Russian MFA 🇷🇺

💬 Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky: On April 9, 1,000 bodies of KIA Ukrainian officers and soldiers were transferred to the Ukrainian side. In return, bodies of 41 Russian fallen servicemen were received. The ratio of losses speaks for itself.

📰 Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation Igor Krasnov's article for RBC newspaper (April 8, 2026) “Legal Gravity” ✍️ In recent years, major business players have often found themselves weighing which jurisdiction to choose for resolving complex commercial disputes. Many lawyers still remember the time when it was considered “fashionable” to designate London or New York in cross-border contracts as the venue for possible litigation. In today’s world, however, this dilemma has long ceased to be a matter of “prestige”. It is now, rather, a question of predictability, risk management and the legal gravity into which the disputed assets may be drawn. ☝️ I will try to answer the question of why Russian jurisdiction is today the best venue for securing fair and impartial justice. Speaking of its advantages, the first point to note is the high degree to which domestic legislation has been developed and the clarity of judicial procedure. A dispute does not “drift” between doctrines, as often happens in Anglo-Saxon legal systems, but proceeds within a strictly delineated corridor. The second advantage – the high degree of predictability of case law grounded in statute. Through the resolutions of the Plenum and Presidium of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, clear legal positions are formulated without excessive casuistry. There is a well-known expression: “Law exists not in norms, but in their application”. The Russian system gives this idea particularly consistent effect through the unification of law-enforcement approaches. Russian courts examine cases far more quickly than many of their foreign counterparts. In international arbitration, dispute resolution takes on average between one and a half and three years, whereas domestic commercial courts usually do so within three months, and the overall duration of proceedings, including appeal and cassation review, generally ranges from six to twelve months. As for the cost of access to justice, the gap between Russia and foreign countries is not merely noticeable – it is fundamental. Court expenses, including state duty and legal representation, are incomparably lower in Russia than in many foreign jurisdictions. This changes the very nature of a dispute, because the defence of one’s rights ceases to be the privilege of major players alone. In our country, law performs its basic function – to be an instrument, not a luxury. Another advantage of Russian jurisdiction is the fairly high degree of efficiency in granting interim relief – attachment of property, bans on registration actions, and other protective measures. In circumstances where assets may be instantly redistributed or concealed, this is of critical importance. Russian commercial courts also demonstrate a clear appellate structure. In international arbitration, awards are generally final and not subject to review on the merits. The only available control mechanism is an application to set aside the award before the court at the seat of arbitration, and even then the grounds are strictly limited by complex procedural requirements. *** 👉The recommendation to choose Russian jurisdiction for litigation is not an advertisement for its universal appeal, or a competition with London or New York. It reflects an objective reality characterised by adherence to the law and fairness in decision-making, and all reforms in the domestic judicial system are aimed at achieving this particular outcome. In any case, unlike foreign jurisdictions, justice in Russia remains more impartial and predictable. Most importantly, it is accessible to all economic agents regardless of the country of origin or the colour of the claimant’s or defendant’s passport. Read in full

🇷🇺🇮🇷📞On April 9, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi had a telephone conversation. The Russian Side welcomed the announcement of agreements on a two-week cessation of hostilities between the US and Iran, as well as Israel’s joining these arrangements. ☝️ As was emphasized, Moscow firmly proceeds from the understanding that these agreements – as announced by the Pakistani mediators – have a regional dimension and, in particular, extend to Lebanon. Sergey Lavrov expressed hope for the success of the negotiating process and reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to assist in finding solutions that would help overcome the consequences of the unprovoked US-Israeli aggression against Iran and ensure lasting peace and sustainable security in the region. Abbas Araghchi thanked the Russian Federation for its principled position at the UN Security Council during discussions of the situation in the Persian Gulf. #RussiaIran

🚀Attention, space explorers: this is your mission! This year marks the 65th anniversary of humanity’s first journey into space, when Yuri Gagarin made history with the very first manned space flight! 🌍 To celebrate this incredible milestone, the Embassy of Russia in South Africa is launching a Space Time Quiz that’s out of this world! Test your knowledge of space and cosmic discoveries - CLICK HERE And win a special cosmos-themed prize all the way from Russia! Whether you’re a space enthusiast or just curious about the universe, this is your moment to shine like a star in a galaxy! 🤩The quiz will be online until 15 April. Share with your friends and family and good luck! #FirstInSpace#RussiaInSpace#RussianSpaceWeek2026

