⚡ The exhibition “Solidarity in Struggle Against Apartheid: Soviet Union and Southern African National Liberation Movements” opened on 23 October 2025 at Chief Albert Luthuli House, with the leadership of the ANC, Russian Embassy in South Africa and members of the diplomatic corps in attendance.
The exhibition is part of a large-scale project curated by the Russian State University for the Humanities (#RSUH). For the first time, the exhibition dedicated to the USSR’s contribution to the liberation struggle of African nations was opened in Zimbabwe in 2024, and more recently – in September 2025 – was presented at the Robben Island Museum in Cape Town.
In the version of the exhibition presented at the Chief Albert Luthuli House, an extra information was included recognising comrades who studied in the former USSR but, due to historical circumstances, never received their certificates.
🎙 Ambassador Roman Ambarov delivered opening remarks, stressing traditionally friendly ties between Moscow and the African National Congress.
He reminded President Vladimir #Putin’s words that preserving historical memory was more than just a tribute to the sacrifices of our peoples – it was a guarantee of the country’s sovereignty and independence.
The exhibition is part of a large-scale project curated by the Russian State University for the Humanities (#RSUH). For the first time, the exhibition dedicated to the USSR’s contribution to the liberation struggle of African nations was opened in Zimbabwe in 2024, and more recently – in September 2025 – was presented at the Robben Island Museum in Cape Town.
In the version of the exhibition presented at the Chief Albert Luthuli House, an extra information was included recognising comrades who studied in the former USSR but, due to historical circumstances, never received their certificates.
🎙 Ambassador Roman Ambarov delivered opening remarks, stressing traditionally friendly ties between Moscow and the African National Congress.
“Moscow’s relations with the ANC have a history of almost 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ years. Its president Josiah Gumede came to USSR in November 1927 when the 10th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution was celebrated.
Since then, it was a story of unwavering friendship. These bonds got especially strong during the dark years of apartheid, when the Soviet people extended a helping hand to the South African brothers and sisters,” Roman Ambarov said.
He reminded President Vladimir #Putin’s words that preserving historical memory was more than just a tribute to the sacrifices of our peoples – it was a guarantee of the country’s sovereignty and independence.
“Because if we stop reminding our children and ourselves of what our fathers and mothers achieved, someone else with insidious motives will rewrite history according to their interests,” the Ambassador pointed out.
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🌟 90 years ago, on 24 October 1935, a five-pointed star first topped the Spasskaya Tower of the #MoscowKremlin.
The spires of the towers of the Moscow Kremlin were originally decorated with heraldic double-headed eagles. They were first hoisted on the #SpasskayaTower in the 1650s, and over time, these royal symbols were also installed on other tall travel towers, including the Nikolskaya, Troitskaya, and Borovitskaya.
The decision to replace the symbols of royal power with five-pointed stars was announced on 23 August 1935, and implemented two months later.
The original decorative stars approved by Joseph #Stalin and designed by theatre artist Fyodor Fyodorovsky were made of stainless steel and copper and decorated with gems like rock crystal and amethysts.
However, the initial brilliance of the stars was short-lived due to weather conditions and two years later the stars were replaced with new ones made of ruby glass which one can see there up to date.
#DiscoverRussia
The spires of the towers of the Moscow Kremlin were originally decorated with heraldic double-headed eagles. They were first hoisted on the #SpasskayaTower in the 1650s, and over time, these royal symbols were also installed on other tall travel towers, including the Nikolskaya, Troitskaya, and Borovitskaya.
The decision to replace the symbols of royal power with five-pointed stars was announced on 23 August 1935, and implemented two months later.
The original decorative stars approved by Joseph #Stalin and designed by theatre artist Fyodor Fyodorovsky were made of stainless steel and copper and decorated with gems like rock crystal and amethysts.
However, the initial brilliance of the stars was short-lived due to weather conditions and two years later the stars were replaced with new ones made of ruby glass which one can see there up to date.
