had returned to their families.

The health and wellbeing of children is our top priority. Any talk of "abductions" is entirely misplaced. The children's lives were saved thanks to the swift evacuation from the combat zone. They are all safe. The Children's Rights Commissioners are working to reunite them with their relatives.

❗️ We call upon the UK authorities to refrain from making baseless accusations in future and to avoid hindering the efforts aimed at protecting the rights and interests of minors.

Equally cynical is London's decision to time the introduction of sanctions against those engaged in preserving the memory of our shared Victory in the Second World War to 3 September – the anniversary of its conclusion.

🎙 Key takeaways from President Vladimir Putin's answers to media questions following his official visit to China (Beijing, 3 September)

• Every country has the right to choose its own system of ensuring its security. This applies to all states, including Ukraine. But this also means that the security of one side cannot be built at the expense of the security of another party – in this case, the Russian Federation.

• We have always opposed Ukraine's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. But we have never questioned its right to conduct its economic and business activities as it wishes, including joining the European Union.

• Security guarantees are a natural necessity. We proceed from the fact that every country should have them, a security system, and Ukraine is no exception. But this is not connected to any swaps, especially those of territories. We are fighting not so much for territories as for the right of people living in these territories to speak their native language, to live within their culture and within the traditions passed down from previous generations.

• If a meeting [with Vladimir Zelensky] is well-prepared and may potentially lead to positive results, we can have it, and I never turned this idea down.

• If common sense ultimately prevails, an acceptable option for ending the Ukraine conflict can be agreed upon. [...] If not, we will have to achieve the tasks set before us by military means.

• The Ukrainian Armed Forces are not capable of conducting large-scale offensive operations, and are only focused on holding their existing lines. This is happening across almost the entire line of contact.

• Multipolarity does not mean the emergence of new hegemons. No one raises such a question, either within the SCO, or within BRICS. All participants in international affairs should have equal rights, and all should be in the same position, from the standpoint of international law.

• The activities of the SCO and our partners are not aimed at antagonising anyone. They are aimed at finding the best ways to develop ourselves, our countries, our peoples and our economies.

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⚡️ On the situation in the religious sphere in Ukraine

Statement by Foreign Minister’s Special Representative for International Cooperation in Ensuring the Right to Freedom of Religion Mikhail Melekh

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The leadership of the state of Ukraine continues deliberately destroying its spiritual and cultural foundations, depriving millions of people of historical memory and wrecking national identity. The believers’ rights are not even mentioned in the process.

In pursuance of the Law "On the Protection of the Constitutional Order in the Sphere of Activities of Religious Organisations" adopted in 2024 and aimed at eliminating the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), on August 27, 2025, the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience of Ukraine (Service) issued a decision recognising the Metropolis of Kiev (the administrative centre of the Church) as affiliated with a foreign religious organisation, that is the Russian Orthodox Church which is banned in Ukraine.

<...>

Under the guise of caring for the country’s national interests, the Ukrainian government has been openly waging a war on the Church for many years using physical and psychological violence against believers and clergy, as well as raiding UOC parishes based on forged documents.

Such practices have become routine in the country’s religious life, and there are hundreds of cases like that. The entire process of liquidation of the #UOC is built on exactly these legal manipulations. Redistribution of property is its key goal. Almost. Simply put, this is nothing short of robbery. <...> We are talking about over 3'000 real estate objects, many of which are of historical importance and are architectural landmarks.

Thus, for the sake of the self-interest of the corrupt elite of Ukraine, the country’s Constitution has once again been trampled, as was the regulatory system.

In this context, Kiev’s exceptional interest in the holy relics of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra and the process of “taking their stock,” carefully protected from prying eyes, becomes clear.

It's quite possible that the people of Ukraine are becoming unwilling witnesses to the pre-sales process for the relics with the aim of transferring them to European museums, or even private collections.

It is hard to be surprised by such blasphemy, given the well-known attitude of the West to its former colonies. 👉 For example, the bulk of the collection of the British Museum consists of artefacts taken from peoples around the world. It is pointless to touch upon the moral and ethical side of the issue.

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❗️ The situation goes far beyond the violation of the right to freedom of religion. We are talking about the liquidation of one of the largest religious denominations not only in a single country, but globally. Along with it, the spiritual and cultural heritage of an entire people may be lost.

Russia's Foreign Ministry will continue to meticulously record illegal (criminally punishable in civilised countries) acts committed by all participants in the anti-Church campaign in Ukraine.

☝️ We will persistently strive to have them properly denounced by our foreign partners and international organisations as they build their relations with the Kiev regime and its patrons.

#KievRegimeCrimes

❌ Министр обороны Британии Джон Хили признался, что британское правительство наделило себя правом распоряжаться более чем 1 млрд фунтов стерлингов из доходов от «замороженных» российских госактивов и потратило их на военную помощь Украине. Присвоение чужих денег в любой юрисдикции, в т.ч. в британской, является преступлением со всеми вытекающими последствиями для тех, кто его совершил.

