Russian MFA 🇷🇺

🎙Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a meeting of the Supervisory Board and Board of Trustees of Foreign Ministry’s MGIMO University(Moscow, April 23, 2026) 💬 I would like to note MGIMO leadership’s efforts to preserve Russia’s historical and diplomatic heritage. Not long ago, the latest two-volume edition of The History of Diplomacy was published, introducing previously unused archival materials into academic circulation. Projects aimed at popularising the scholarly legacy of the internationally renowned historian and first head of MGIMO’s Department of the History of International Relations Yevgeny Tarle and the first director of MGIMO Ivan Udaltsov deserve the highest praise. 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. The university’s faculty made an invaluable contribution to preparing materials for a number of books and articles devoted to inextricable link between the outcomes of the Second World War and the modern-day international relations system. ☝️We will continue working to preserve historical memory and to prevent the attempts to distort Russian and world history. On April 19, Russia marked the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Genocide of the Soviet People for the first time. Russian diplomacy will consistently seek international recognition of the crimes committed by Nazis and their accomplices against Soviet civilians of all ethnic backgrounds as genocide. I am positive that MGIMO’s specialized departments, with their extensive track record in historiographical research and the defence of national interests at the present stage of global development when Nazism, particularly in Europe, is once again rearing its ugly head, will find a niche of their own in this work. Such efforts can seamlessly complement MGIMO’s activities in promoting Russian education and the Russian language internationally, as well as strengthening mutual understanding and trust between nations, primarily in the near abroad. The opening in 2025 of MGIMO's branch in Kazakhstan came as an important milestone in this regard with 100 undergraduate and master’s students studying at MGIMO-Astana. 🤝MGIMO’s push to diversify ties with its partner universities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America deserves every support it can get. The signing of a memorandum of understanding between MGIMO and Hanoi State University in May 2025 in the presence of Russia’s and Vietnam’s top leaders was a signature event. We support MGIMO’s plans to launch its first academic programme at its new Hanoi branch in 2025. We also welcome the efforts to gradually resume partner programmes leading to dual degrees. The fact that such work is underway primarily with the university’s partners from the #GlobalMajority countries fully reflects current geopolitical realities. Importantly, universities from China, our great eastern neighbour, with which our relations continue to strengthen across all areas, are among MGIMO’s partners. Prospects are good for establishing similar arrangements with our friends from the #BRICS countries.

🕯On April 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to the participants of commemorative events marking the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. ✍️The message reads, in part: Today, we bow our heads in memory of the hundreds of thousands of victims of the genocide of the Armenian people – one of the most horrific tragedies of the 20th century. The brutal massacre of defenceless and innocent people, who were killed, wounded and driven from their native cities and villages, shocked the entire civilised world. Its catastrophic consequences laid bare the deadly toll of religious hatred, nationalism and xenophobia. I would like to stress that our country’s position on this issue has always been consistent. As early as May 1915, it was reflected in the joint Declaration by Russia, Great Britain and France, which condemned the violence against the Armenian people as a crime against humanity and civilisation. At a new stage of history, this position was reaffirmed in the Statement of Russia's State Duma of April 14, 1995. We are convinced that there is not and can never be any justification for the policy of mass extermination and deportation of people on ethnic grounds. The international community must unite to ensure that such barbarity never happens again – anywhere. The persecution and repression of those years became an unhealed wound for many generations of Armenians. Yet the tragedy they endured united the people, who demonstrated steadfast devotion to their traditions, wisdom and courage. I am confident that the sons and daughters of Armenia will continue to preserve their national identity, millennia-old culture, language, freedom and spiritual values. I wish the friendly Armenian people wellbeing, prosperity and all the very best. VLADIMIR PUTIN

🔴#LIVE: Briefing by Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on topical foreign policy issues 🔴X (ex-Twitter) 🔴Facebook 🔴Ruptly 🔴Russia’s MFA website

🔴#LIVE: Briefing by Russia's Foreign Ministry's Ambassador-at-Large on the crimes committed by the Kiev regime Rodion Miroshnik, who will be presenting a summary report on #KievRegimeCrimes in January-March 2026 🔴Ruptly 🔴Russia's MFA website