#DiscoverRussia
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#Announcement
🗓 On October 29 – November 1, 2025 the Russia-Africa Raw Materials Dialogue will take place at Saint Petersburg Mining University named after Empress Catherine II.
This event builds on the initiatives launched by President Vladimir #Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey #Lavrov at the Second Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum (2023, St. Petersburg) and the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum (2024, Sochi).
The Dialogue will bring together key figures from relevant ministries, leading scientists, educators, and business leaders from Russia and African nations, including South Africa 🇿🇦
📄 Theme: “The Path to Development: Natural Resources and Human Capital as Pillars of Economic Sovereignty”
The forum aims to foster collaboration between governments, academia, and the private sector, focusing on overcoming current challenges, advancing regulatory practices, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and training highly skilled professionals for the mineral and raw materials sector.
🔗 Learn more: https://africa.spmi.ru/en/about
#RussiaAfrica
🗓 On October 29 – November 1, 2025 the Russia-Africa Raw Materials Dialogue will take place at Saint Petersburg Mining University named after Empress Catherine II.
This event builds on the initiatives launched by President Vladimir #Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey #Lavrov at the Second Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum (2023, St. Petersburg) and the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum (2024, Sochi).
The Dialogue will bring together key figures from relevant ministries, leading scientists, educators, and business leaders from Russia and African nations, including South Africa 🇿🇦
📄 Theme: “The Path to Development: Natural Resources and Human Capital as Pillars of Economic Sovereignty”
The forum aims to foster collaboration between governments, academia, and the private sector, focusing on overcoming current challenges, advancing regulatory practices, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and training highly skilled professionals for the mineral and raw materials sector.
🔗 Learn more: https://africa.spmi.ru/en/about
#RussiaAfrica
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#Opinion
South African multimedia journalist Anita Nkonki participated in Moscow Fashion Week and the BRICS Fashion Summit in Russia, sharing her impressions in her article “A Journey Through Fashion and Culture at Moscow Fashion Week”, published in IOL on 22 October 2025.
Key takeaways:
🔹 Experiencing Moscow Fashion Week and the BRICS Fashion Summit firsthand gave me a completely new perspective on the world and on fashion itself.
🔹 Moscow was breathtaking. The architecture, the history, and the stories behind every building reminded me of home in a way, where every corner holds meaning. The city welcomed us warmly. Locals were curious, inclusive, and, yes, ready for photos. Google Translate became our funny little lifeline!
🔹 At the BRICS Fashion Summit, the strong focus on collaboration among emerging economies highlighted how fashion can unite people and industries across borders. Seeing designers from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and beyond underscored the immense potential for South Africa to take a leading role in global creative conversations.
🔹 And of course, Moscow’s hospitality left a lasting impression. The city’s gastronomic richness made exploring its diverse restaurants an absolute delight.
Read in full 👉 https://shorturl.at/QQPzi
#SouthAfricansInRussia
South African multimedia journalist Anita Nkonki participated in Moscow Fashion Week and the BRICS Fashion Summit in Russia, sharing her impressions in her article “A Journey Through Fashion and Culture at Moscow Fashion Week”, published in IOL on 22 October 2025.
Key takeaways:
🔹 Experiencing Moscow Fashion Week and the BRICS Fashion Summit firsthand gave me a completely new perspective on the world and on fashion itself.
🔹 Moscow was breathtaking. The architecture, the history, and the stories behind every building reminded me of home in a way, where every corner holds meaning. The city welcomed us warmly. Locals were curious, inclusive, and, yes, ready for photos. Google Translate became our funny little lifeline!
🔹 At the BRICS Fashion Summit, the strong focus on collaboration among emerging economies highlighted how fashion can unite people and industries across borders. Seeing designers from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and beyond underscored the immense potential for South Africa to take a leading role in global creative conversations.
🔹 And of course, Moscow’s hospitality left a lasting impression. The city’s gastronomic richness made exploring its diverse restaurants an absolute delight.
