Russian MFA 🇷🇺

🎙Ambassador Andrei Kelin's answers to questions by RIA Novosti(6 April 2026) UK's plans to seize trade vessels linked to Russia 🔹The UK's intention to seize civilian vessels linked to our country in British territorial waters is yet another deeply hostile move against Russia. Attempts to cloak acts of piracy in a semblance of legality do not withstand scrutiny. 🔹 The Labour government's aim is to inflict as much damage as possible on Russia. This has long been its standard policy. However, attempting to seize a single Russian tanker out of the many allegedly attributed to Russia will do nothing to stabilise sentiment in oil markets. 🔹 Any attempt by the UK to seize vessels associated with Russia is regarded as unacceptable and inadmissible. Such a decision will not go unanswered. Appropriate measures are being developed. Conflict in the Middle East 🔹 The conflict in the Middle East has once again exposed London's cynicism. The British government pretends not to notice who started the conflict and who committed aggression. It criticises Iran for its retaliatory strikes, acting as though Iran had attacked first. At the same time, it turns a blind eye to war crimes against the Iranian civil population. 🔹 Allowing the Americans to use British bases to bomb Iran and deploying military aircraft to the region amounts to direct involvement, no matter how much Keir Starmer may try to spin it otherwise. 🔹 The tragic events in Iran and across the region are, in part, the result of London's policy, which has aligned itself with anti-Iranian "hawks" in Washington and contributed to the collapse of the JCPOA. It is now crucial for the UK to set as many countries as possible against Iran. Read in full

⚡️Kiev regime committed another crime against Russian journalists. On April 6, while on duty documenting the aftermath of a Ukrainian drone strike in Donetsk 🇷🇺, "Izvestia" correspondent Yevgeny Bykovsky was hit by a second targeted strike from a UAF drone and suffered a concussion. 📢 We draw the attention of #UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany to this crime and call for its condemnation in accordance with relevant decisions of the General Conference and Executive Board on Safety of Journalists.

🌐🇰🇿"Future Global Leaders' Workshop" in Astana by MGIMO and "Astana" Diplomatic Club: How It Was 📍On March 29 a joint event organized by MGIMO University and "Astana" Diplomatic Club — "Future Global Leaders' Workshop" — took place at Business Center “Moskva”. The event brought together over 200 school children, university students, and young professionals interested in pursuing careers in international relations and diplomacy. ▶️The event was opened by Elizaveta Rudenko, Head of International Marketing at MGIMO University, and Kairbolat Sakhmetov, President of “Astana” Diplomatic Club. Mr.Sakhmetov emphasized that such initiatives are of great significance in strengthening humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as in fostering youth connections. They offer young Kazakhstani citizens the opportunity to learn about one of the premier universities for training international affairs specialists, with an eye toward future admission. ▶️A welcoming address was delivered by Yuri Melnik, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Kazakhstan and a graduate of the MGIMO School of International Relations. “Today, it is especially important to be able to distinguish facts from opinions , to analyze current events , and to think strategically . This is precisely what our alma mater teaches,” the diplomat noted. He also highlighted other advantages of MGIMO graduates, including a strong corporate identity, a fundamental understanding of global processes, in-depth regional expertise, and excellent foreign language skills. At the conclusion of the official opening ceremony, Mr. Sakhmetov and Mr. Melnik were presented with letters of gratitude from the Rector of MGIMO University Anatoly Torkunov, along with commemorative gifts. 🗓️ The main program of the Workshop was intensive and practice-oriented. Elizaveta Rudenko, Head of the International Marketing, conducted a presentation of the University, during which the participants learned about the history, traditions, and educational opportunities of the alma mater of future global leaders. Leading MGIMO faculty members delivered a series of lectures. ▶️ Sofia Melnikova, lecturer at the Department of Diplomacy and research fellow at the Institute of International Studies , spoke about the key skills of an international affairs specialist in the 21st century and introduced the School of International Relations. ▶️ Maria Utkina, lecturer at the Department of Comparative Political Science and Deputy Dean of the School of Governance and Politics , gave a lecture on the political leadership in the modern era, spoke about the necessary competencies in the digital age, and presented the educational programs of the School of Governance and Politics. ⚡️️️️️️️️The participants took part in interactive sessions, where they had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a quiz on Russia-Kazakhstan relations, conducted by Yulia Popel, analyst at the International Marketing Group, and to complete a test to determine the most suitable field of study at MGIMO. ▶️We extend ourgratitude to the Russian Embassy in Kazakhstan and “Astana” Diplomatic Club fortheir comprehensive support in organizing and hosting the event. ❤️ The “MGIMO International” team always looks forward to seeing you at our events! Learn more about MGIMO on our website. 🌐MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

