International activities

Last year, global defense spending grew — despite the pandemic and the shrinking global economy, according to a report by the British International Institute for Strategic Studies.

The Kremlin is watching the situation in Armenia with concern, but considers what is happening as an internal affair of the country, which is an important and close ally of the Russian Federation in the Caucasus.

The expected withdrawal of US troops from the country by the middle of the year may not take place.

This was announced by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in a video message to the participants of the 46th session of the Council.

Those who resorted to violence against demonstrators should be brought to justice, said the foreign ministers of the «seven» countries and Josep Borrell.

At the same time, he called for the introduction of new sanctions against the Russian Federation.

On February 22, EU foreign ministers will discuss actions against Russia in connection with the Navalny case.

«Save the Children» estimates, that nearly 72 million children may experience sexual violence.

Moscow welcomes Washington's readiness to jointly confront COVID-19 and allows the possibility of filing an application for registration of Russian vaccines against COVID-19 in the United States, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

Moscow is ready to return to normal relations with the EU, despite the current crisis, the choice is up to Brussels, but any development of events cannot be ruled out, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

European members of the Security Council condemned Russia's violation of Ukraine's sovereignty.

According to him, this is possible if the Russian side once again sees, that sanctions are being imposed in some areas, that create risks for the domestic economy.

According to the Russian ambassador, the "Caesar's Law" adopted by the United States hinders the work of UN structures and non-governmental organizations providing assistance to the Syrian population. 

The Kremlin commented on the statements of the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, about the possibility of introducing new sanctions against Russia.

Sergey Lavrov, who is the head of the foreign ministry, said that the West wants to make Russia "obedient" and convenient for promoting its own interests. He also clarified that each time these attempts are becoming more fierce.