🇷🇺🇨🇳On April 8, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimovheld consultations in Beijing with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Cai Wei on Russia-China bilateral cooperation at the UnitedNations. The Sides conducted a detailed review of a broad range of issues on the agenda of the UN Security Council and the General Assembly, including: • reform of the UN Security Council, • the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative, • the election of non-permanent members of the Security Council and of the President of the 81st session of the General Assembly, • coordination within the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter, • aligning efforts with the Group of Friends of Global Governance, • a number of regional issues, with an emphasis on finding political and diplomatic solutions to the situation around Iran and on cooperation between our two countries on this track in the UN Security Council. The Sides also paid particular attention to the upcoming election of the UN Secretary-General. It was emphasized that the future head of the World Organisation must maintain an equidistant and neutral stance, approach the principles of the UN Charter in good faith and without selectivity, and work to build bridges among the Organisation’s member states. 🤝 Once again, the talks demonstratedthe high degree of mutual understanding and alignment of positions between our countries on the most important global issues, fully in line with the spirit of the Russia-China comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction entering a new era. #RussiaChina

🔴#LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the presentation of the International Festival of Youth 🔴Ruptly 🔴Russia's MFA Website

⚡️#KievRegimeCrimes 📑AReport on the crimes of the Kiev regime in March 2026 compiled by the Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry Rodion Miroshnik has been published. In March, Ukrainian forces significantly increased the number of war crimes against civilians compared to the beginning of 2026. The number of civilians in Russia who suffered from the actions of Ukrainian punitive forces in March 2026 exceeded 800 people – twice as much as the January figure (387 people) and one and a half times more than the February figure (536 people). ❗️ This is an undeniable result of the implementation of the strategy of the political and military leadership of the Kiev regime to destroy and intimidate the civilian population. Based on verified data as of March 31, 2026, the number of civilians in Russian regions injured and maimed by the actions of the Ukrainian armed formations was 687. The number of civilians killed by Ukrainian militants in March 2026 reached 114. Among the victims were 34 children who were injured and three who died. The increase in civilian victims is directly related to Kiev's strategy of compensating for its systemic defeats on the battlefield by using terrorist methods against civilians. The Zelensky regime has increased the number of deliberate, massive strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces against civilian targets both in frontline areas and in regions far from the line of combat contact. Over the past month, at least 16,091 munitions were fired at civilian targets, 2,000 more than in February or January of this year. The Zelensky regime actively used weapons and military equipment supplied by NATO and EU countries to attack social facilities, non-military industrial enterprises, and medical and educational institutions in order to undermine Russia's economy and influence domestic political sentiment within the country. 👉Report in full 👉Full report (PDF version)

⚡️Russian Foreign Ministry's statement on the outcome of the UN Security Council’s consideration of the situation in the Persian Gulf(April 8, 2026) On April 7, the UN Security Council voted on a draft resolution on ensuring the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the adjacent waters, prepared by Bahrain with the participation of Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Eleven members of the Security Council voted in favour, while two countries – Colombia and Pakistan – abstained. ❌Russia and China voted against. As a result, the document was not adopted. In recent days, through various channels, including during contacts between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Arab counterparts, efforts were made to convince our friends not to rush the vote on a draft that could have undermined peace efforts aimed at resolving the situation in the Persian Gulf. 🎙Explanation of vote by Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vassily Nebenzia Thanks to the sound position adopted by the UN Security Council at the insistence of Russia and China, the necessary conditions were secured for reaching understandings on a ceasefire and launching a negotiating process. We are convinced that these should extend to all theatres of confrontation, including Lebanon. We welcome the creation of a proper atmosphere for a political and diplomatic process. We understand that its outcome is not predetermined. Russia, together with all reasonable members of the international community, will actively contribute to achieving practical results in favour of the earliest possible restoration of peace in the Persian Gulf and across the Middle East. At the same UN Security Council meeting on April 7, Russian representatives announced their intention, with the support of their Chinese partners, to submit for the Council’s consideration an alternative draft resolution aimed at an immediate cessation of hostilities, support for the ongoing diplomatic efforts and peace initiatives. We hope that this balanced document will be supported by all members of the Security Council. ☝️Russia stands for the freedom of maritime navigation everywhere, not only in the Strait of Hormuz and the adjacent waters, but throughout the World Ocean. It is essential to preclude attacks on the commercial fleet of all countries, and to open corridors for Cuba and Venezuela. This problem must be resolved comprehensively and in cooperation with all countries concerned. We appreciate the position of the Arab countries, which have become hostage to the situation created by the US and Israel. 👉However, we are convinced that without ending the unprovoked aggression against Iran and without taking Tehran’s views into account, the problem of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz cannot be resolved.

