Russian MFA 🇷🇺

🎙Remarks by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia at a reception on the occasion of Orthodox Easter(Moscow, April 22, 2026) 💬The traditional Easter meetings held in the Reception House of the Foreign Ministry provide an opportunity for live communication between representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian communities of our country, and well as members of other religions that are traditional for our country, where the people of faith can communicate with the employees of our diplomatic service and the diplomatic corps accredited in Russia. Key points: • We attach great importance to the development of fraternal relations with local Orthodox churches. Most of them remain committed to the maintenance of good relations with the Moscow Patriarchate, as evidenced by last year’s visits to Moscow by the delegations of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, the Jerusalem Patriarchate, the Patriarchate of Georgia, and the Serbian Patriarchate, as well as the Church of Greece, the Orthodox Church in America, and the Macedonian Orthodox Church. • Relations between Orthodox churches have been put to the test of loyalty to the canonical order. A doctrine alien to Orthodoxy continues to be imposed from outside – namely, the notion that the Patriarch of Constantinople enjoys special powers of authority. The attempts to convince us that one of other brethren has special authority in the Orthodox ecumene are sinful because they violate the laws of the church, and dangerous in terms of their political influence on the local Orthodox churches through a single centre that can fall under the political influence of powerful forces. • I would like to again draw your attention to the facts of discrimination of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The pressure put by the Ukrainian authorities on the church has escalated into overt religious persecution. Standing behind all this is not only religious and canonical issues but also political factors. • I would like to emphasise that we maintain good relations with the heads and high representatives of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Eritrean Orthodox Church, and the Assyrian Church of the East, both at the bilateral level and on international platforms. The Russian Orthodox Church continues to develop dialogue with the leaders of non-Christian religions, as well as interreligious and international organisations. • The leaders and representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate regularly attend interreligious events held in post-Soviet republics and other countries. Major organisations, such as the UN Alliance of Civilisations and the World Conference of Religions for Peace, are interested in developing contacts with the Russian Orthodox Church. Overall, I believe that dialogue between traditional religions and international organisations has reached a high level. • Concern for our compatriots abroad is a vivid example of fruitful cooperation between the Moscow Patriarchateand the Russian Foreign Ministry. They are offered spiritual assistance at the numerous foreign missions of the Moscow Patriarchate located in 105 countries, which have 1,502 dioceses and 2,039 priests. The Russian embassies in many countries offer their premises for church services and help organise church services in other places in the host countries.

🎙Opening remarks by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a meeting with leaders of non-profit organisations(Moscow, April 24, 2026) Read the remarks in full 💬 Sergey Lavrov: President Putin repeatedly underscored that the world had entered an era of unprecedented change. Similar assessments have been made publicly by President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping. As President Putin has noted, in these turbulent circumstances, Russia, due to its history, geography, and civilisational identity, is playing a central role in these processes. The collective West policy is posing the main threat to international peace and security. <...> Their strategic goal, we have no doubt about it, remains the same and is to dominate by any means, <...> and to preserve their hegemony for as long as possible, while containing the growth of new global centres and competitors in the #WorldMajority countries in #Asia, #Africa, and #LatinAmerica. <...> In order to preserve their hegemony and to achieve these unseemly goals, illegal sanctions, plunder, the theft of other countries’ sovereign assets, blackmail, threats and, of course, the use of military force are employed, as we saw in Venezuela and now in Iran. *** 👉 The West’s decades-long expansion into the Eurasiancontinent, primarily the regions where Russia has historically had strong influence and legitimate traditional interests is another major factor of global destabilisation. This persistent push, which in recent years has openly manifested itself in the slogan of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia, reflects a long-standing, indeed, as it now turns out, centuries-long strategy. ❗️ A war against us has been openly declared. The Kiev regime is being used as the tip of the spear. The Kiev regime and the Ukrainian state are being openly taken advantage of as a geopolitical battering ram. Some rather outspoken individuals, I believe in the Belgian General Staff, publicly stated that they were getting ready for war with Russia and that Ukraine was helping them buy time. As they say, they couldn’t be clearer. The West — above all the international bureaucracy in Brussels (both EU and NATO, which are increasingly becoming one), as well as Berlin, Paris, and, of course, London — are attempting to demonise everything Russianand openly speak about gearing up for war with us in the foreseeable future. Despite the difficult circumstances, we will continue to pursue our foreign policy and to defend our vital national interests, creating the most favourable foreing environment for our country’s sustainable development as a multi-ethnic sovereign state strengthening our sovereignty in all areas. Ourpriorities include promoting equal and mutually beneficial partnerships with all those willing to cooperate on an equal footing, based on the universally recognised principles of the UN Charter — #UNCharterIsOurRules. <...> We continue to believe — strength lies in truth. Read in full

