Embassy of Russia in New Zealand

🌐 From August 13 to 16, Krasnoyarsk is hosting the International Indigenous Peoples Forum – a unique platform for dialogue among representatives of Indigenous peoples from Russia and across the world, government bodies, experts and the business community. The Forum’s main theme is “Indigenous Peoples in the Context of Biodiversity and Climate”. 🤝 The event will bring together 700+ participants from 14 countries and 27 Russian regions, including representatives of Indigenous peoples from Russia, Asia, North and South America, the Arctic, Africa and the Pacific region. The Forum will be one of the key platforms of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and will highlight the contribution of Russia’s Indigenous peoples to sustainable development, the protection of their rights and environmental conservation. 💬 From the message of greetings by President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Preserving the native languages, distinctive cultures and traditions of Indigenous peoples is an important issue on the global agenda that requires joint efforts by government agencies and international organisations. I would like to emphasise that Russia is committed to developing constructive cooperation in this area with all interested partners. ☝️ Key topics on the agenda include: • improving standards and legislation protecting the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples; • expanding their participation in decision-making processes; • preserving biodiversity and adapting to climate change; • integrating traditional knowledge and practices into modern environmental protection mechanisms; • the role of cultural heritage and traditional knowledge in the development of reindeer-herding, fishing and hunting communities. The meeting takes on particular significance ahead of the Conferences of the Parties to the three Rio Conventions – on biological diversity, climate change and combating desertification. The Forum will provide a platform for developing coordinated approaches and exchanging experience on key issues of the international environmental agenda. ℹ️ Krasnoyarsk Territory is the geographical centre of Russia and home to eight Indigenous small-numbered peoples. The region is actively implementing community initiatives and government support measures aimed at preserving their cultures and traditional ways of life, as well as promoting the sustainable development of their territories. 👉 LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FORUM

🎙 President of Russia – Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin took part in the final stage of the Russian Pacific Fleet drills (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, August 12, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: Unfortunately, the conflict potential in the Asia-Pacific region is growing. NATO is pushing into the region, new military-political blocs are being formed, and new weapons systems that pose threats to our country are being deployed or planned for deployment here. Tensions are also being stoked in the neighbouring Arctic region, including over the use of the Northern Sea Route. Russia has always advocated cooperation in the Arctic and once again confirms its readiness to work together and make use of the advantages offered by the Northern Sea Route – naturally, within the framework of existing international maritime law. Those countries that want to work with us and show an interest in this are, first and foremost, our friends – China, India and other states. *** The situation in the Asia-Pacific region is complicated, and there are plenty of problems. We would also like to understand the position of Japan, our neighbour – a country that, under the pretext of the events in Ukraine and without looking into the causes of the conflict, imposed sanctions on Russia that were in no way provoked by us. ☝️ We do not threaten Japan. We have absolutely no claims against it. On the contrary, it is Japan that has territorial claims against our country – I am referring to the issue of the Kuril Islands. However, the realities that emerged as a result of World War II are enshrined in international documents. Even so, Russia was prepared to seek a solution with a view to concluding a peace treaty with Japan. Back in the mid-1950s, the Soviet Union signed a declaration with Japan that opened the way towards a peace treaty. Modern Russia accommodated the request of the Japanese Government and resumed – I repeat, at the request of the Japanese side – dialogue on ways to conclude a peace treaty. At that time, we developed constructive relations with a number of Japanese leaders, including the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose life was tragically cut short and who did a great deal to bring Japan and Russia closer together and narrow the differences between our positions. Russia stands ready – and I want to emphasise this – to cooperate with all its neighbours, including Japan and other countries in the region. *** We see that the authorities of certain countries, in violation of international maritime law, are attempting to restrict the peaceful passage of vessels operated by our companies. More recently, they have even contemplated seizing our vessels and selling off property stolen from us. ❗️ This is outright piracy and plunder. If such plans begin to be implemented in practice, we will be forced to respond in kind. And not necessarily in the waters where raids on our ships and vessels are being planned, but wherever we ourselves deem it necessary and appropriate – anywhere, including within the Pacific Fleet’s area of responsibility. Russia is strengthening its security both as a whole and in individual regions. At the same time, we are always ready to seek mutually acceptable compromises with all our neighbours and partners. And we are prepared to do so on the basis of due regard for each other’s interests. Read in full