🇷🇺🇹🇲April 8 marks 3️⃣4️⃣ years of diplomatic relations between Russia and Turkmenistan. The dialogue between Moscow and Ashgabat, which was given the status of a strategic partnership in 2017, is intense and based on the solid foundation of shared history, good-neighbourliness, mutual trust and respect for each other’s interests. The special nature of bilateral cooperation is enshrined in the Declaration on Deepening Strategic Partnership, which the Presidents of Russia and Turkmenistan signed in Moscow in the summer of 2022. The Document serves as a cornerstone for deepening ties across a broad range of areas including trade, energy, transport, digital technologies, education, culture, and information and biological security. Our countries maintain political dialogue at the high and highest levels, and exchange views on international and regional issues. Russia respects Turkmenistan’s neutral status, which is a vital factor of global stability and geopolitical balance. In 2025, Ashgabat marked the 3️⃣0️⃣th anniversary of its permanent neutrality, which has been recognised three times by the #UNGA resolutions. 🤝 On June 24-25, 2025, Russia's Foreign Minister SergeyLavrovpaid an official visit to Turkmenistan, where he was received by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and held substantive talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov. The negotiations were followed by the the signing of the Programme for Cooperation between Foreign Ministries of Russia and Turkmenistan for 2025-2026. 🎙 Excerpt from SergeyLavrov’s remarks and answers to questions during a meeting with employees of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan and faculty and students of the Institute of International Relations (Ashgabat, June 25, 2025): Russia-Turkmenistan cooperation can serve as a compelling example of relations between countries in a #MultipolarWorld, where the global balance continues to shift due to the strengthening of power centres beyond the historical West. <...> ✍️ From the article by Russian Ambassador to Turkmenistan IvanVolynkin"Pursuing the Deepening Strategic Partnership",published in the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan, for the 3️⃣4️⃣th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries (April 8, 2026): Moscow highly appreciates Ashgabat’s consistent diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in Central Asia and the Caspian region. One can say with certainty that Turkmenistan has a solid reputation as a respected platform for international meetings and talks that result in the adoption of important strategic initiatives. 📈 Russia is a leading trade and economic partner ofTurkmenistan.Over the past three years, Russia delivered to Turkmenistan goods and products worth of over $1.5 billion. Russian corporations, such as Gazprom, Tatneft, KAMAZ, the Vozrozhdenie Design and ConstructionGroup, and other economic entities, operate successfully in Turkmenistan. Our countries maintain close coordination across the main international and regional platforms, including the #CIS, the #UN, the Caspian Five, and in the Central Asia-Russia format. Moscow welcomes Ashgabat’s participation in the events held by #BRICS. 🌟 In Turkmenistan, our common history and the sacred memory of the heroism of our people during #WWII, is cherished. After Nazi Germany treacherously attacked our Motherland in 1941, 3'000 volunteers from the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic joined the Red Army, with hundreds of thousands fighting against Nazi invaders during the Great Patriotic War. In May 2025, our countries jointly celebrated the 8️⃣0️⃣th anniversary of the Great Victory. Russia appreciated the fact that President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the Victory Parade on Red Square in Moscow. An army unit from Turkmenistan took part in the parade to respect the memory of our combat brotherhood in #WW2. 🎉 We extend our cordial congratulations to our friends and colleagues in Turkmenistan on our shared anniversary, wish them prosperity and success! #RussiaTurkmenistan

🌟 On April 8, 1944, the Crimean Offensive of the Soviet forces commenced, one of the major operations of the Great Patriotic War, which resulted in the liberation of Crimea and Sevastopol. By fall of 1943, the Red Army had blocked over 200'000 enemy officers and soldiers on the Crimean Peninsula, a formation that posed a threat to the Soviet forces' logistics as they successfully advanced from the western bank of the Dnieper River. ⚔️ On the morning of April 8, 1944, Soviet forces delivered a decisive strike to the Nazi positions and, by April 10, broke through the enemy's defense. Over the next three days, the cities of Dzhankoi, Kerch, Yevpatoriya, Simferopol, Feodosiya, Bakhchisarai, Alushta, and Yalta were liberated. The success of the operation was ensured by the Red Army’s swift and resolute actions at the outset of the offensive, which allowed Soviet forces to advance rapidly. The Nazi-occupied peninsula was liberated in just 35 days as a result of the coordinated efforts of the Red Army, the Black Sea Fleet and the Azov Military Flotilla, under the command of Chief of General Staff, Marshal of the Soviet Union Alexander Vasilevsky. The Crimean Offensive led to the defeat of the 17th German Army, which had held Crimea, and the complete liberation of the peninsula. The German invaders were expelled from Crimea and the future Hero City Sevastopol. 🎖 In recognition of heroism and skillful actions, 160 units and formations received honorary titles. 56 units, formations and ships were awarded orders. 238 soldiers were named Heroes of the Soviet Union.

