Russian MFA 🇷🇺

🎙Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with the online project “Empatia Manuchi”(Manuchi's Empathy)(February 11, 2026) Read in full Key outtakes: • Russia's legitimate interest lies inensuring its own security. Like any normal country, we are interested in ensuring the continuity of our history and the development of our people in the most favourable external conditions – ones that enable economic growth, fulfilment of social objectives and a steady improvement in the well-being of our citizens. • Despite the constitutional guarantees of linguistic rights, over the past ten years approximately a dozen laws have been adopted in Ukraine – their passage began long before the special military operation – that effectively eradicate the Russian language from all spheres of public life. I have repeatedly cited this example in interviews and during negotiations: Ukraine is the only country where an entire language has been banned. In no other conflict do the parties prohibit each other’s languages. • There are very few sober voices in Europe calling for a serious approach to Ukrainian conflict resolution. Not in order to satisfy Zelensky, preserve his hold on power and allow him to continue his "performances" on the international stage, but in order for Europe to create a new security architecture and ensure peace – taking into account not only the legitimate interests of the Ukrainian people (which the Zelensky clique by no means represents), but also those of Russia. • When the West speaks of security guarantees today, it is not referring to guarantees that include Russia, but to guarantees directed against Russia. I repeat: the Kiev regime says it will not recognize anything de jure, yet claims it is willing to halt hostilities de facto– on the understanding that Europeans will provide ironclad security guarantees, ratified by their parliaments, and deploy troops. • There is plenty that can be criticized about the UN: its inflated staffing, for instance. Not to the scale of the EU or the European Commission, where matters have gone beyond reasonable bounds, but still significant. At the UN, at least certain limits of propriety are observed. • In the late Soviet period, despite our objections, permanent contracts were introduced at the UN. Previously, appointments had to be renewed every five years. Now they are indefinite. Once a person secures a permanent contract, they settle in New York – their children study there, roots are put down. This inevitably makes the UN and its Secretariat a highly politicized instrument. • The root cause of the Ukrainian crisis – created, financed and carried out by the West, which organized a coup d’état through the hands of Ukrainian neo-Nazis – was never seriously considered by the UN, not even remotely. When the then Ukrainian president Poroshenko declared that “our children will go to bright kindergartens and schools, while the children in Donbass will rot in basements”, when, for many years, Crimea was subjected to a water and energy blockade – they kept their silence. Today, they lament the suffering of Ukraine’s energy sector. Yet none of them lifted a finger when, following the coup, the Ukrainian putschists openly proclaimed that they would strangle Crimea – energetically, economically, in terms of food supplies and water deliveries.

🔴#LIVE: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks during Government Hour at the State Duma 🔴Russia's MFA Website 🔴Ruptly

🎙 Russia's Ambassador to Thailand Evgeny Tomikhin to RT on Diplomatic Workers' Day (February 10, 2026) 💬 The point is cooperation between Russia and foreign friends. Of course, first of all through diplomacy. Without any meetings or personal contacts, diplomacy might not be as comprehensive as it should be. But for us, during Diplomats’ Day, we recall our veteran diplomats, older generations, teachers. Because everyone, during his or her diplomatic career, accumulated a lot of experience and knowledge learned from the older generation. It is very important to learn from history. That is the problem, I think, in many Western countries today. It is quite a basic and obvious principle — if you forget the past, there will be no future. You should learn lessons from history. We have a similar attitude with Thai friends: they pay quite big attention to historical experience and lessons.

🇷🇺🇿🇦Russian Embassy in South Africa: 🎙 Russian Ambassador to South Africa Roman Ambarov’s comment to Sputnik Africa: Diplomacy today is more demanding than ever, but it is also deeply rewarding. <...> Our work here in Africa is both particularly important and deeply responsible. Africa is confidently moving to the forefront of global politics and the global economy. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described this process as the continent's new awakening, and we are supporting it at every level. 📈 Over the past five years, trade between Russian and African countries has grown by more than 60 percent from 17 to almost 28 billion dollars. Behind these figures are real projects in energy, industry, agriculture, transport, and high-tech sectors. We are significantly strengthening humanitarian cooperation. The number of African students studying in Russia has nearly doubled, and this trend continues. <...> Our country consistently supports Africa in realizing its potential on the global stage. Last year was especially significant. South Africa chaired the G20 for the first time, and Russia took an active part in all key events of the South African Presidency.