☢️ Zaporozhskaya Nuclear Power Plant (#ZNPP): On August 11, three people were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in Energodar’s industrial area. Two of them are employees of the electrical grid workshop at the Zaporozhskaya NPP (part of Rosatom). The employees were en route to restore power to facilities in the industrial area damaged in previous AFU attacks. ZNPP electrical grid personnel work every day to restore power to Energodar and industrial facilities following Ukrainian strikes. Often working under the threat of renewed attacks, they make every effort to promptly restore electricity to damaged areas. It was these very people – on their way to restore power supplies – who were targeted. All those injured were taken to Medical Unit No. 145, where they are receiving all necessary medical care. Unfortunately, one of them is in serious condition. ❗️ The AFU deliberately put Zaporozhskaya NPP personnel at risk as they carry out work vital to the city. They repair damaged infrastructure and maintain power supplies to social and industrial facilities – doing so every day despite the constant threat of attack. The plant’s personnel continue to perform their professional duties, ensuring the safety and uninterrupted functioning of Energodar.

#KievRegimeCrimes ⚡️ Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rodion Miroshnik: 💬 Over the past week, 43 civilians, including four children, were killed as a result of criminal actions by Ukrainian armed forces. Around 420 people were affected in total. Every day, Kiev regime militants fired more than 1,000 munitions of various types at civilian targets across Russia. The most severe consequences followed a Ukrainian drone strike on a crowded beach in Arkhipo-Osipovka, Krasnodar Region. The Moscow Region also came under massive drone attacks, with strikes on residential areas and an industrial zone in the Chekhov Municipal District resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. At the same time, systematic strikes on key substations caused rolling power outages in Crimea, a prolonged blackout in the Kherson Region, and prompted the introduction of a technological emergency regime in the Zaporozhye Region due to water supply disruptions. Attacks on residential areas, industrial and logistics hubs, and infrastructure facilities were recorded in 16 regions located far from the combat zone. The highest numbers of civilian casualties resulting from Kiev’s attacks were recorded in the Belgorod Region, Krasnodar Region, DPR, Zaporozhye Region, and Kherson Region. On August 3-9, Ukrainian neo-Nazi shelling affected 419 civilians: 376 people, including 24 children, were injured, while 43 people, including four children, were killed. Over the seven-day period, Ukrainian militants fired at least 7,061 munitions at civilian targets on Russian territory.

💬 Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Multilateral Human Rights Cooperation Grigory Lukiyantsev: 🌐 Every year on August 9, the world marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. It was first proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1994 to raise awareness of the challenges facing indigenous populations. Indigenous peoples live in all regions of the world and occupy around 22% of the planet’s land area. They speak the vast majority of the world’s roughly 7,000 languages and represent some 5,000 distinct cultures. Knowing how much our Western colleagues like to raise the issue of alleged “violations of the rights of indigenous small-numbered peoples” in Russia, I will cite just a few facts from our own human rights dossiers on the countries concerned, illustrating the systemic nature of the problems they themselves face in this area. • Australia. Out of every 1,000 Aboriginal children, 58 are in state care, compared with just 4.7 among the rest of the population – more than 12 times fewer. • Denmark. According to statistics, homelessness among Inuit people is five times higher per capita than among ethnic Danes. • Canada. From the 1890s to the present day, at least 15,000 indigenous women have been subjected to forced sterilisation. • New Zealand. The indigenous Māori population accounts for a disproportionately high share of suicides, while in psychiatric institutions Māori patients are more frequently subjected to seclusion as a form of punishment and discipline. • Norway. According to statistics, three out of four Sámi people – who live predominantly in the three northern counties of Finnmark, Troms and Nordland – experience discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, gender and place of residence. • United States. More than a quarter of representatives of the “First Nations” live below the poverty line, while only 15% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. • Finland. Finnish authorities issue permits for geological exploration and quarry development on Sámi lands while disregarding objections from the Sámi community, thereby depriving its members of their traditional habitat. • Sweden. Citing its commitment to the “green transition”, the country is actively accelerating mineral development without due regard for the preservation of lands traditionally used for reindeer herding, Sámi culture or its international obligations to protect minority rights. • Japan. Discrimination against the Ainu, who live in the north of the country, and the Ryukyuans, who inhabit the southern islands, continues. Indigenous people face discrimination in employment, education and social welfare. Even these bare facts show that a number of states which portray themselves as “model democracies” treat their own populations harshly. This concerns not only policies of assimilation and the displacement of indigenous peoples from their traditional lands, but even efforts to forcibly reduce their populations. 🔍 More information on the situation regarding the rights of indigenous peoples in a number of countries are available in the relevant thematic report by the Russian MFA.