Russia's State Duma: 🇷🇺🇰🇵On April 25, Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin arrived in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on a working visit. At the airport he was welcomed by the Chairman of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People’s Assembly Choe Ryong-hae. On April 26, on instructions from President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Vyacheslav Volodin will attend the opening ceremony of the Memorial Complex and Museum of Combat Feats of the Heroes of the Overseas Military Operation – dedicated to the courage of the Korean soldiers who took part in the liberation of the Kursk Region from neo-Nazis. #RussiaDPRK

#Announcement 💐 As the 81st anniversary of Victory Day approaches, marking the end of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 within the wider context of the Second World War, it offers a moment for quiet reflection. The courage and sacrifice of Soviet citizens and Allied nations brought one of humanity’s most devastating conflicts to a close. One initiative associated with this commemorative date is the Immortal Regiment, established to honour those who experienced that wartime period. In support of this effort, activists from the Russian-speaking community have recently launched a digital platform, moypolk.uk, dedicated to preserving the legacy of all Second World War veterans. It recognises both Soviet soldiers, whose descendants now live in the United Kingdom, and British servicemen and women who fought bravely against fascism. The archive already includes records of more than 900 veterans. Members of the public are invited to contribute by sharing family histories, photographs, and details of wartime service. The platform also offers the option to take part in the Immortal Regiment march online. Find out more

#WeWereAllies 🌟 On April 25, 1945, a landmark event took place in history of anti-Hitler coalition and #WW2 — near the German town of Torgau, just 100 kilometers from Berlin, on the Elbe River, Soviet soldiers shook hands with their American brothers-in-arms, marking the imminent collapse of Nazi Germany and underscoring the joint success of the Allied powers in the final battle against Nazism. #OTD8️⃣1️⃣ years ago, the 58th Rifle Division of the 1st Ukrainian Front under Marshal Ivan Konev’s command aligned with the units of the 69th and 104th infantry divisions of the First US Army led by Omar Nelson Bradley. The historic #ElbeDaywas more than just an extremely powerful symbol — in fact, it served as a sign of the coming fall of the Third Reich. This spirit of unity and brotherhood in fighting a common enemy was later called as the #SpiritOfTheElbe and believed to be the very moment when the Allied #WWII-era USSR-USA relations were at their peak. *** 🤝 The historic Elbe Day took place in the morning of April 25, when a US reconnaissance unit crossed the river, and the units of the 1st Ukrainian Front’s 58th Rifle Division finally aligned with the US First Army’s 69th Infantry Division. Both sides were eagerly waiting for that landmark day — to finally have a long-awaited handshake as brothers-in-arms. Back then in April 1945, the Soviet and American soldiers were brothers who put aside all their cultural differences and forgot about the language barrier when exchanging their badges and decorations, as well as other belongings and even valuables. Commander of the US First Army’s 7th Corps in Europe, Joe Collins, nominated for US military rewards a number of Soviet soldiers who had performed exceptional feats when advancing towards the Elbe. 💬JoePawlowski, who served as a private in a US reconnaissance unit, recalled that this had been a historical moment when the representatives of the two nations met each other, with Soviet and American soldiers taking a solemn oath to do their best to make sure that the horrors of war never happen again. This was our Oath of the Elbe. <…> We embraced each other and pledged to remember our meeting forever. 💬 On April 28, MarshalKonev met with GeneralBradley. The American commander said, as quoted by frontline writer Boris Polevoy in his book All the Way to Berlin, that the American nation had always respected the glorious Red Army in its combat operations and victories, while American soldiers and officers sought to follow the example performed by Marshal Konev's 1st Ukrainian Front’s units. *** 🇷🇺🇺🇸 On April 25, 2020, Presidents of Russia and the United States issued the Joint statement commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the meeting on the Elbe, which read, in part: The “Spirit of the Elbe” is an example of how our countries can put aside differences, build trust, and cooperate in pursuit of a greater cause. 🎖#Victory80: On April 25, 2025, Russia and the United States marked the 8️⃣0️⃣th Anniversary of the Elbe Day by holding the first, after a three-year pause, memorial ceremony to celebrate the legendary “Spirit of the Elbe” at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, which became possible after the atmosphere in bilateral relations had changed with the arrival of a new administration at the White House. 💬 Russia’s Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev: The “Spirit of the Elbe” symbolises the brotherhood-in-arms of the two great powers which fought together despite their political differences. It serves as an example of #RussiaUSrelations moving in the right direction for bringing them back to normal and ensuring that common sense prevails. #Victory81

Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs: 🇷🇺🇰🇵On April 24, Russia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, General of Police Vladimir Kolokoltsev visited the city of Wonsan during his visit to the DPRK. The Russian Minister toured the city’s infrastructure. Originally a port city, Wonsan has since developed into a modern centre of recreation and tourism. Thanks to its scenic surroundings, mild climate and advanced infrastructure, the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area is an attractive international-level destination. 💬 The head of the Russian delegation noted the careful preservation of memorials to Soviet soldiers in Wonsan and the commitment to safeguarding historical memory of the heroism of our ancestors during the Second World War: At a time when, 80 years after the defeat of Hitler’s Germany and militarist Japan, revanchist sentiments are re-emerging, it is vital not to betray the feat of those who gave their lives for the Great Victory. 🌟 Vladimir Kolokoltsev laid a wreath at the monument to the Soviet soldiers. The Russian delegation observed a minute of silence in memory of the warriors who fell in the battles to liberate Korea in 1945. #RussiaDPRK

🇷🇺🇦🇪📞On April 24, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the UAE Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan had a telephone conversation. The Ministers discussed key areas for deepening bilateral cooperation in line with the agreements reached by the Presidents of Russia and the UAE, with a special focus on promoting humanitarian ties and people-to-people contacts. They welcomed the upcoming entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and the UAE. The Ministers also touched upon a number of international issues, including the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. They Sides the view that negotiations should be resumed with a view to reaching, as soon as possible, agreements on a long-term and sustainable settlement of the crisis, with due regard for the legitimate interests of all countries in the region. The Ministers also reviewed the schedule of upcoming contacts between their foreign ministries. #RussiaUAE