☦️On April 22, the Russian Foreign Ministry hosted the ceremonial opening of an exhibition of Orthodox images painted on armour plates that had saved the lives ofservicemen engaged in the special military operation to liberate Donbass and Novorossiya. More than 40 worksof art and spirit were put on display in the Atrium hall at Smolenskaya Square. 💬 Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova delivered welcoming remarks to the organisers and guests. She noted: As a rule, when the wounded are evacuated from the battlefield, priority is given to carrying the serviceman himself to safety. Given its weight, his gear is usually left behind. But in this case, despite the danger, their body armour vests were also brought back from the battlefield. Having endured such a difficult and terrifying journey, the armour plates then became more than a tangible testimony to a life saved. Through people’s creativity, talent and spiritual dedication, they were transformed into something greater than mere objects – into works imbued with a different, immaterial and higher meaning. Remarks were also delivered by Anatoly Lyubavin, Rector of the Surikov Moscow State Academic Art Institute, Sergey Arustamov-Andriyaka, Rector of the Sergey Andriyaka Academy of Watercolour and Fine Arts, and Father Mikhey, a hieromonk of the Danilov Monastery. The idea for the exhibition came from Russia’s defenders of the Fatherland – servicemen fighting on the front line. In many ways, the project carries forward the ancient Russian tradition of depicting patron saints on battle gear. Each “canvas” was brought back from the battlefield. Each one stands as a life saved. The images painted on the armour plates were proposed by priests of the Moscow Danilov Monastery and created by students of the Surikov Moscow State Academic Art Institute and the Sergey Andriyaka Academy of Watercolour and Fine Arts. The project is truly unique. Its realization required the development of a special painting technique and meticulous work with the materials. All the images were consecrated. Some of the holy images have already been donated to Moscow oncology centres and educational institutions. In the future, they will also be placed in schools and other educational establishments, serving as places of remembrance dedicated to the heroism of those defending the Fatherland.

🇷🇺🇮🇳 On April 23, on the sidelines of the #BRICS consultations of high representatives on the Middle East and North Africa taking place in New Delhi, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenkoheld meetings with Dr Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South), India's Ministry of External Affairs, and Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (CPV & OIA),India's Ministry of External Affairs. During an in-depth exchange of views, particular attention was given to the situation in the Gulf, as well as developments across the Middle East and North Africa. The Sides underscored the need to stabilise the situation across this vast region as a whole and to resolve all differences by political and diplomatic means. They agreedto continue close coordination between Moscow and New Delhi on current regional issues. #RussiaIndia#DruzhbaDosti

🇷🇺🇸🇨President of Russia Vladimir Putin's remarks during talks with President of Seychelles Dr. Patrick Herminie(Moscow, April 22, 2026) The agenda included current issues pertaining to the development of bilateral cooperation in the political, trade and economic, and humanitarian spheres, as well as international and regional issues. 💬Vladimir Putin: First of all, I would like to thank you for accepting our invitation to visit Russia. This year, we will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. It is pleasant that these celebrations begin with your visit to Russia. The volume of our trade and economic ties remains modest for now, of course, but there is clear potential for growth, and your visit is very timely in this regard. We maintain very good cooperation on international platforms. We coordinate our positions closely, and we are grateful to your country for supporting many Russian initiatives at the UN. The number of Russian tourists visiting Seychelles is growing, and they already account for at least 15% of your country’s tourist flow. This is a good indicator, though there is certainly room to increase the number of our tourists travelling to your country. We would like to thank you for creating favourable conditions for our citizens. I have invited my colleagues from the Government and the Central Bank to take part in this meeting. We have much to discuss, including the development of the tourism sector. We maintain humanitarian contacts, and I am confident that the unique culture of your country will certainly spark the interest of the Russian public. Your representatives took part in the Russia-Africa Forum. We are now preparing for its third edition, and I hope that Seychelles will participate in the third high-level forum. I would also like to congratulate you on the successful outcome of your election campaign and your victory in the presidential election. I am especially pleased to offer my personal congratulations during your visit. #RussiaSeychelles

#RussiaHelps 🇷🇺🇺🇳On April 23, a ceremony was held in Mazar-i-Sharif (Balkh Province of Afghanistan) on the deliverance of the first batch of Russian humanitarian aid – fortified wheat flour. The assistance was provided by Russia as part of its core contribution to the UN World Food Programme. The total shipment will amount to 3,976.6 tonnes. The flour will be distributed among the people of Afghanistan in need. The ceremony was attended by staff of Consulate General of Russia in Mazar-i-Sharif.