🗓 On August 8, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (#ASEAN) celebrate #ASEANDay. 🌏 #ASEAN was established in Bangkok on August 8, 1967, by Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, which signed the Bangkok Declaration. The Association was subsequently joined by Brunei (1984), Vietnam (1995), Laos and Myanmar (1997), Cambodia (1999), while in October 2025 Timor-Leste became its 11th full member. #ASEAN is one of the key pillars of the regional architecture in the Asia-Pacific. A whole system of multilateral mechanisms involving Russia and other leading global powers has developed around the Association – the East Asia Summit (#EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (#ARF), the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (#ADMMPlus) and other formats. Russia actively participates in these mechanisms. 🤝 Developing cooperation with ASEAN is among the priorities of Russia’s foreign policy in Asia. Russia became a full Dialogue Partner of the Association in 1996. In 2017, Russia’s Permanent Mission to ASEAN began operating in Jakarta, and in 2018 Russia-ASEAN relations were elevated to a strategic partnership. *** On June 17-18, 2026, Kazan hosted the anniversary Summit marking 35 years of #RussiaASEAN relations. During the meeting, the Leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership, outlined new areas of cooperation in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres, and exchanged views on current international and regional issues. 👉 Outcomes of the #RussiaASEAN Anniversary Summit 👉 Kazan Declaration “Russia-ASEAN: Unity in Diversity – 35 Years Together” 💬 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Russia firmly believes that ASEAN is our reliable partner and like-minded ally. For our part, we consistently support ASEAN’s central role in all regional affairs and contribute to strengthening the system of interstate relations built around the Association, based on the principles of international law, openness, equality and, I would particularly emphasise, due regard for the interests of all participants. (Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the Russia-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila on July 22, 2026) #ASEAN59 #RussiaASEAN

🎙 Statement by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexey Overchuk following the meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council (August 7, 2026) 💬 The meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council has concluded in Cholpon-Ata. It lasted for two days. First and foremost, the Heads of Government held a substantive discussion of two reports. The first report focused on food security in the Eurasian Economic Union (#EAEU). This issue is particularly relevant given climate change and water shortages. It was noted that the EAEU’s food self-sufficiency rate stands at 93.5%. At the same time, the EAEU Member States are self-sufficient in the main types of agricultural products. The participants discussed coordinating the efforts of the five Member States to further ensure food security in their countries. The Sides discussed the development of trade and economic ties between the five EAEU countries and foreign partners. Particular attention was paid to existing trade agreements and work on new ones. 👉 Specifically, the participants reviewed the implementation of trade agreements already in force with #Vietnam, #Iran and #Serbia. The discussion covered the removal of both tariff and non-tariff barriers. The issue of eliminating non-tariff barriers received particular attention in the report delivered by the representative of #Iran. The participants also discussed ongoing negotiations with #India, which have reached a fairly advanced stage. They reviewed a report on expert consultations regarding negotiations with #Pakistan. The EAEU Member States support continuing negotiations with that country. ☝️ There are also a number of other countries, including African nations, with which we intend to hold negotiations. They have already been notified, and we are awaiting their response. ✍️ In addition, a number of important agreements were concluded. Read in full

#FacesOfVictory 📆 #OTD, 85 years ago, Soviet fighter pilot Viktor Talalikhin, flying an I-16 fighter, carried out one of the first aerial ramming attacks of the Great Patriotic War, bringing down a Nazi Heinkel He 111 bomber. On August 7, 1941, during an air battle over Moscow, the young fighter pilot pursued the enemy aircraft, fired at one of its engines and then rammed its tail with his I-16. Despite being wounded, Junior Lieutenant Talalikhin miraculously survived. The entire crew of the enemy bomber was eliminated. 🌟 This heroic feat forever inscribed Talalikhin’s name in aviation history. For his courage, Talalikhin was awarded the title of #HeroOfTheSovietUnion, the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal. Soon afterwards, at just 22, he was appointed squadron commander and promoted to lieutenant. Viktor Talalikhin went on to distinguish himself in further combat missions. He personally shot down at least four German aircraft and shared another victory with his unit. In his final battle near Podolsk, he was killed after shooting down two enemy Me 109 fighters. 🕯 Viktor Talalikhin was buried with military honours at Moscow’s Novodevichy Cemetery. By order of the USSR People’s Commissar of Defence dated August 30, 1948, he was permanently enrolled on the roster of the 1st Squadron of the 177th Fighter Aviation Regiment, with which he had fought the enemy in the defence of Moscow. Amid the fierce battles of the summer of 1941, Talalikhin’s selfless feat inspired millions. During the Great Patriotic War, Soviet pilots carried out more than 600 aerial ramming attacks. #Victory81