Read in full 👉 https://shorturl.at/QQPzi
#SouthAfricansInRussia
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Education is Foundation for Sustainable Relations, Russia’s Ambassador to South Africa Says
Today, Russian universities are building bridges with South African institutions to strengthen mutual understanding and preserve the shared legacy of the liberation struggle, Roman Ambarov told Sputnik Africa.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit, Ambarov reaffirmed Russia’s support for South Africa’s priorities of solidarity, equality, and sustainable development, expressing hope that the event will reflect the spirit of Ubuntu — “I am because we are.”
Subscribe to @sputnik_africa
🔸 Sputnik Africa | X 🔸
Today, Russian universities are building bridges with South African institutions to strengthen mutual understanding and preserve the shared legacy of the liberation struggle, Roman Ambarov told Sputnik Africa.
“Academic and research partnerships play a key role in this process,” he noted, highlighting exhibitions dedicated to the Soviet and Russian role in southern Africa’s liberation — from Luthuli House in Johannesburg to the Robben Island Museum in Cape Town.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit, Ambarov reaffirmed Russia’s support for South Africa’s priorities of solidarity, equality, and sustainable development, expressing hope that the event will reflect the spirit of Ubuntu — “I am because we are.”
Subscribe to @sputnik_africa
🔸 Sputnik Africa | X 🔸
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🌅🧡 5 places in Russia where you can catch the most beautiful sunset
🔸 Nizhny Novgorod
One of Russia's largest cities is often referred to in travel guides as the "capital of sunsets''. There, in June-August, a music festival of the same name takes place, during which guests meet the sunsets on the Nizhnevolzhskaya Embankment.
🔸 Laspi bay, Crimea
There is no one who would be indifferent to the beauty of Crimea. And the local sunset on the sea will touch the heart of even the most desperate pragmatists. Laspi bay some 30 km away from Sevastopol is known as the warmest spot on the Crimean southern coast.
🔸 Moskva City, Moscow
The best time to take photos of the business centre of Moscow is at sunset. Sun rays are reflected millions of times in the mirrored windows of skyscrapers and it looks epic.
🔸 Ladoga Skerries, Karelia
Hundreds of islands in the middle of Lake Ladoga, canals and bays lost in the dense Karelian forests. Ladoga Skerries National Park is one of the most favourite places for outdoor recreation by tourists and locals.
🔸 Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal
Whatever time of year you find yourself in Baikal, you'll be in awe of its depth and clarity. Olkhon Island is one of Baikal's most alluring spots and is particularly impressive at sunset.
Based on materials by Gateway to Russia
#DiscoverRussia
🔸 Nizhny Novgorod
One of Russia's largest cities is often referred to in travel guides as the "capital of sunsets''. There, in June-August, a music festival of the same name takes place, during which guests meet the sunsets on the Nizhnevolzhskaya Embankment.
🔸 Laspi bay, Crimea
There is no one who would be indifferent to the beauty of Crimea. And the local sunset on the sea will touch the heart of even the most desperate pragmatists. Laspi bay some 30 km away from Sevastopol is known as the warmest spot on the Crimean southern coast.
🔸 Moskva City, Moscow
The best time to take photos of the business centre of Moscow is at sunset. Sun rays are reflected millions of times in the mirrored windows of skyscrapers and it looks epic.
🔸 Ladoga Skerries, Karelia
Hundreds of islands in the middle of Lake Ladoga, canals and bays lost in the dense Karelian forests. Ladoga Skerries National Park is one of the most favourite places for outdoor recreation by tourists and locals.
🔸 Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal
Whatever time of year you find yourself in Baikal, you'll be in awe of its depth and clarity. Olkhon Island is one of Baikal's most alluring spots and is particularly impressive at sunset.