🎙Remarks by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the 15th Middle East Conference(Moscow, February 9, 2026) 💬Sergey Lavrov: The Middle East is the focal point of numerous global processes. Even if they originate elsewhere, many of these processes spill over into the Middle East in one way or another conflicting with the interests of other countries. Much to my regret, I don’t think things in this region will calm down anytime soon, despite the vast number of initiatives we are all aware of. Many of them emerged shortly after the Arab Spring, when in 2011 the West set out to ravage undesirable regimes in Libya and Syria. Thankfully, not much blood was shed in Tunisia. The regime there changed without significant casualties. Iraq is on that list, too, of course, but Iraq was before the Arab Spring. <...> Developments are underway in Yemen and Sudan. The ripple effect of the developments in Somalia can be felt in the Middle East, especially after Somaliland had been recognised recently by our Israeli colleagues, and the ensuing reaction from Mogadishu. All of this is unfolding against the backdrop of the principal trend which is driving the Palestinian issue into a hopeless impasse. This isn’t the first time this is happening, as the previous Trump administration promoted the Abraham Accords when the Saudi Arabian King’s 2002 Arab Peace Initiative was turned upside down. It proclaimed the creation of a Palestinian state and the recognition of Israel by the entire Arab world. Everyone hoped that this would actually come to pass. Moreover, after the Arab League endorsed this Saudi Arabian initiative, it was also endorsed at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Summit in Beirut. All Islamic countries unanimously backed the initiative to recognise Israel in the context of the creation of a viable Palestinian state in accordance with UN resolutions. The Abraham Accords dramatically changed the sequence of events. First, everyone was supposed to recognise Israel, and, they said, we’ll see what happens next. We are now observing what stood behind “we’ll see.” <...> We get convinced on a daily basis that more efforts are needed. Yes, a Peace Council has been established, as have bodies subordinate to it, including an executive body made up of Palestinian technocrats. Their real powers remain unknown. We hope that these issues will be clarified all the more so as our American colleagues have now suddenly announced a transition to the second phase of implementation of President Trump’s plan. This phase includes reconstruction work and humanitarian issues. The prospect of creating a Palestinian state remains the key issue. The arrangements can be made to provide temporary housing for the Palestinians. As you may be aware, nothing in this world is more permanent than a temporary solution. Everyone understands this. <...> I cannot help but say that we are closely following the Iran-related developments. We welcome the mediation efforts offered by the Sultanate of Oman. Yesterday, I spoke at length with my friend, the head of the Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Badr Al Busaidi. We believe this issue must be settled peacefully. We understand that, as in the case of Palestine, some of the direct participants in the process may be tempted to use force and finish off their opponents, so to speak. However, this is the wrong approach. It will only lead to more problems and will in no way resolve the issue or ensure the security of any country. I think you are well aware of it. Therefore, we and our Chinese colleagues remain in constant contact with our Iranian friends. <...> Events are currently unfolding in Syria. In addition to maintaining unity and interethnic and interfaith harmony in the Syrian Arab Republic, the Kurdish issue has also become a pressing issue, affecting not only Syria but many other countries in the region as well. The events currently unfolding around the Syrian Kurds also deserve a separate discussion. This, as I earlier said, is an issue of regional dimension. Read in full

On 8 February, SBS aired the film The Anti-Soviet Fighters(French-Lithuanian co-production), which is built entirely on lies and a cynical falsification of history. Members of the“Forest Brothers” armed gangs are portrayed as heroes who “waged a decade-long fight against Soviet control in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia”. In fact, the core of this “movement” was composed of former military personnel of the Baltic states belonging to the territorial SS battalions. They were involved in bloody crimes against civilians. The Nuremberg Tribunal designated all persons officially admitted as members of the SS as criminals. According to official figures, between 1944 and 1956, the “Forest Brothers” killed more than 25'000 people in Lithuania, including over 1'000 children (52 of them were under the age of two), more than 2'000 in Latvia and 800 in Estonia. The overwhelming majority of the victims were local common people who supported the Soviet authorities or simply refused to assist underground bandit formations. ❗️This film is an attempt to brainwash the SBS audience, revise the outcomes of the Nuremberg Tribunal and glorify murderers depicting them as “freedom fighters”. Rewriting the history of the Second World War is adangerous path to revival of Nazism and to tragedies which must never be repeated.

🎙Remarks by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov following the wreath-laying ceremony on the occasion of Russian Diplomatic Workers' Day (February 10, 2026) Read in full 💬Sergey Lavrov: It is a great honour to welcome our friends and allies to this ceremony today. I greatly appreciate the presence of representatives of the #CIS and senior officials from the executive bodies of the Eurasian integration associations. We are confident that respect for our shared history and devotion to the unparalleled heroism of our fathers and grandfathers during the Great Patriotic War constitute a vital foundation for deepening cooperation between our diplomatic services and states, while also providing a solid basis for the successful implementation of unifying initiatives across the Eurasian space. Preserving the memory of our struggle against Nazism is of particular importance in preventing this hateful ideology from re-emerging in any form or manifestation. This year marks 80 years since the conclusion of the Nuremberg Trials, when history delivered its final and irrevocable verdict on the war criminals of the Third Reich for the genocide of the peoples of the former Soviet Union. We will continue our efforts to ensure that the rulings of the Tribunal remain inviolable and that the crimes once condemned never occur again – whether in Ukraine or anywhere else in Europe where attempts are being made to disguise Nazism as something acceptable. In close coordination with our allies, strategic partners and friends from the Global Majority, we will continue to promote a constructive international agenda, strengthen security throughout Eurasia and advance various forms of integration in line with the initiatives put forward by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. Through these efforts, we aim to facilitate the formation of a #MultipolarWorldfirmly grounded in the principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and interconnection. ❗️We will continue to resolutely defend Russia's national interests, do everything necessary to protect the lives and dignity of our citizens and compatriots, preserve and build upon the historical, spiritual and moral legacy passed down to us by our ancestors. I am strongly convinced that the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is fully prepared to meet these challenges. You have my sincere gratitude. In conclusion, I would like to extend my congratulations on Russian Diplomatic Workers' Day to all employees of the Ministry’s central office in Moscow, its territorial missions in Russia's regions, our diplomatic missions abroad, and our dear veterans of the diplomatic service. #DiplomatsDay2026

🎙Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's response to a media question regarding the decision of the Israeli Government to tighten control in the West Bank (10 February 2026) ❓Question: According to incoming reports, on February 8, the Israeli Government, at a meeting of its inter-ministerial Commission on National Security, approved a package of measures that unilaterally revises the rules for land registration and property acquisition in the West Bank. This may imply the lifting of a long-standing ban on non-Muslims acquiring land in the area. At the same time, Israeli authorities would assume control over holy sites revered by followers of all Abrahamic religions, as well as oversight of compliance with environmental legislation. What is the position of the Russian MFA on this matter? 💬Maria Zakharova: The official text of this decision has not yet been published. However, it has already provoked sharp criticism from Palestinians and across the Arab-Muslim world. The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) views it as an open attempt to “legalize the expansion of settlements, land confiscation and the destruction of Palestinian property in areas under Palestinian sovereignty”. The new Israeli decisions concerning the West Bank warrant condemnation by the international community and give rise to serious concern. An attempt has been made to depart from the spirit and provisions of the Oslo II Accord, concluded in 1995 between Israel and the PNA. Another blow is being dealt to the prospects for stabilizing the situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone and for a final settlement of the Palestinian issue on the well-known international legal basis, with the two-State solution at its core. ☝️We call on the Israeli authorities to reconsider the planned steps aimed at altering the status quo in the West Bank, in order to avoid further dangerous escalation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone and throughout the region.

⚡️Statement by Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the terrorist attack in Islamabad(February 10, 2026) On February 6, a suicide bomber carried out an attack on a mosque in Islamabad, killing 32 people and injuring 170. We strongly condemn this barbaric act, carried out during Friday prayers amid a large gathering of worshippers, once again demonstrating the inhuman nature of terrorism. Moscow has consistently advocated for uniting the efforts of all members of the international community in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We stand ready to step up cooperation with Islamabad in countering this common threat. ▪️ We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. Russia's President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

🇷🇺🇿🇦📞On February 10, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa spoke over the phone. Issues related to the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the trade, economic and investment spheres were discussed, in line with the Russia-South Africa Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The situation around Ukraine was also addressed. Cyril Ramaphosa expressed support for Russia’s efforts aimed at achieving a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict. During an exchange of views on current international affairs, the Presidents noted the importance of continuing coordination between Russia and South Africa, including within the frameworks of the #G20 and #BRICS. #RussiaSouthAfrica