🎙 Statement by Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vassily Nebenzia at a UN Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security caused by ISIL (New York, August 5, 2026) Read in full Broadcast of the entire meeting 💬 We share most of the report’s findings and assessments. The growing threat posed by ISIL and its affiliates in Africa is a matter of serious concern, as are the increasingly sophisticated methods of extremist and terrorist propaganda and the evolving means used to carry out terrorist attacks. The use by terrorists of new and emerging technologies – including digital financial assets, artificial intelligence and UAVs – presents a major challenge requiring a coordinated international response. *** 🤝 Russia consistently supports the efforts of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism to strengthen the capacities of Member States. With funding from Russia’s voluntary contribution, the Office provided technical assistance to countries in Africa and Central Asia under a project aimed at preventing weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists. It also prepared comprehensive analytical materials and practical recommendations. We attach great importance to and support counter-terrorism cooperation within #BRICS, the #SCO, the #CIS and the #CSTO, which Russia chairs this year. *** 👉 The shift of international terrorist activity towards Africa is largely the result of support for illegal armed groups by former colonial powers driven by neo-colonial ambitions. In July, following consultations between the Foreign Ministers of Russia and the Confederation of Sahel States, a Joint Statement was adopted condemning the “criminal collusion between Ukraine, France, certain other countries and terrorist groups operating in the Sahel”. The Kiev regime has long been entirely dependent on the EU and NATO economically and militarily, while they use Ukraine to wage a proxy war against Russia. The same approach is now being applied in Africa: by involving Ukrainians in supporting terrorist groups in the Sahel, Kiev’s Western sponsors are once again pursuing their own objectives through proxies. *** ☝️ Russia consistently advocates stronger international counter-terrorism cooperation based on the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted in July, with the UN playing the central and coordinating role in sustainably reducing the terrorist threat and strengthening international security. Russia remains open to cooperation with all constructive and interested states and relevant UN bodies – without hidden agendas or double standards.

Михаил Мишустин встретился с генеральным директором Агентства стратегических инициатив Светланой Чупшевой Основными темами встречи стали развитие туризма и совместные проекты агентства в рамках Евразийского экономического союза. Светлана Чупшева отметила, что АСИ входит в консорциум агентств развития стран ЕАЭС. Это площадка для постоянного обмена лучшими практиками и программами, направленными на повышение качества жизни граждан и улучшение инвестиционного климата.  Ключевые проекты: 🔹Методология рейтингования регионов и муниципалитетов. Казахстан и Узбекистан, в частности, применяют методологию АСИ для сбора обратной связи от бизнеса и внесения корректировок с целью как привлечения инвестиций внутри стран, так и поиска внешних инвесторов. 🔹Промышленный туризм. По разработанной АСИ методике запускаются проекты в Кыргызстане и Белоруссии. Недавно совместно с белорусскими коллегами был выпущен сборник «Две страны, тысячи заводов», охватывающий как советский опыт, так и современные кооперационные проекты. 🔹Разработана «дорожная карта» с Узбекистаном, охватывающая инклюзивное образование, программы реабилитации и медицинские проекты. 🔹Формирование модели технологического суверенитета. По этой методике Узбекистан и Кыргызстан проводят аудит имеющихся технологий и компетенций, определяют приоритетные направления развития и сотрудничества, а также перспективные проекты для кооперации. 🔹Также в числе успешных практик – образовательные проекты, программы профориентации и конкурс «Зеленая Евразия», в рамках которого уже третий год отбираются лучшие экологические решения.  Михаил Мишустин подчеркнул, что системная работа АСИ со странами ЕАЭС напрямую способствует наращиванию торгово-экономического сотрудничества и увеличению взаимного товарооборота. 🇷🇺 Подписаться на Правительство России в MAКС

Опубликована деловая программа XI Восточного экономического форума. ❗ Главная тема форума — «Дальний Восток — развитие во благо людей». В рамках мероприятия состоится более 70 сессий, разделенных на пять тематических треков: 🔵 «Жить и работать на Дальнем Востоке»; 🔵 «Механизмы привлечения частных инвестиций»; 🔵 «Дальний Восток – полюс международного взаимодействия»; 🔵 «Технологии настоящего и будущего»; 🔵 «Логистика и инфраструктура для роста экономики». 🤝 В рамках трека «Дальний Восток – полюс международного взаимодействия» состоится сессия «ЕАЭС–ШОС: экономическое сотрудничество в интересах устойчивого развития», посвящённая практическому взаимодействию между двумя объединениями в таких сферах, как транспорт и логистика, промышленная кооперация, цифровизация торговли. 📆 ВЭФ-2026 пройдет с 1 по 4 сентября на площадке Дальневосточного федерального университета. 📷: фонд Росконгресс #ЕАЭС #международное