💬Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova: In recent days, German media outlets have published a number of reports recalling that, as of January 1, 2026, a provision of the Conscription Act (Wehrpflichtgesetz, WPflG) entered into force in Germany. From now on, all male German citizens between the ages of 17 and 45 are required to obtain a written permission from the Bundeswehr if they intend to leave the country for more than three months. Previously, such restrictions applied only in a state of emergency – namely under the legally defined “state of tension” or “state of defence”. Now, however, they have become a permanent measure that also affects German citizens in peacetime. Moreover, the law covers all purposes of long-term travel abroad – whether for study, work, tourism or medical treatment. The Bundeswehr, admittedly, insists that as long as military service remains voluntary, such permits will supposedly be issued without difficulty. Experts point out, however, that with so many caveats framed around “if” and “for as long as,” German men could be grounded at any moment if the need arises – the legal mechanism for doing so is now in place. ☝️Let me remind you: for years,German propaganda – spread through various disinformation outlets such as Deutsche Welle – has poured out streams of lies about Russia, casually branding it either a “country that uses police-state methods” or an “authoritarian regime”. In the end, it always comes down to the same incoherent bundle of Western clichés: “Time and again, the Russian police state strikes out against critics of the system”. What is more, Berlin has long been in the habit of blaming its own miscalculations, mistakes and failures on external factors – shifting the blame, as the saying goes, from the sick head to the healthy one. One recent example reads as follows: “In countries with authoritarian regimes, such as Russia and China, prices in the military-industrial sector may be significantly below market levels, since defence enterprises are controlled by the state, which also acts as their main customer. As a result, Europe’s defence industry is losing out in efficiency not only to Russia and China, but also to the US...” These moves by the German government form part of Chancellor Merz’s strategy of militarising the country, as outlined at the Munich Security Conference. Plans had previously been announced to increase the size of the Bundeswehr from 184,000 to 260,000 personnel by 2035, while all men born in 2008 or later have already been required to fill out so-called “service readiness questionnaires”. The staffing problem, meanwhile, is apparently to be solved... by lottery. At the same time, audiences on the popular German political talk show Presseclub are being told that conscription is supposedly good for one’s health, because during the medical examination “they check the prostate”... As they say, two birds with one stone 😹 ❗️Having lost itself in its current militarist fervour, Germany appears to have completely forgotten the lessons of history. The last time the German political elite set out to make their country the “leading military power in Europe”, it ended in a tragedy for all humanity.

🕯Condolences on the passing of Burdett “Burd” Sisler (April 14, 1915) The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Canada expresses its sincere condolences on the passing of Burdett Sisler Canada’s oldest citizen and a veteran of the Second World War, who passed away at the age of 110. Mr.Sisler belonged to a generation whose courage and sacrifice shaped the course of history. TheSoviet Union and Canada fought as brothers in arms to defeat Nazism, to secure peace forfuture generations. ❗️We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones, and all Canadians. 🔴🔴No one is forgotten! Nothing is forgotten! #Victory81#WeRemember#Lestweforget

#Announcement 🎙 On Wednesday, April 8, Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova will hold her weekly briefing on current foreign policy issues. 🕐 1:00 pm MSK 🕙 10:00 am GMT 🕚 11:00 am CET 🕕 6:00 pm CST For accreditation inquiries, please contact the MFA Press Centre. Accredited journalists will receive details on the technical aspects of submitting questions. The Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman will answer media questions received by the call centre. ❗️Accreditation is open until April 7, 10:00 am MSK