🇷🇺🇹🇿 On February 9, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovmet with Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo who is in Moscow on a special mission. The Tanzanian Foreign Minister conveyed a message for President of Russia Vladimir Putin from President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan. The Ministers discussed a wide range of issues related to the further strengthening of the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Tanzania, with a special focus on expanding cooperation in trade, economic, and investment spheres. The importance of consistently advancing previously reached agreements was emphasised in the context of preparations for the Third Session of the Joint Intergovernmental Russian–Tanzanian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, scheduled for May 2026. When discussing current international and regional matters, the parties noted their shared principled positions in support of a polycentric world order, as well as the principles of justice and equality in international affairs. 🤝 They reaffirmed their mutual commitment tofurther deepen constructive cooperation and coordinate efforts on pressing global and regional issues within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral formats. *** 💬Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks👇 Mr Minister, It is a pleasure to receive you. I am ready to accept the message entrusted to you. The communication from President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan will be conveyed without delay to President Vladimir Putin. We eagerly await the visit of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to Russia. She holds an invitation. As soon as she identifies suitable dates, we will be delighted to welcome her to our country. I trust you will accompany her. 🗓 I must emphasise that our two nations share a long history of relations. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and Tanzania. Today, we can discuss the commemoration of this milestone – through the exchange of messages, as well as various events and exhibitions. I wish to note my satisfaction with the close cooperation between Russia and Tanzania in international fora, notably the United Nations, as well as within the framework of the Russia–Africa strategic partnership. We are presently negotiating the dates and venue for the Third Russia–Africa Summit. As you will recall, we have also instituted a ministerial-level meeting format. The First Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum was convened in Sochi in November 2024, followed by the Second conference in Cairo in December 2025. There are many subjects which it would be productive to discuss today with a view to further strengthening our collaboration. I look forward to hearing your assessments regarding our bilateral cooperation across the economic, commercial, financial, cultural, and educational domains. #RussiaTanzania#RussiaAfrica

🎙On February 10, 2007, President of Russia Vladimir Putin delivered his historic and in many ways prophetic address at the Munich Security Conference, focusing on the state of international relations and the mounting challenges to global security. ❗️ The issues and themes raised by the President have lost none of their relevance. Nineteen years ago, Vladimir Putin issued a clear and unambiguous warning to Western countries: the refusal to engage in an equal dialogue with Russia, arrogant disregard for international law, and attempts to entrench a unipolar world by force would inevitably lead to rising tensions and a systemic security crisis. That is exactly what happened. 💬Key excerpts from Vladimir Putin’s historic address: • International security issues extend far beyond military-political stability. The comprehensive, indivisible nature of security is reflected in its core principle: security for one is security for all. • A unipolar world means a world with one master, one sovereign. Ultimately, this is destructive not only for everyone within such a system, but also for the sovereign itself, as it corrodes it from within. • A unipolar world has nothing to do with democracy. Democracy, as is well known, is the rule of the majority with due regard for the interests and opinions of the minority. Russia is constantly being lectured on democracy – yet those who do the lecturing seem unwilling to learn themselves. • Unilateral, illegitimate actions have not resolved a single problem. On the contrary, they have generated new human tragedies and new centres of tension. Judge for yourselves: the number of wars, local and regional conflicts has not decreased. • [In 2007] We have reached a pivotal moment when we must seriously reflect on the entire architecture of global security. This must be based on seeking a reasonable balance between the interests of all participants in international relations. • It is obvious that NATO expansion has nothing to do with the modernization of the Alliance or with ensuring security in Europe. On the contrary, it is a serious provocation that reduces the level of mutual trust. • We have the legitimate right to ask frankly: against whom is this expansion directed? And what happened to the assurances given by Western partners after the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact? Where are those statements now? No one even remembers them. • The main global challenge for Russia, the US and Europe alike is terrorism and the fight against it. Does one need Russia to fight against terrorism? Certainly! But we are not in NATO – nor are many other countries. Yet we can work effectively on this issue only by joining our efforts. Therefore, the expansion of NATO’s military infrastructure and its advance towards our borders have nothing to do with the democratic choices of individual states. I would ask that these two concepts not be confused. • Will Russia use military force without UN authorization? We will always act strictly within the framework of international law. Let me remind both myself and my colleagues that, under the UN Charter, peacekeeping operations require authorization from the UN Security Council. At the same time, the UN Charter contains an article on the right to self-defence – and no sanctions are required in that case. • Russia is a country with a history spanning more than a thousand years, and for virtually all that time it has exercised the privilege of pursuing an independent foreign policy. We do not intend to abandon this tradition today.