💬Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova: On April 22, Journalist Amal Khalil of Lebanon’s Al Akhbar was killed in a targeted strike by the Israeli military. In her own country. During what was announced to be a ceasefire – though apparently only on paper. The blast was so powerful that her body could only be recovered from beneath the rubble of the collapsed multi-storey building with great difficulty. Her colleague, reporter Zeinab Faraj, sustained severe injuries. These are new victims of the information war – a war of the pen, microphone and TV camera against missiles, shells and attack drones. A confrontation between the noble mission of bringing the truth to the public and the bloodthirsty desire to strangle that truth, blow it up and wipe it off the face of the earth by any means. This brutal killing, like the deaths of other journalists who have died in the line of duty, is a grave crime for which there can be no justification. Such are the hideous manifestations of the world order glorified by the West – one supposedly based on unwritten “rules”, but in reality built on lies, contempt for international law, permissiveness, the cult of violence and a belief in its own exceptionalism. 🕯 I extend my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.

🔴#LIVE: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a meeting of the Supervisory and Board of Trustees of MGIMO of the Russian Foreign Ministry 🔴Ruptly 🔴Russia’s MFA website

🇷🇺🇿🇦On 22 April 2026, Russian Ambassador to South Africa Roman Ambarov participated in annual commemorative event in Utrecht, KwaZulu-Natal, to honour the memory of Russian volunteers who took part in the Second Anglo-Boer War. ☦️ Rector of the Cathedral of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Johannesburg, Archpriest Daniel Lugovoi, served a lity for those who fell during the conflict, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Leo Pokrowsky Monument and the Wall of Memory, which bears the names of 90 Russian volunteers. Leo Pokrowsky was one of over 200 Russian volunteers who arrived to South Africa to assist the Boers in their struggle against British colonial oppression. He was placed in command of one of the Boer guerilla units and earned a reputation as a courageous officer, for which he was promoted to the rank of captain. 💬 In his address, Ambassador Ambarov emphasized the importance of preserving the historical memory, ensuring that those who sacrificed their lives in support of the Boers' fight for independence against British imperialism are never forgotten. “It is a great honour for us to once again be in the welcoming city of Utrecht and to join the annual wreath-laying ceremony in memory of the Russian heroes who fell during the Second Anglo-Boer War”, said the Ambassador. “Year after year, we preserve the memory of our forebears, those who came to the aid of the Boers, fought for their freedom and independence, and gave their lives in the struggle against British imperialism. 🤝We sincerely thank the congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church and the parsonage museum in Utrecht for their care of the monument to Captain Leo Pokrowsky, who heroically died defending the freedom of the Boer people,” Roman Ambarov emphasized. #RussiaSouthAfrica#PagesOfCommonHistory

🎙President Vladimir Putin's statement at the state awards ceremony for Russian athletes(Moscow, April 22, 2026) 💬 I am sincerely pleased to congratulate everyone on your successes. Your performances and results are a substantial contribution to reaffirming Russia’s leading position in world sport – a strong and unshakable position, despite all the underhanded attempts to weaken it. ☝️The disgraceful – and, I would say, cowardly – politically motivated conduct of the previous leadership of the International Olympic Committee inflicted enormous damage on the Olympic movement and on the very principles of Olympism. Selective sanctions against Russian athletes, imposed under the pretext of condemning Russia’s actions to defend our people and our interests in the context of the conflict in Ukraine, while ignoring numerous other similar tragedies and armed conflicts around the world, merely exposed the corruption and political bias of a significant part of the international sporting establishment. 👉I hope that the new leadership of the International Olympic Committee and other international sports organisations will overcome this legacy as soon as possible – a heavy and shameful legacy left by their predecessors. I am certain that many more sporting triumphs lie ahead for you, as well as for your teammates representing a wide range of disciplines – including at the biggest international competitions – and, without fail, under our national flag and to the sound of Russia’s national anthem. Russia is steadily returning to the world’s sporting arenas, and doing so with dignity. Last season, our swimmers, fencers, canoeists, gymnasts, judokas and wrestlers all delivered brilliant victories. The truly special – indeed unique, without any exaggeration – achievement was the triumph of Russia’s Paralympians in Milan. As you know, they secured third place in the overall standings with a team that was several times smaller than those of their main rivals. This was an outstanding result. These victories were won not by numbers, but by skill, talent and the will to win. Russia will continue to develop sport in all areas, ensuring the broadest possible opportunities for participation in elite sport, professional sport and mass sport alike, while actively promoting sport above all among children and young people. Because, as we all know well, sport is not simply about physical strength and agility – it is a way of life built on the values of health, mutual respect, and, crucially, determination and responsibility. Read in full #TeamRussia