🎙Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s response to a media question on joint Japan-Ukraine war drone technology cooperation project(April 6, 2026) ❓Question: Japanese drone manufacturer Terra Drone Corporation has released a statement on its website confirming a strategic partnership with the Ukrainian developer Amazing Drones, which specialises in combat unmanned aerial systems. The Japanese company also openly stated that the deal forms part of a broader long-term strategy to enter the military products market, including attack systems. What can you say about this? 💬Maria Zakharova: Indeed, such information has been reported. Considering Ukraine’s relentless criminal provocations involving the use of UAVs against civilian assets in Russia, we view this step – clearly taken with the support of official authorities – as openly hostile and harmful to our country’s security interests, including the protection of civilians. By assisting the neo-Nazi regime led by Zelensky, Japan is becoming increasingly embroiled into the conflict around Ukraine, thereby inflicting further damage to its relations with Russia, which have already significantly worsened due to Tokyo’s actions. Clearly, such decisions do nothing to facilitate a swift resolution of the situation around Ukraine and only serve to prolong the hostilities. ☝️ A reminder: weapons posing a threat to our country and our citizens, as well as the production facilities that manufacture them on Ukrainian territory, are considered legitimate military targetsfor the Russian Armed Forces.

🎙 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at a meeting of the Russia-Islamic World strategic vision group with ambassadors of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states (Moscow, April 6, 2026) 💬 I am pleased to welcome the Ambassadors of the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, representatives of federal government bodies, members of the delegation of the Republic of Tatarstan, leaders of religious communities, and all our guests. Interethnic and interfaith accord has always been, and remains, cornerstone elements of Russia’s centuries-old statehood. Alongside other traditional religions, Islam constitutes an integral part of the spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage of our country. Among Russia’s unequivocal foreign policy priorities are the strengthening of mutually beneficial ties with the states of the friendly Islamic civilisation, as well as the promotion of dialogue with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which unites them. A significant role in the development of Russia’s partnership with the OIC is played by the Russia–Islamic World strategic vision group, under the leadership of head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov. This year, this platform – truly unique in its representativeness and thematic scope – marks its 20th anniversary. I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate all colleagues on this momentous occasion. Over this period, our joint work has yielded tangible results. A trusted dialogue has been established on pressing issues of the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East, which currently demands particular attention. Such contacts confirm the convergence or proximity of Russia’s and Muslim countries’ approaches to a wide range of global and regional matters. We are united by our commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in their entirety, completeness, and interrelationship. We advocate the construction of a just multipolar world order that opens new opportunities for the development of equitable cooperation, free from any form of discrimination or diktat. We devote considerable attention to expanding trade and economic interaction with the Islamic world and to implementing joint investment projects. In mid-May, Kazan will host a large business event – the next, 17th International Economic Forum Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum. Relevant invitations are being sent through Russian diplomatic and trade missions in OIC member states. We would be delighted to welcome delegations from all your countries to hospitable Kazan. Solid foundations also exist in the humanitarian sphere, as well as in culture, education, and science. Active contacts through religious leaders, along with youth and other public associations, help Muslims around the world to learn more about our country. In this regard, I would like to note particularly that Kazan has been declared this year’s Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. I am confident that the planned events will serve to promote the achievements of the multifaceted and distinctive culture of the Tatar people and of Russia as a whole, and will strengthen friendship and trust between the Russian Federation and the Islamic world.

