Posts of Russian Embassy in South Africa

🇷🇺 November 4 – Russia's National #UnityDay and a Day of Russia’s Military Glory #OTD Russia commemorates the liberation of Moscow from Polish-Lithuanian forces in 1612 – a turning point in overcoming the Time of Troubles, one of the darkest chapters in the country’s history. At the heart of this struggle for the future of the entire nation was the Second People’s Militia, raised in Nizhny Novgorod under the leadership of Kuzma Minin and commanded by Prince Dmitry Pozharsky. Following the collapse of the First People’s Militia, a new volunteer force began to assemble in the autumn of 1611. Inspired by Patriarch Hermogen’s call to defend the Orthodox faith and the Motherland, the people of Nizhny Novgorod rallied around Minin, contributing money, weapons and supplies. Nobles, merchants, Cossacks, townspeople and peasants joined a common cause: to free their country from foreign invaders and occupation. ⚔️ By late summer 1612, the militia had reached Moscow, where the Polish-Lithuanian garrison held the Kremlin and Kitay-Gorod. Together with other Russian forces, it defeated a relief army led by Hetman Jan Karol Chodkiewicz, preventing vital supplies and reinforcements from reaching the besieged garrison. The decisive breakthrough came in the autumn. Russian forces stormed Kitay-Gorod, leaving the occupiers confined to the Kremlin. Cut off from relief and weakened by hunger, the remaining garrison surrendered soon afterwards. ☝️Moscow was liberated. This victory paved the way for the restoration of Russian state authority. In 1613, the Zemsky Sobor elected Mikhail Romanov as Tsar, establishing a dynasty that would rule for more than three centuries. 4️⃣1️⃣4️⃣ years on, the triumph of 1612 remains a symbol of national unity, courage and the Russian people’s determination to defend their homeland. 🎥 © Russian Military Historical Society

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#RussiaNationalUnityDay2026 National Unity Day: Celebrating Russia’s Rich Diversity and Shared History 🇷🇺 🤝 On November 4, Russia celebrates National Unity Day, a momentous occasion honouring the solidarity, patriotism and shared purpose of its citizens. As a proudly multi-ethnic and multi-confessional nation, Russia is home to more than 190 distinct ethnic groups. This vibrant diversity forms a uniquely cohesive society built upon the foundational values of mutual respect, equality and a collective devotion to the Motherland. 🎖 The holiday commemorates the uprising of November 1612, when citizens from all social classes and backgrounds united to expel Polish occupation forces from Moscow. Led by Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, this volunteer militia brought a triumphant end to the devastating Time of Troubles (1598–1613) – a severe crisis triggered by the demise of the Rurik dynasty. The liberation of the capital paved the way for the election of the Romanov dynasty. ✨ Today, this rich heritage is celebrated nationwide with large-scale outdoor festivals, cultural fairs, concerts, and vibrant rallies that showcase local traditions. We extend our warmest congratulations to our compatriots, friends and subscribers on this proud day! We stand united in honouring our Motherland’s centuries-long history, its spectacular global achievements and the rich cultural fabric that connects us all. #WeAreOne

🇷🇺🚀 Russian cosmonauts send National Unity Day greetings from SPACE! 🌍 “From here in orbit, you can clearly see how BEAUTIFUL our country is.” 🤝 “We understand the value of unity VERY WELL. When people come together, the IMPOSSIBLE becomes POSSIBLE.” 🇷🇺 Happy National Unity Day!

🇷🇺 Today #Russia and all its many peoples celebrate national #UnityDay! This day symbolizes the unity of our multiethnic nation, celebrates true diversity, honours the unerring ultimate devotion to the Motherland. ❗️ Happy #UnityDay! #UnityDay2026

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🎖 #OTD on November 3, 1943, the #RedArmy launched the Kiev Strategic Offensive. A pivotal phase of the #BattleOfTheDnieper, this massive #WorldWarII campaign aimed to crush Nazi forces and liberate Ukraine's capital, sustaining the strategic momentum gained from decisive victories at Stalingrad and Kursk. 🪖 Earlier that year, Nazi forces had constructed a formidable defensive line along the Dnieper River known as the #Ostwall. Adolf Hitler confidently declared it impregnable, boasting that the river would flow backward before Soviet forces could breach it. Yet, by late September, the Red Army had secured over 20 bridgeheads across the river, launching a lightning assault that liberated Kiev in just three days and forced a widespread Nazi retreat. 💥 When troops entered Kiev, they found a city reduced to ruins. Only 180,000 residents remained of the pre-war population of 900,000; the rest had perished under the rubble or been systematically murdered in mass graves at Babi Yar and the Darnitsa concentration camp. The retreating forces executed a brutal scorched-earth policy, devastating the historic center – including Khreshchatyk Street – and destroying thousands of buildings, factories and vital bridges. When the city was secured at dawn on November 6, survivors crawled out of cellars into a devastated capital without water, heating or electricity. #Victory81

❗️Russia, US and Ukraine to hold new talks in Abu Dhabi on 10-11 November 2026 The next round of trilateral negotiations between Russia, the US and Ukraine will take place in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11. Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky will remain Moscow's chief negotiator. 👉 Other key statements by Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov: 🔘The scandal surrounding the discovery of the torture facility near Kiev has gained worldwide attention; 🔘European institutions are doing everything possible to shield Ukraine from scandals, including the torture facility near Kiev; 🔘 Kiev's manpower shortages are evident not only to Russia but also to observers around the world; 🔘 Those unwilling to fight for the Kiev government can surrender to Russian forces; 🔘 Ukraine's manpower problems will only worsen, as Kiev struggles to find people willing to fight for its interests; 🔘 Russia, China and the US are working to arrange a meeting of their leaders at the #APEC summit. Moscow hopes preparations will be completed soon; 🔘 Ukrainian attempts to strike Russian energy infrastructure continue; 🔘 Russia is taking measures to minimize the consequences of Ukrainian attacks on its energy facilities; 🔘 Russia has strengthened protection of its energy infrastructure, although completely preventing Ukrainian strikes is impossible; 🔘 Russia continues its special military operation to deprive Kiev of the ability to attack Russian energy infrastructure.

🇷🇺🌍 Russia supplied nearly 14 million tonnes of food to Africa in the first nine months of 2026 From January to September 2026, Russia exported 13.9 million tonnes of food products to African countries, worth US$3.7 billion, according to the Federal Centre for the Development of Agricultural Product Exports (Agroexport). 📈Compared with the same period in 2025, exports increased by 6% in volume and 9% in value. Africa accounted for 23% of Russia's total agricultural exports during this period. Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria and Morocco were the continent's largest importers of Russian agricultural products. While grain remains the backbone of Russia's agricultural exports to Africa, there is considerable potential to expand supplies of other products and agricultural technologies, including seeds, vaccines, fertilisers and crop protection products. The Third Russia-Africa Summit, held in Moscow on 28-29 October, provided an important platform for advancing cooperation in agriculture, agricultural technology and professional training. ✍️ Among the agreements signed on the sidelines was a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding between Agroexport, the Timiryazev Russian State Agrarian University and the Tanzania Private Sector Federation, aimed at aligning Russian educational expertise with the needs of Tanzania's agricultural sector. 🤝 Russia remains committed to strengthening food security and expanding mutually beneficial agricultural cooperation with African countries. #RussiaAfrica #RussiaWithAfrica

🇷🇺🇨🇳 Preparations are underway for a meeting between President of Russian Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping at the #APEC summit in China - Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Dmitry Peskov also noted that if Donald Trump attends the summit, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump will definitely communicate. #RussiaChina #RussiaUS

⚡️Alyoshki humanitarian mission completed without incidents - Russian ombudswoman Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova shared key details of the humanitarian mission in Alyoshki during a press conference following its completion: 🔘No incidents or ceasefire violations occurred during the mission; 🔘 The operation was made possible through the mediation of US First Lady Melania Trump; 🔘 More than 50 journalists covered the mission, including Russian, Ukrainian and US media representatives and war correspondents. US participation was coordinated with the American side; 🔘Russian authorities prepared 25 buses with capacity for at least 750 people, around 30 spaces for bedridden patients and nine ambulances for another 18 evacuees; 🔘 Some buses returned empty because residents refused to leave elderly or sick relatives behind or abandon their homes; 🔘A separate bus equipped with special cages was arranged for residents evacuating with pets.