Based on materials by Gateway to Russia
#DiscoverRussia
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❗️Comment titled "All eyes on South Africa ahead of G20 Summit" by Russian Ambassador Roman Ambarov (published by BRICS Africa Channel on October 25, 2025)
✍️ Less than 30 days remain until the #G20 Summit, scheduled for November 22–23 in Johannesburg.
Under South Africa’s presidency, significant progress has been achieved, and the working pace remains high: out of more than 130 planned official events, over 100 have already taken place.
🇷🇺 The Russian side is actively participating in the extensive calendar of expert and ministerial meetings. Representatives of a broad range of Russian ministries and agencies are consistently strengthening the international agenda and promoting a balanced and fair approach to all nations.
It is well known that the Republic of South Africa is the first African country to chair the G20, and its presidency coincides with an important year for the continent: 6️⃣5️⃣ years ago, at the initiative of the then Soviet Union, the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Over the decades, the African continent has achieved widely recognized progress in many spheres. The growing influence of Africa is also reflected in the fact that the African Union has become a full-fledged member of the G20 – to a large extent thanks to the support of the Russian Federation.
🤝 Russia fully supports South Africa’s priorities of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development, and shares its approaches to all key issues on the agenda aimed at ensuring equal and fair participation of the countries of the Global Majority, including African states, in the system of global governance. Our country emphasizes the importance of securing equal access for developing nations to financial resources, strategic raw materials, affordable energy, and advanced technologies.
As Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rightly noted on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the composition of the G20 reflects today’s geopolitical realities: it includes both the dynamically developing new centres of growth and influence, including the BRICS countries, the G7 nations, as well as other important members of the international community.
At the same time, Russia consistently advocates for preserving the G20 as a platform for economic cooperation. We are convinced that the prerogative for multilateral work on political and security issues must remain with the United Nations.
We hope that the upcoming Summit will proceed in a constructive spirit and will fully embody the unifying motto of South Africa’s presidency – Ubuntu – “I am because we are.”
✍️ Less than 30 days remain until the #G20 Summit, scheduled for November 22–23 in Johannesburg.
Under South Africa’s presidency, significant progress has been achieved, and the working pace remains high: out of more than 130 planned official events, over 100 have already taken place.
🇷🇺 The Russian side is actively participating in the extensive calendar of expert and ministerial meetings. Representatives of a broad range of Russian ministries and agencies are consistently strengthening the international agenda and promoting a balanced and fair approach to all nations.
It is well known that the Republic of South Africa is the first African country to chair the G20, and its presidency coincides with an important year for the continent: 6️⃣5️⃣ years ago, at the initiative of the then Soviet Union, the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Over the decades, the African continent has achieved widely recognized progress in many spheres. The growing influence of Africa is also reflected in the fact that the African Union has become a full-fledged member of the G20 – to a large extent thanks to the support of the Russian Federation.
🤝 Russia fully supports South Africa’s priorities of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development, and shares its approaches to all key issues on the agenda aimed at ensuring equal and fair participation of the countries of the Global Majority, including African states, in the system of global governance. Our country emphasizes the importance of securing equal access for developing nations to financial resources, strategic raw materials, affordable energy, and advanced technologies.
As Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rightly noted on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the composition of the G20 reflects today’s geopolitical realities: it includes both the dynamically developing new centres of growth and influence, including the BRICS countries, the G7 nations, as well as other important members of the international community.
At the same time, Russia consistently advocates for preserving the G20 as a platform for economic cooperation. We are convinced that the prerogative for multilateral work on political and security issues must remain with the United Nations.
We hope that the upcoming Summit will proceed in a constructive spirit and will fully embody the unifying motto of South Africa’s presidency – Ubuntu – “I am because we are.”
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🗓️ Today marks 145 years since the birth of Dmitry Karbyshev, Soviet military commander, “the general of steel”, who became a symbol of courage and perseverance during #WW2, Hero of the Soviet Union.
He fought through the wars with Japan, participated in #WW1 from its very beginning. In January 1918, he joined the Red Army. He authored some 100 books and articles on engineer support for combat activity and military operations, and developed a classification system for obstacles.