🛩 On April 6, 1966, in the sky over West Berlin, Soviet pilots Boris Kapustin and Yuri Yanov performed their immortal feat. The heroes managed to steer a falling experimental aircraft away from residential areas, choosing to stay in the plane instead of ejecting, thus preventing civilian casualties at the cost of their own lives. Their fighter-bomber Yak-28, which had taken off from the Finow Airfield located 40 kilometers northeast of Berlin, lost both engines due to blocked fuel lines. Only 30 seconds passed between the engine failure and the aircraft's crash. The plane was losing altitude over the densely populated city and the pilots, with incredible effort, managed to steer the Yak-28 toward Lake Stessensee. Knowing that ejection could disrupt the aerodynamics and cause a complete loss of control, Kapustin and Yanov decided not to abandon the falling Yak-28. Until the very last seconds, the crew tried to save people on the ground, guiding the plummeting aircraft to the lake. The Yak-28 went into the water, and Kapustin and Yanov perished without abandoning their posts. On April 8, 1966, a memorial ceremony was held and the remains of the pilots were handed over to representatives of the Soviet military group in Germany. Delegations from various cities in both East and West Germany attended the ceremony and German citizens who wished to pay their last respects to the heroes brought flowers throughout the day. 🌟 On May 10, 1966, Boris Kapustin and Yuri Yanov were posthumously awarded the Order of the Red Banner by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. A memorial plaque was installed at the site of the crash. In Eberswalde and seven other cities in Germany, grateful residents erected commemorative signs. On March 30, 2001, a memorial was opened at the aviation museum at Finow Airfield. Their sacrifice and eternal bravery of the Soviet heores continue to live on in the hearts of those who remember them to this day.

#KievRegimeCrimes ⚡️ Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rodion Miroshnik: PHOTO FACTS & EVIDENCE of crimes committed by Ukrainian armed forces over the week of March 30 – April 5, 2026: ▪️ March 30 – a UAV strike targeted a farm…

#HistoryOfRussia 🗓 On April 6, 1654, the Great Sovereign, Tsar and Grand Duke of Russia Alexei I Romanov granted his royal charter to Hetman of the Zaporozhian Host Bogdan Khmelnitsky. The document secured Russia’s reunification with the lands and the people on the Left-Bank of the Dnieper River. In the late 16th and first half of the 17th centuries, the Polish-Lithuanian nobility increased pressure on the Orthodox population, descendants of the people of the Ancient Rus, living under the yoke of the predominantly Catholic Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. After the Brest Union was adopted in 1596, a significant portion of Orthodox clergy came under the authority of the Pope. Those who remained faithful to Orthodoxy became outcasts, losing hierarchical leadership, since the Metropolitan of Kiev, Mikhail Rogoza, also joined the Greek Catholics. In reality, the nobility pursued a policy of aggressive Polonisation and Latinisation of the population, depriving those who resisted of titles, lands, and subjecting them to persecution. All attempts by the Cossacks to reach an agreement with the Polish king failed, as the existence of an Orthodox free community within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was not part of the nobility’s plans. Under the threat of losing their religious and national identity, a liberation movement gradually began to form among the Orthodox population of the Dnieper region, laying the groundwork for uniting supporters of freedom from the nobility’s oppression and for reunion with Russia. From 1648, the Cossacks’ liberation struggle gained strong momentum. It was led by Hetman Bogdan Khmelnitsky, who repeatedly asked Alexei I Romanov for assistance, offering to place the Hetmanate under the “Tsar’s hand.” On January 8, 1654, at the Pereyaslav Rada, it was officially declared that the Zaporozhian Cossacks would enter into the subjugation of the Russian state. On April 6, Alexei I Romanov signed the charter, which for the first time used the title of the Russian monarch as “the Great Sovereign of All Great and Little Russia.” The decisions of the Pereyaslav Rada set a long-term course for the reunification of Russian lands; 140 years later, following the Second Partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Empress Catherine the Great issued a manifesto incorporating the Right-Bank Ukraine and Little Russia into the Russian Empire, marking the natural and lawful return of historically Russian lands to the Russian state. 📄 Must-Read: Article by President Vladimir Putin "On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians"

⚡️ According to incoming information, during the protests on April 2-3, the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Damascus and the residence of the Head of Mission came under attack. The incident involved attempted intrusions onto the premises, as well as acts of vandalism against the national symbols of the UAE. ☝️Russia strongly condemns this act, which constitutes a gross violation of the fundamental norms of international law, including the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. We call for a thorough investigation into this incident and for comprehensive measures to be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring.