Putin accepted credentials from the ambassadors of 32 countries. The main thing

On January 15, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin received credentials from 32 foreign ambassadors, including from European countries. The ceremony was traditionally held in the Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. The main statements of the Russian leader are in the material of Izvestia.

About international cooperation

Putin welcomed everyone at the credentials ceremony and noted that it took place at the very beginning of the year, when everyone was making plans for the future and hoping that difficulties, adversities, and mutual conflicts would remain in the past. International cooperation is one of the key factors for the sustainable development and prosperity of mankind, the Russian leader noted.

"In today's diverse and interconnected world, universal stability and security directly depend on the ability of states to cooperate creatively. Open, honest partnerships provide an opportunity to solve common, even the most difficult problems," the Russian president said.

About the situation in the international arena and the multipolar world

Putin pointed out that peace requires effort, responsibility and informed choice.

"The urgency of this is obvious, especially when the situation in the international arena is deteriorating more and more. It seems to me that no one will argue with this," the president said.

Putin clarified that long-standing conflicts are escalating, as well as new serious hotbeds of tension. Diplomacy, the search for consensus and compromise solutions are increasingly being replaced by unilateral and very dangerous actions.

"Instead of dialogue between states, there is a monologue by those who, by right of the strong, consider it permissible to dictate their will, teach them to live and give orders," the head of state said.

The Russian President noted that dozens of countries in the world suffer from disrespect for their sovereign rights, chaos and lawlessness. At the same time, they do not have the strength and resources to stand up for themselves.

"A reasonable way out of this situation is to more persistently demand compliance with international law by all members of the international community, as well as to provide real assistance to a new, more just world order that is making its way — a world order in which all states would have the right to their own growth model, to determine independently, without outside influence. our destiny, while preserving our original culture and traditions," Putin said.

About Ukraine

Putin stressed that it is necessary to proceed from the fact that security must be truly comprehensive, and therefore equal and indivisible: it cannot be ensured for some at the expense of the security of others.

"This principle is fixed in fundamental international legal documents. Neglecting this basic, vital principle has never led to anything good and will never lead to anything good. This was clearly demonstrated by the crisis around Ukraine, which was a direct result of years of ignoring Russia's just interests and a deliberate policy of creating threats to our security and advancing towards the Russian borders of the NATO bloc," the Russian leader said.

Putin asked foreign ambassadors to take into account in their activities that Russia is always open to building equal and mutually beneficial relations with all international partners for the sake of universal prosperity, well-being and development.

The Head of State added that a peaceful settlement in Ukraine should be achieved as soon as possible: "Let me remind you that Russia has repeatedly taken initiatives to build a new, reliable and fair architecture of European and global security. We believe that it would be worthwhile to return to their substantive discussion in order to consolidate the conditions on which a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine can be achieved — and the sooner the better."

He also said that not everyone, including Kiev and the capitals that support it, is ready for this, but Russia hopes that awareness of this need will come sooner or later.

"Until that happens, Russia will continue to consistently achieve its goals," the head of state said.

On relations with countries

Putin pointed out that Russia and Cuba have strong and friendly relations: "We have always provided and are providing assistance to our Cuban friends, and we stand in solidarity with their determination to defend their sovereignty and independence with all their might."

The Russian President stressed that Russia has long had close and constructive relations with many Latin American countries.

"We have always treated the states of this region with great respect, as equal and independent partners. This fully applies to the countries represented here — Colombia, Peru, and Uruguay. We believe that we have all the opportunities for a qualitative increase in trade, investment and commercial ties, cooperation in the field of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, education and training," Putin said.

He also noted that Russia is determined to strengthen cooperation with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa in the spirit of mutual trust.

The Russian president also pointed out that Russian-Afghan cooperation has gained significant momentum, which was facilitated by the recognition of the new authorities in Kabul.

"We are sincerely interested in Afghanistan being a united, independent and peaceful state, free from war, terrorism and drug trafficking," Putin said.

He also spoke about the work of Russia and Saudi Arabia within the framework of OPEC+, which contributes to the stabilization of the oil market.

"The bilateral partnership is successfully expanding, it is comprehensive, and close coordination has been established in the OPEC+ format, which really contributes to maintaining the stability of the global oil market," the president said.

The Russian President pointed to the close relationship with Pakistan and added that Russian-Pakistani relations are truly mutually beneficial.

Putin also expressed hope for the restoration of relations between Russia and the Republic of Korea.

"Unfortunately, much of the positive capital has been squandered in our cooperation with the Republic of Korea. But earlier, adhering to pragmatic approaches, our countries achieved really good results in the field of trade and business. We look forward to restoring relations with the republic," he said.

Putin also drew attention to the start of work on the third Russia—Africa summit in 2026.

The President also pointed to cooperation between Russia and Brazil, noting that the countries share similar views on the formation of a multipolar world order.

"I am sure the Brazilian Ambassador will agree that our two countries, which are at the origin of the creation of BRICS, are consistent like-minded people in terms of forming a truly just multipolar world order," he said.

Context

The last time the ceremony of presenting credentials from foreign ambassadors took place was on November 5, 2024. At that time, Putin received 28 foreign representatives in the Kremlin, including from unfriendly countries (New Zealand, Italy, Finland, Japan).

Among the ambassadors who participated in the ceremony in the Kremlin on January 15 were representatives from France, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Bangladesh, Brazil, Norway, Egypt, and Ghana.

Afghan Ambassador Gullah Hassan Hassan was also present at the ceremony. He became the first ambassador to Russia after the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan in 2021. It is also important to note that in the summer of 2025, Russia became the first country in the world to officially recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Lee Seok-pae, was previously the ambassador to the Russian Federation in 2019-2022. According to South Korean media reports, his return to Moscow suggests that Seoul sees him as a person capable of resolving "the difficult situation that has developed after the deterioration of relations between Moscow and Seoul due to the situation in Ukraine and the parallel rapprochement" of Russia and the DPRK. It is important to note that Lee Sok-bae spent most of his political career in Russia and the CIS countries.

Italy has sent Stefano Beltrame to Russia, representing the League party of the ruling coalition, Matteo Salvini (Deputy Prime Minister of Italy; Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. He sharply criticized the leadership of the European Union in relation to the Russian Federation, and also criticized the sanctions against the Russian Federation, saying that they had the opposite effect and "brought the economies of Western countries to their knees"). According to the Italian media, this indicates a "change in the Italian line" following the mood in Washington. They also noted: "A few months ago, it would have been more difficult in the eyes of European partners to choose a diplomat who represents one of the most pro-Russian major right-wing parties in Europe."

A credential is an official document certifying the powers of an ambassador as an authorized representative of his state. With this letter, the head of the sending State asks the head of the receiving State to trust the diplomat's words and consider them as the official position of his country. The act of presenting the diploma is a key moment, after which the ambassador is considered accredited and can begin to perform his duties.