Нас не удивляет продолжение традиций банального воровства на международном уровне. Это стало визитной карточкой Британии ещё с колониальных времён. Однако таким «традициям» нет оправдания.

Попытки Дж.Хили представить кражу наших авуаров как вклад в достижение «справедливого и прочного мира» на Украине не должны вводить в заблуждение. Поставки западного оружия множат жертвы среди мирного населения, приводят к новым разрушениям и, в конечном счёте, затягивают конфликт, продлевая агонию киевского режима.

Не сомневаемся в желании правительства Соединённого Королевства не тратить на поддержание украинского конфликта деньги британских налогоплательщиков. Особенно в условиях необходимости решения острейших социально-экономических проблем, с которыми в последнее время страна сталкивается всё чаще. Однако пускать на эти цели краденные деньги – плохая идея. Преступное изъятие чужого имущества и его использование в геополитических авантюрах ещё больше подрывает международную репутацию Лондона, в том числе в глазах зарубежных инвесторов.

❗️ Британское правительство должно понимать: любые недружественные шаги против России и её законных интересов не останутся без ответа.

❌ The UK's Defence Secretary, John Healey, acknowledged that the British government had assumed the right to use more than £1 billion of interest from frozen Russian state assets, channelling these funds into military support for Ukraine. The appropriation of another country's money in any jurisdiction, including British, constitutes a crime with all ensuing consequences for those who commit it.

We are not surprised by the continuation of blatant stealing of assets at the international level. Such practices have been typical of Britain's policy since colonial times. However such "traditions" cannot be justified.

Mr Healey's attempts to portray the seizure of Russia's assets as a contribution to achieving a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine should not mislead anyone. Western arms supplies only multiply civilian casualties, bring further destruction and ultimately prolong the conflict, extending the agony of the Kiev regime.

We have no doubt that the UK government is eager to avoid spending taxpayers' money on sustaining the conflict in Ukraine – given the need to address urgent social and economic challenges the country is increasingly facing. But to finance these aims with stolen funds is a bad idea. The illegal expropriation of another nation's property and its use in geopolitical ventures further undermine London's international reputation, including in the eyes of foreign investors.

❗️ The British government needs to understand: any unfriendly actions against Russia and its legitimate interests will not go unanswered.

🎙 Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Ukrainian crisis resolution during the Plenary Session of the X Eastern Economic Forum:

📍 September 5, 2025, Vladivostok

💬 Vladimir Putin: We maintain an open dialogue with President Trump, and have an understanding that, if necessary, we can call and speak directly. He knows I am open to such conversations, and I know that so is he. However, following the recent consultations in Europe, we have not yet spoken. There are no obstacles to communication between us.

❗️ As for the possible deployment of foreign military contingents in Ukraine, this was one of the fundamental reasons Ukraine was being drawn into NATO. Should foreign forces appear there, especially now, in the midst of ongoing hostilities, we would treat them as legitimate targets.

If, however, agreements are reached that bring about a lasting peace, then the presence of foreign troops on Ukrainian territory would be pointless. Because if such agreements are reached, no one should doubt that Russia will fully implement them. We will respect those security guarantees which, of course, must be developed both for Russia and for Ukraine. I reiterate: Russia will undoubtedly honor such agreements. But, in any case, so far no one has discussed this with us seriously.

Until quite recently, the Kiev authorities dismissed the very possibility of any direct contacts with us. Now they are asking for such contacts, or at least proposing them. I have repeatedly said that I am ready. At the Beijing press conference, I noted, however, that I see little reason in such talks. Why? Because reaching agreements with the Ukrainian side on key issues is virtually impossible.

👉 Even if there were political will, which I question, there are legal and technical obstacles:

• Under the Ukrainian Constitution, any agreements concerning territory must be confirmed by a referendum;
• Such a referendum cannot be held under martial law – it must be lifted;
• If martial law is lifted, presidential elections must follow immediately;
• Even if a referendum takes place, regardless of its outcome, it would require approval by the Constitutional Court – which is not functioning;
• After questions were raised about the legitimacy of the current authorities, the Court refused to rule, and the head of the Kiev regime simply ordered that the Court’s chairman be barred from his office;
• The Chairman of the Supreme Court, meanwhile, sits in prison on corruption charges. Although corruption is widespread in Ukraine, as we all know, the reasons for targeting him in particular are unclear.

This is the reality of Ukrainian “democracy”. Nevertheless, we have confirmed that we are ready for a meeting at the highest level. If the Ukrainian side wants such a meeting, let them come – we will provide all the necessary working conditions and security guarantees. But when they say, “We want to meet with you, but you must travel to such-and-such a place for this meeting”, such demands are excessive.

❗️ If there is real intent, the best venue is clear: the capital of the Russian Federation, the Hero City of Moscow.

We have never opposed Ukraine’s integration in certain European political and economic structures. Security issues are another matter.

Take e.g. President Yanukovich and members of the Ukrainian government at the time: they were against drawing Ukraine into NATO. And this was an issue that directly concerned us and still concerns us in terms of ensuring Russia’s long-term security interests.

