Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has spoken at the federal educational marathon Znanie.Pervye, taking place in Ekaterinburg as part of the International Festival of Youth. In a lecture on the new architecture of the world, the Minister discussed multipolarity, relations with the West, attempts at external interference in Russia’s electoral process, the goals of the special military operation, and the opportunities Russia offers to young people. The event was organized by the Russian Znanie Society and aligns with the goals and objectives of the Youth and Children national project.

Sergey Lavrov opened by noting that, for these few days, Ekaterinburg has become the youth capital of the world, with more than 190 countries represented. He noted that modern Russia is developing intensively despite difficulties, and is moving into leading positions in many areas, including digital technology. The Minister named multipolarity as the defining trend of the contemporary world.

“The countries of the Global South and East are strengthening their positions, along with new centers of growth in Eurasia, Latin America, and Africa. A philosophy of equality is becoming the dominant trend,” he said.

According to him, the gap in economic weight between the BRICS countries and the G7 will continue to widen, and this process can no longer be stopped.

The Minister emphasized that the West, having enjoyed dominance for five hundred years, is trying to hold on to its slipping supremacy through unlawful sanctions, pressure, and the provoking of conflicts.

“Our Western colleagues have never, throughout history, abided by the principle of the sovereign equality of states. They have always considered themselves the ones ‘calling the tune,’ but reality is forcing a return to the principles of the UN Charter,” Sergey Lavrov stated.

He recalled that Russia remains fully committed to the approaches taken by BRICS, the SCO, the EAEU and the CSTO, and supports the formation of a Greater Eurasian Partnership.

“This will form a solid material foundation for building a Eurasian security architecture in which every country on the continent would have the right to take part,” he explained.

Responding to a question from an international participant about elections in Russia and Western interference in the electoral process, the Minister emphasized citizens’ right to independently determine the future of their country.

“Elections are the choice of the people, a choice of the path the country will follow over the coming electoral term,” the Minister noted.

According to Sergey Lavrov, the current elections are taking place under conditions of a war declared on Russia by the collective West, which is seeking to inflict a “strategic defeat” on our country. The Minister emphasized that citizens are voting for their future, for improvements to the socioeconomic situation in the regions, and for a safe life. It is precisely in these areas, he said, that the West is trying to strike blows.

Speaking about the economy, Sergey Lavrov noted that Russian proposals for creating alternative payment platforms, settlement and depository mechanisms, a reinsurance mechanism, and a grain exchange were discussed at the BRICS summit in New Delhi.

“We are not the ones who undermined the dollar’s role. We are being forced to move toward new forms of cooperation, so that no one can stand in our way,” the Minister said.

A significant part of the address was devoted to Ukraine. Sergey Lavrov described the conflict as a direct consequence of the West’s expansionist policy, NATO’s advance toward Russia’s borders, and the legislative ban on the Russian language.

“The regime currently in power is a Nazi regime, with Nazi ideology and practices enshrined in law and applied on a daily basis,” he emphasized.

The Minister stated that the goals of the special military operation – eliminating the root causes of the crisis and protecting the rights of Russian people to their native language and Orthodox faith – are entirely clear. He also issued a warning to Europe: “We have no interest whatsoever in attacking Europe. But if Europe, which talks daily about preparing for war against Russia, were to attack the Russian Federation, that would be an entirely different war, and it would be a very short one.”

The Minister devoted a separate part of his address to relations with the United States. He noted that, unlike European elites, the Trump administration has entered into dialogue with Russia and shows an understanding of the root causes of the Ukrainian conflict. However, there have been no material changes so far: the sanctions imposed under Joe Biden are being extended, new ones are being added, diplomatic property has not been returned, and visa refusals continue.

“Dialogue is overdue, but a full discussion of strategic stability requires the complete normalization of relations,” the Minister said. Closing his address, Sergey Lavrov spoke about the opportunities Russia offers to young people.

He mentioned projects such as the Games of the Future, Intervision, Tavrida ART, the #WEARETOGETHER award, the Congress of Young Scientists, and the Eurasian Film Award “Diamond Butterfly.” Around 400,000 international citizens are currently studying in Russia, and a new grant support mechanism has been introduced for talented applicants.

“This Festival will contribute to advancing the welfare of all humanity,” the Minister concluded.

The Russian Znanie Society is the general partner of the International Festival of Youth’s educational program. As part of the Festival, the federal educational marathon Znanie.Pervye is taking place. The marathon’s audience is expected to exceed 12,000 people. Over four days, they will be able to attend talks by more than 500 speakers, including more than 180 distinguished lecturers who will take the Znanie.Pervye marathon stage. Alongside the lectures, participants also have access to the exhibition “We Are Russia,” the Literary Lounge, the “Path of Enlightenment” game mechanic, and the “Library of the World Youth City.”

The International Festival of Youth 2026 is a major global event that will bring together 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries. It serves as a meeting point for young people who have already found success in their fields: creative industries, public administration, science and education, sport, entrepreneurship, media, digitalization and information technology. Participants are united by a shared drive to make the world a better place, and Russia offers them a rare chance to meet in person.

Live broadcasts of the Znanie.Pervye marathon are available on Znanie.TV on the marathon’s website, on the International Festival of Youth website, and on the Russian Znanie Society’s community pages. The IFY – 2026 is being held as part of the Youth and Children national project.

Overview:

The Russian Znanie Society is Russia's largest educational organization, with a rich history and tradition of public education work, and the country's leading platform for open dialogue between young people and outstanding public figures.

The Society's projects and events, dedicated to the most relevant topics of the day, are aimed at popularizing scientific knowledge through new formats, fostering the growth and education of people of all ages and professions, and showcasing Russian achievements in science, technology, sport, art and other fields.

Znanie holds tens of thousands of educational events every year, creating opportunities for personal development and self-realization and for accessing reliable information both in person and on its digital platform.