🇷🇺🇨🇳Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov meets with Chinese counterpart in Moscow Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov has held talks with Chinese Minister of National Defence Admiral Dong Jun, who is in Russia on an official visit. During the meeting, the Russian Defence Minister stressed that the permanent personal contact between the leaders of the two countries, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, determines the special role of bilateral cooperation. 'This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership and cooperation between Russia and China, as well as the 25th anniversary of our fundamental Treaty of Good Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation. Military bilateral cooperation takes on particular importance in a constantly changing military-political situation. This is one of the key elements of regional and global security,' the Russian Defence Minister noted. 💬 Andrei Belousov expressed confidence that today's talks will make it possible to compare positions and determine further steps within the framework of the strategic interaction between the two countries. 🔹 In turn, Minister of National Defence of the People's Republic of China Admiral Dong Jun noted that under the strategic guidance of the President of the People's Republic of China and the President of the Russian Federation, relations between China and Russia are always developing on the right track and at a high level. ✅ The Chinese military leader stressed that this year is an important time, an important year for the development of relations between the two countries, especially in the field of defence cooperation. Therefore, many important events are planned at the highest level during this period. 🤝 The head of the Ministry of National Defence People's Republic of China expressed readiness, in accordance with the agreements reached between the two countries, together with the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation to seize every opportunity to strengthen strategic interaction and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in order to provide a powerful impetus to the high-quality development of China-Russia relations. 🔹 Before the talks at the Russian Defence Ministry facilities, there was an official ceremony to greet the Chinese Minister of National Defence with the participation of the honour guard company. 🔹 Previously, Minister of National Defence of the People's Republic of China Admiral Dong Jun and members of the Chinese delegation laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden and observed a minute of silence in memory of the soldiers who had died on the battlefields of the Great Patriotic War. 🔹Russian Defence Ministry

🇷🇺🇵🇰📞On April 24, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar had a telephone conversation. The Sides discussed current aspects of Russian-Pakistani cooperation and exchanged views on the situation in the Persian Gulf. Sergey Lavrov praised Islamabad’s mediation role in reaching sustainable agreements between Iran and the US, and confirmed Russia’s readiness to support these efforts. #RussiaPakistan

#Arctic4You 🌐 On April 22, 'Rossiya Segodnya' International Media Group launched the updated platform of the Arctic.ru portal, devoted to the development of the #RussianArctic and Far East and available in Russian and English. Arctic.ru’s mission is to inform domestic and international audiences about the national programmes of developing the Russian Arctic and Far East region. The media project Russian Arctic and Far East Development aims to showcase the potential and capabilities of these strategic territories, the ambitious projects which federal and regional authorities are implementing there, and demonstrate the prospects for the Arctic and Far Eastern Federal District in the next 10 or more years ahead. Аrctic.ru provides reliable information and serves as an official channel for promoting Russia’s vision on the development of these regions in all its aspects, including the international dimension. The portal offers various content: • news, • interviews and expert comments; • historical studies; • video, photo and infographics, including those AI-generated; • polls and quizzes. The newsfeed and other sections will be regularly updated. Russia attaches priority importance to preserving peace and stability, promoting environmental sustainability, and reducing national security threats in the Arctic. These goals are enshrined in the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation. 👉 More about Arctic.ru *** Read the following materials posted on Arctic.ru: 👉 Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Arctic AlexeyChekunkov’s interview with Arctic.ru(April 14, 2026) 👉 Chair of the State Council Commission on the Northern Sea Route and the Arctic AndreyChibis’ interview with Arctic.ru(March 6, 2026) 👉 Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation AlexanderGrushko’s interview with Arctic.ru(April 18, 2026)

🇷🇺Russia's Ministry of Defence: On 24 April, 193 Russian servicemen were returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime. 193 AFU POWs were returned as a result of the exchange. At present, the Russian servicemen are on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where they are provided with the necessary psychological and medical assistance. All released servicemen will be taken to the Russian Federation for treatment and rehabilitation in medical institutions of the Russian Defence Ministry. During the return of Russian servicemen from captivity, humanitarian mediation efforts were carried out by the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America.

🇷🇺🇰🇬President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov held a meeting in the Kremlin(Moscow, April 23, 2026) 💬Vladimir Putin: I recall the warm hospitality with which you received us and our entire delegation in Bishkek. We had very productive talks then. I would like to note that all our agreements are being implemented. Our teams on both Sides are working actively and intensively, and this work is producing results, as reflected in Kyrgyzstan’s economic growth rates. I am confident that your working visit will also help further develop our relations. I am very glad to see you. Welcome! #RussiaKyrgyzstan