At the beginning of #WW2, Dmitry Karbyshev found himself surrounded by enemy forces, sustained a concussion and was taken prisoner. He spent 3,5 years in concentration camps, including Zamosc, Hammelburg, Flossenbürg, Majdanek, Auschwitz and Sachsenhausen.
Despite horrendous ordeals, he remained a man of uncrushed will and tenacity until his last days. In February 1945, only 2,5 months before the victory, he was tortured to death by Nazis along with dozens of other Soviet patriots. The fascists poured icy water over the prisoners that were standing in the freezing cold.
In 1946 he was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union posthumously.
#Victory80
He fought through the wars with Japan, participated in #WW1 from its very beginning. In January 1918, he joined the Red Army. He authored some 100 books and articles on engineer support for combat activity and military operations, and developed a classification system for obstacles.
At the beginning of #WW2, Dmitry Karbyshev found himself surrounded by enemy forces, sustained a concussion and was taken prisoner. He spent 3,5 years in concentration camps, including Zamosc, Hammelburg, Flossenbürg, Majdanek, Auschwitz and Sachsenhausen.
Despite horrendous ordeals, he remained a man of uncrushed will and tenacity until his last days. In February 1945, only 2,5 months before the victory, he was tortured to death by Nazis along with dozens of other Soviet patriots. The fascists poured icy water over the prisoners that were standing in the freezing cold.
In 1946 he was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union posthumously.
#Victory80
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🇷🇺 President of Russia, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin visited a Joint Force command post, where he had a meeting with Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov and the commanders of the groups involved in the special military operation.
The President was briefed in detail on the developments along the line of contact, particularly in the Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk directions.
It was noted that up to 5,000 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel are encircled in the Kupyansk direction, and 5,500 in the Krasnoarmeysk direction.
🎙 Vladimir #Putin:
The President was briefed in detail on the developments along the line of contact, particularly in the Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk directions.
It was noted that up to 5,000 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel are encircled in the Kupyansk direction, and 5,500 in the Krasnoarmeysk direction.
🎙 Vladimir #Putin:
“The recent successes in encircling the Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov agglomeration and Kupyansk, as well as combat outcomes in other directions, achieved by our Armed Forces, are the result of the heroic actions of our soldiers, sergeants, and junior rank officers, as well as the well-coordinated work of our headquarters and leadership at all levels.
I extend my congratulations to all personnel of the Joint Force on their effective performance and achievements.”
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⚡️UN Convention against Cybercrime signed in Hanoi
Developed at Russia’s initiative, it is the first universal and legally binding international treaty in the field of international information security.
The Convention has received strong support from UN Member States for its goal to establish effective cooperation mechanisms and involve IT innovators in ensuring information security and combating cybercrime.
✍️ President Vladimir #Putin sent his remarks on the occasion of signing the Convention:
🇿🇦 We are grateful to our South African friends for constructive contributions throughout negotiations and unwavering commitment to international law.
🇷🇺 Russia is hopeful for the Convention’s early entry into force for further intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to fulfil the agreed mutual commitments and enhance the Convention’s mechanisms of cooperation. Russia remains committed to comprehensive efforts at countering the criminal use of ICTs in compliance with the UNGA Resolution 74/247.
Developed at Russia’s initiative, it is the first universal and legally binding international treaty in the field of international information security.
The Convention has received strong support from UN Member States for its goal to establish effective cooperation mechanisms and involve IT innovators in ensuring information security and combating cybercrime.
✍️ President Vladimir #Putin sent his remarks on the occasion of signing the Convention:
"This historic event without any exaggeration has become possible thanks to the support by most countries of the world for the initiative that Russia put forward in 2019 <…> Russia is open for very close international cooperation in combatting cybercrime."
🇿🇦 We are grateful to our South African friends for constructive contributions throughout negotiations and unwavering commitment to international law.
🇷🇺 Russia is hopeful for the Convention’s early entry into force for further intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to fulfil the agreed mutual commitments and enhance the Convention’s mechanisms of cooperation. Russia remains committed to comprehensive efforts at countering the criminal use of ICTs in compliance with the UNGA Resolution 74/247.
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🎙 Excerpts from the address by Dr. Gwen Malegwale Ramokgopa, Treasurer-General of the African National Congress (ANC), at the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Solidarity in Struggle Against Apartheid: Soviet Union and Southern African National Liberation Movements” (Chief Albert Luthuli House, 23 October 2025):
💬 It is a profound honour, on behalf of the African National Congress, to open this exhibition on the enduring bonds between the ANC and the USSR – today’s Russian Federation.
We continue to hold fond memories and strong ties with all the former republics of the USSR, yet Russia remains central – the fulcrum of that historic relationship – that sustained us through the darkest days of apartheid, repression, and colonialism, and into the dawn of democracy and beyond. <…> Indeed, as we used to say, “the Russian people are loving people who looked after us far away from home.”
The ANC-USSR-Russia story did not begin in 1960, nor did it end in 1994. It stretches back almost a century – to 1927 – when ANC President Josiah Gumede travelled to the Soviet Union, paving the way for a century of solidarity.
That history gained deep significance as apartheid became official state policy in 1948. In the 1950s, as our movement faced bannings, arrests, and massacres, we reached the limits of non-violent protest. The Sharpeville Massacre of 21 March 1960 was a turning point. It compelled our movement to take up the armed struggle – not as an abandonment of moral principle, but as a recognition that the apartheid regime had violently closed all peaceful paths to justice. <…>
It was in this context that our relations with the Soviet Union deepened in the early 1960s.
☝️ Soviet support was not abstract – it was practical, sustained, and decisive. Training, equipment, and solidarity from the Soviet Union and its allies formed the backbone of MK’s operational capability during critical phases of the struggle. <…>
This travelling exhibition – shown in Harare, Bulawayo, Dar es Salaam, Maputo, Cape Town, and now Johannesburg – helps democratise history. It takes materials once locked away in Moscow vaults or ANC boxes and places them before students, veterans, diplomats, and citizens. It says: Here are the records. Learn from them. That is how democracy thrives.
On behalf of the ANC, I express our deepest gratitude to the Russian State University for the Humanities and the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences for their scholarship and partnership; to the ANC Archives and Heritage Department for preserving and sharing our records; and to the veterans and families whose documents and memories bring this history to life.
🤝 Let our relationship with Russia remain rooted in the same ideals: a shared struggle for peace, justice, dignity, and prosperity for all.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
💬 It is a profound honour, on behalf of the African National Congress, to open this exhibition on the enduring bonds between the ANC and the USSR – today’s Russian Federation.
We continue to hold fond memories and strong ties with all the former republics of the USSR, yet Russia remains central – the fulcrum of that historic relationship – that sustained us through the darkest days of apartheid, repression, and colonialism, and into the dawn of democracy and beyond. <…> Indeed, as we used to say, “the Russian people are loving people who looked after us far away from home.”
The ANC-USSR-Russia story did not begin in 1960, nor did it end in 1994. It stretches back almost a century – to 1927 – when ANC President Josiah Gumede travelled to the Soviet Union, paving the way for a century of solidarity.
That history gained deep significance as apartheid became official state policy in 1948. In the 1950s, as our movement faced bannings, arrests, and massacres, we reached the limits of non-violent protest. The Sharpeville Massacre of 21 March 1960 was a turning point. It compelled our movement to take up the armed struggle – not as an abandonment of moral principle, but as a recognition that the apartheid regime had violently closed all peaceful paths to justice. <…>
It was in this context that our relations with the Soviet Union deepened in the early 1960s.
☝️ Soviet support was not abstract – it was practical, sustained, and decisive. Training, equipment, and solidarity from the Soviet Union and its allies formed the backbone of MK’s operational capability during critical phases of the struggle. <…>
This travelling exhibition – shown in Harare, Bulawayo, Dar es Salaam, Maputo, Cape Town, and now Johannesburg – helps democratise history. It takes materials once locked away in Moscow vaults or ANC boxes and places them before students, veterans, diplomats, and citizens. It says: Here are the records. Learn from them. That is how democracy thrives.
On behalf of the ANC, I express our deepest gratitude to the Russian State University for the Humanities and the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences for their scholarship and partnership; to the ANC Archives and Heritage Department for preserving and sharing our records; and to the veterans and families whose documents and memories bring this history to life.
🤝 Let our relationship with Russia remain rooted in the same ideals: a shared struggle for peace, justice, dignity, and prosperity for all.
#RussiaSouthAfrica
🎙 From Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with Ultrahang / Ultrasound YouTube Channel (Moscow, October 26, 2025)
"[Zelensky] was asked in November 2021 what he thought about the people in Donbass on the other side of the line of contact, according to the Minsk agreements. He said, you know, there are people, and there are “species”. And then in other interview he said if you live in Ukraine and feel like being part of Russian culture, my advice to you, for the sake and safety of your kids, for the sake and safety of your grandchildren, get out to Russia.
So in fact, Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson, the population of these four territories, they followed his advice. They returned to Russia."
Read the interview in full
"[Zelensky] was asked in November 2021 what he thought about the people in Donbass on the other side of the line of contact, according to the Minsk agreements. He said, you know, there are people, and there are “species”. And then in other interview he said if you live in Ukraine and feel like being part of Russian culture, my advice to you, for the sake and safety of your kids, for the sake and safety of your grandchildren, get out to Russia.
So in fact, Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson, the population of these four territories, they followed his advice. They returned to Russia."
Read the interview in full
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Russian Embassy in South Africa
🎙 From Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with Ultrahang / Ultrasound YouTube Channel (Moscow, October 26, 2025) "[Zelensky] was asked in November 2021 what he thought about the people in Donbass on the other side of the line of contact, according…
Lies about the Ukrainian children is a shame – Russian FM Sergey Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in an interview with Ultrahang YouTube Channel emphasised that the amount of lies and propaganda on the ‘Ukrainian children’ theme was astonishing.
Sergey #Lavrov reminded that there have been lots of claims spread by Western and Ukrainian propaganda about ‘tens of thousands of children’ allegedly stolen by Russia from their parents.
According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the office of Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova established a clear and transparent family reunification algorithm. To date, 122 children from 98 families have been reunited with their parents or blood relatives living in Ukraine or third countries. 29 children from 21 families have returned to Russia from Ukraine.
The reunifications of children with their families are verified by staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who accompany the children for their return to their parents and relatives, while Qatar and the Vatican provide mediation assistance.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in an interview with Ultrahang YouTube Channel emphasised that the amount of lies and propaganda on the ‘Ukrainian children’ theme was astonishing.
Sergey #Lavrov reminded that there have been lots of claims spread by Western and Ukrainian propaganda about ‘tens of thousands of children’ allegedly stolen by Russia from their parents.
“At the very first meeting [in Istanbul in 2025], our delegation asked Ukrainians, guys, if you are concerned about the kids, can we get the list of those kids who are missing? It took some time. Eventually, we received a list of 339 names. No 10,000, not even 1,000. And we checked that list. A huge part of it are not kids, but grown-ups. Many have been verified as staying in Europe,” Lavrov said.
According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the office of Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova established a clear and transparent family reunification algorithm. To date, 122 children from 98 families have been reunited with their parents or blood relatives living in Ukraine or third countries. 29 children from 21 families have returned to Russia from Ukraine.
The reunifications of children with their families are verified by staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who accompany the children for their return to their parents and relatives, while Qatar and the Vatican provide mediation assistance.
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