🤩 Dear friends, 🇷🇺🇨🇺 The Russian and Cuban diplomatic missions in Pretoria and the University of South Africa invite you kindly to attend the event: “Genesis of Cuban-Russian Friendship: Its Impact on Independence Movements in Africa.” 📅 Date: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 🕙 Time: 10:00 📍 Venue: Functions Hall, 4th Floor, Kgorong Building, UNISA Muckleneuk Campus 274 Preller Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria Please confirm your attendance before 5 November via the registration form ⚠️ NB! Registration spaces are limited. We look forward to welcoming you!

🎙 Interview with A.Evstigneeva, Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN, for RIA Novosti Key points: 🔹 The Russia-Africa Summit traditionally sets the course for the development of our relations with African countries for years to come – both in terms of global political priorities and in specific areas of bilateral cooperation. Its purpose is to provide a coherent framework for all aspects of our engagement. 🔹 The African Group at the UN comprises 54 countries. Their support for Russian initiatives considered by the UN General Assembly often proves decisive. 🔹 Addressing the historical injustice faced by Africa in the current composition of the [Security] Council is one of Russia's priorities in its work at the UN General Assembly, as reaffirmed in the 2023 Declaration of the Second Russia–Africa Summit. 🔹 The key difference between Russia's approach and that of Western countries is that we let Africans choose their own path. We oppose imposing externally devised solutions for resolving conflicts or managing political processes on the countries of the continent. Our cooperation with African states is rooted in respect, equality and mutual support. 🔹 Undermining African countries' relations with any of their Western "partners" is not part of Russia's foreign policy agenda. We offer our African partners a dialogue based on trust, encourage mutually beneficial cooperation and are ready for healthy competition. 🔹 Kiev's efforts to train militants on the African continent are an issue well known to African governments. Back in 2024, following Ukrainian officials' admission of involvement in the July terrorist attack on a Malian Armed Forces convoy near Tinzaouaten, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned foreign interference. 🔹 Russia will continue to help strengthen the defence capabilities of the armed forces of African countries interested in acquiring reliable, high-quality equipment. 🔹 Both Ethiopia and Eritrea are long-standing friends and partners of Russia. We call on them to resolve any differences through dialogue. We support efforts to advance such dialogue and stand ready to provide direct assistance should both countries consider it necessary. 🔹 Russia consistently contributes to international efforts to combat public health threats. We also stepped up to assist during the recent Ebola outbreak. In just four days, Rospotrebnadzor developed diagnostic tests capable of detecting infection even before the onset of symptoms, enabling timely anti-epidemic measures. More than 7,500 tests have already been delivered to the DRC, the Republic of the Congo and Uganda 👉 Read the full interview #RussiaAfrica

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🇷🇺🇨🇳 On November 1, Russia's Federation Council delegation led by its Speaker Valentina Matvienko arrived in the People’s Republic of China. On November 2, Valentina Matvienko and Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress Zhao Leji held a meeting in Beijing. During their talks at the Great Hall of the People, the two officials noted that regular and productive interparliamentary ties reflect the high level of Russia-China cooperation. They emphasised that President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping maintain close contact (1, 2, 3). At their meetings in Beijing and Bishkek this year, the Leaders reached important agreements that set the course for cooperation between Russia and China. Their next meeting is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the Summit in Shenzhen. Valentina Matvienko briefed her Chinese counterpart on the results of Russia’s recent parliamentary elections. She reaffirmed Russian lawmakers’ commitment to constructive cooperation with their Chinese partners. 🤝 The parliamentarians expressed their determination to provide all necessary legislative support for the full implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level and to advance the Russia-China comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. They also addressed current bilateral and international issues, discussing ways to develop trade and economic cooperation, deepen interregional ties, and expand humanitarian contacts and youth dialogue, including as part of the Years of Russia–China Cooperation in Education in 2026–2027. *** 💐 Before the talks, Valentina Matvienko took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square. She also visited the China Soong Ching Ling Science and Culture Centre for Young People and the National Art Museum of China. #RussiaChina

✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to participants and guests of the Peoples of Russia International Week (November 2, 2026) 💬 Welcome to the Peoples of Russia International Week. This year’s Forum has brought together representatives of government, business, academia and the expert community to discuss a wide range of issues related to making state ethnic policy more effective and strengthening international humanitarian cooperation. I would like to emphasise that we deeply cherish Russia's rich historical, cultural and spiritual heritage and make it a priority to preserve the languages, distinctive traditions and customs of the peoples living in Russia. ☝️ It is particularly important that indigenous peoples’ associations and communities, civic organisations and volunteer groups play an active part in this extensive, constructive work. I would especially like to highlight The Soul of Russia, an undoubtedly multifaceted project. Its widely supported initiatives and educational and outreach programmes help develop and promote renowned traditional arts and crafts, national sports, and new and exciting tourist destinations. I am confident that your Forum, held during the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, will be a major event in the public and cultural life of our country and other states, helping to strengthen international humanitarian dialogue and professional and personal ties. 🤝 I wish you success, fruitful exchanges and all the very best. VLADIMIR PUTIN

🛬 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrives in Minsk, Belarus to participate in the IV Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security 📍 Minsk, November 2 #EurasianSecurity

#FlightRecords The Historic Flight of the "Motherland" ✈️🎖 88 years ago, #OTD in 1938, Valentina Grizodubova, Polina Osipenko and Marina Raskova made history as the first Soviet women to be awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union. They remain the only women to receive the prestigious honour before the outbreak of World War II. The distinction was earned following their record-breaking aviation feat that pushed the boundaries of early flight. In September 1938, the trio embarked on a perilous non-stop flight from Moscow to Komsomolsk-on-Amur in the Russian Far East aboard a twin-engine ANT-37 aircraft named Rodina (“Motherland”). Battling severe weather conditions and a complete loss of radio communication, they missed their destination airfield entirely. With their fuel reserves completely exhausted, they found themselves trapped over the freezing coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, forcing them to make a blind, emergency crash-landing deep within the Siberian taiga forest. 🏆 Despite the near-fatal landing and spending days surviving in the wilderness before rescue, their mission was a historic triumph. The grueling flight lasted 26 hours and 29 minutes, covering a straight-line distance of 5,947 km and a total distance of 6,450 km. In doing so, the crew successfully shattered the international women's record for straight-line flight distance, securing their legacy as global aviation pioneers. #RussianWomenInAviation

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The Birth of an Empire 🇷🇺✨ On November 2, 1721, Tsar Peter I assumed the title "Peter the Great, Emperor of All Russia," officially transforming the Tsardom of Russia into the Russian Empire. 🌊 This monumental shift followed Russia's victory over Sweden in the #GreatNorthernWar, which established the nation as a dominant European power. By securing vital access to the Baltic Sea, Russia opened critical maritime trade routes and debuted a powerful new navy capable of competing with Western Europe. 👑 To reflect this new geopolitical standing, Peter adopted the title of Emperor – a term widely recognized by contemporary European monarchies. The proclamation coincided with the signing of the #TreatyofNystad and was celebrated in St. Petersburg with a massive cannon salute from the Admiralty, the Peter and Paul Fortress and 125 battleships across the Neva River. 🤝 While powers like Prussia, Venice and the Netherlands recognized Russia's imperial status within a year, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth resisted the designation for forty years. Beyond his territorial gains, #PeterTheGreat is remembered as a visionary modernizer whose sweeping reforms permanently reshaped Russian society, culture and governance. #RussianEmpire