What was the result of the coup? Yanukovich was removed from power. They removed the man who opposed Ukraine’s accession to NATO. And with the help of the violent coup in Kiev, they installed forces who supported NATO accession and who continue to insist on it.

This is unacceptable to us.

But without consideration of Russia’s security, such issues cannot be resolved. This is a basic principle enshrined in European documents: the security of one state must not come at the expense of another.

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🗓 8 September 1941 marked the beginning of one of the darkest chapters of the Second World War: the Siege of Leningrad. Encircled by German and Finnish forces, the city endured 872 days of famine, bombardment and bitter cold. More than one million lives were lost.

The Nazi objective was not merely conquest but extermination. As the winter of 1941–1942 set in, rations fell to 125 grammes of bread for most residents and temperatures dropped to minus 30°C. Yet even in such conditions, Leningrad's people and factories persisted, producing tanks, aircraft and munitions essential to the Soviet war effort. Culture, too, refused to yield: in August 1942, Shostakovich's Seventh Symphony was performed in the city — a proclamation that Leningrad still lived.

The city's sole artery was the "Road of Life" across Lake Ladoga, along which food and medicine were brought in and the wounded, women and children were evacuated. By the time the siege was lifted on 27 January 1944, Leningrad had endured one of the most harrowing ordeals of modern warfare.

Britain's support was felt on that front. Supermarine Spitfires — icons of the Battle of Britain — fought in the skies above Leningrad from 1943, while Churchill tanks supplied under Lend-Lease joined Soviet armoured units in the battles that finally broke the blockade in January 1944.

Eighty-four years on, we remember Leningrad's resilience, its terrible suffering and the solidarity of Allies — including Britain — that helped bring eventual victory.

#JournalistsSolidarityDay

📆 September 8 marks the International Day of Solidarity of Journalists, established in 1958 in memory of Czech correspondent and anti-fascist writer Julius Fučík, executed by the Nazis in 1943 during #WWII.

The day was designed to serve as a symbol of solidarity and mutual support within the global journalist community, and also as a reminder about the dangers and risks, including threats to health and life, which media representatives have to confront in the line of their duty. It was sincerely believed that such tragedies would never happen again.

Unfortunately, the further course of history failed these hopes.

In many countries, including those that consider themselves to be democracies, honest performance of one’s professional duty and loyalty to one’s beliefs may still be seen as a reason to persecute journalists, to introduce punitive censorship, and even to use outright violence.

The far from complete list of repressions against Russia's media outlets and journalists can be found here — 👉 Foreign reprisals against Russian journalists and media.

The targeted murders of Russian journalists and military correspondents by militants of the Kiev regime twisted and mocked the ideals of this International Day. German Nazis have been replaced by Banderites, and Julius Fučík’s fate has been repeated by tens of Russian journalists killed or wounded by the Kiev regime criminals.

Amid the fierce campaign that a number of countries have launched to purge their media space from all points of view that differ from the officially approved ones, the deliberate inaction of the competent international bodies such as of UNESCO, the UN OHCHR, and the OSCE (they are, in fact, condoning injustice and lawlessness with their politically biased silence) is outrageous.

Equally upsetting is the lack of unity within the journalistic community. Many Western media workers and their professional associations and unions, as well as NGOs allegedly protecting human rights, have chosen, for reasons of loyalty to their countries’ authorities, to turn a blind eye to, or even support publicly, the reprisals against their colleagues

👉 All of this betrays the spirit of unity and solidarity that was the foundation of the International Day.

Despite everything, we congratulate all correspondents, editors, photo and video operators and other media industry workers who remain faithful to the ideals of journalistic solidarity, who are always ready to help their colleagues in times of need, even if their opinions differ.

For our part, we will continue to defend journalists’ right to perform their duty honestly anywhere in the world.

🎙 Key takeaways from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to questions during a meeting with students and faculty at MGIMO (Moscow, 8 September)

• When our former Western partners regain their senses and wish to return to Russia to work here again, we shall not turn them away. But we shall consider under what conditions such cooperation may resume, taking into account that by abruptly departing at the command of their political leaders they have demonstrated their unreliability.

• We have no desire to build any walls. We seek fair cooperation. And if our partners are prepared to engage on an equal and mutually respectful basis, we are ready for dialogue with all.

• For many years, the West has poured billions of dollars into Ukraine to create a regime wholly obedient to it: one that would not decline NATO membership and that would remain subordinate to Western structures.

• History shows that Western colleagues easily renounce what they have underwritten, be it a commitment not to expand NATO or respect for human rights, which the Europeans, along with the Ukrainian regime, are simply destroying and annihilating in the context of their support for the Kiev regime.

• There is no other country in the world that would ban a language [except Ukraine]. In Israel, you can speak Arabic and Hebrew has never been banned in the Palestinian territories or the Arab countries.

• The imposition of sanctions goes entirely against the principles on which the international monetary and financial system, as well as the global trading system, were constructed over decades, at the initiative of the West.

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