⚡️Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation: The Press Bureau of the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation (SVR) reports* that the leadership of the EU and a number of its leading member states has once again sunk to a new low in its madness and political irresponsibility driven by pathological Russophobia. According to information received by the SVR, Brussels has now embarked on a dangerous path that will inevitably undermine the foundations of the global security architecture and the international non-proliferation regime for weapons of mass destruction – all for the sake of advancing its design for a new “Drang nach Osten”. In the endless corridors of EU headquarters, secret work has already begun on the issue of creating the Union’s own nuclear weapons production capability – naturally, as Brussels claims, solely to deter the mythical Russian threat. Apparently, Ursula von der Leyen and her associates now find their role as the arsonists of the Ukrainian conflict too modest. They dream instead of the sinister notoriety of the leaders of Hitler’s Germany who unleashed the Second World War. At the initial stage, von der Leyen and her accomplices have agreed to maintain the strictest secrecy around these preparations. To distract both the international and European public, Brussels is outwardly demonstrating adherence to its traditional course of relying on the US “nuclear umbrella”. The EU leadership hopes this will buy time to covertly build up its own nuclear-industrial base and prepare public opinion to accept a political decision to acquire nuclear weapons. During this period, the UK and France will continue to strengthen coordination between their national nuclear doctrines. At a later stage, plans call for the formalisation of a pan-European doctrine of nuclear deterrence based on the French and British military-technical capabilities, as well as on the financial and infrastructural contributions of non-nuclear EU member states. At the same time, the EU intends to reserve for itself the option of establishing a fully autonomous command structure for nuclear forces. These plans rest on a serious industrial and technological foundation. ☢️ It is noteworthy that Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden and Spain already possess substantial expertise in the development of certain components of nuclear weapons. These countries have both civilian and military-industrial capacities that could be used to produce such components. Large quantities of irradiated nuclear fuel from decommissioned nuclear power units are stored on their territories. There is a possibility of its unauthorised removal from storage sites for the subsequent extraction of plutonium suitable for use in an atomic bomb. German specialists, in particular, are reportedly capable of covertly obtaining enough weapons-grade plutonium for a single nuclear explosive device within approximately one month in the hot cells of research laboratories in Karlsruhe, Dresden, Erlangen and Jülich, and enough weapons-grade uranium within a week at the enrichment facility in Gronau. ❗️We call on the US administration and the leadership of all other countries to do everything possible to prevent the EU from acquiring its own nuclear weapons, which would inevitably trigger a new round of the global nuclear arms race. *Unofficial translation

🎙Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the 46th meeting of the Council of Heads of Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation under the Russian Foreign Ministry on interregional cooperation with African countries(April 8, 2026, Moscow) 💬 Russia and Africa are bound by long-standing and close ties. Today, the countries of the continent are striving to finally overcome the remnants of colonial dependence and to strengthen their national sovereignty, above all in the economic and financial spheres. Those who describe the current period as Africa’s “second awakening” after the decolonisation of the 1960s are right. It was then that political independence was proclaimed, above all thanks to the decisive role of the Soviet Union, which promoted the relevant declarations at the UN. ☝️Recent years have shown that neo-colonial dependence has by no means disappeared. Economically and financially, in terms of control over trade routes and financial flows, Africa still does not enjoy full independence and continues, in economic terms, to serve as a source of raw materials. 👉The lion’s share of added value is still generated elsewhere – to a large extent, and decisively so, in the former metropolitan powers. African partners spoke about this more than once at the two Russia-African Union summits held in Sochi in 2019 and in St Petersburg in 2023. The decisions adopted at those summits should serve as guidelines in preparing for the next summit, which we plan to hold later this year. All this will contribute to Africa’s economic emancipation, ensure that it reaps the proper returns and benefits from its natural resources, and support the emergence of the African continent as one of the centres of the rising #MultipolarWorld. 🤝 I would like to stress in particular that we are restoring our presence on the African continent fairly rapidly, after it declined sharply during the breakup of the Soviet Union. At present, Russia has 45 embassies operating across the continent, with four more set to open in the near future. The key upcoming event on the foreign policy calendar is the third Russia-Africa Summit. It is due to be held in Moscow – this has been agreed – in late October this year. Preparations are currently underway. We count on the active participation of Russian regions in the relevant thematic sessions of this summit. I would once again like to underscore the special importance we attach to the interregional dimension of Russia-Africa relations. It is a solid foundation which, as it grows stronger, helps ensure the steady development of relations with our partners at the national level. Read in full