Russian MFA 🇷🇺

The MGIMO team has completed a working tour to Vietnam, Laos, and Indonesia!🇻🇳🇱🇦🇮🇩 The trip was filled with meetings, events, emotions, and new plans. We fondly recall everything that happened over these ten days and are sharing the brightest moments of the visit. 🌐 The main events were, of course, the "MGIMO Days" – special events for prospective students held at the Russian Centers of Science and Culture in Hanoi,Vientiane, and Jakarta. ➖These meetings aimed to introduce high school students and undergraduates to the history, values, educational programs, and extracurricular life of the forge of global leaders, provide answers to all pressing questions firsthand, and immerse the participants in MGIMO's academic atmosphere. ➖Over 400 students took part in the events in total. The attendees listened with great interest to lectures by MGIMO professors, asked questions to the speakers, and showed genuine curiosity about the opportunities for studying at MGIMO and in Russia as a whole. ➡Distinguished guests of the "MGIMO Days"included Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation, heads of the Russian Centers of Science and Culture, and high-ranking university alumni. ⚡️Furthermore, MGIMO made a strong impression at the World Education Expos in Vientiane and Jakarta.During these exhibitions, the International Marketing Group conducted university presentations, engaged with interested students, handed out commemorative gifts, and answered various questions about studying and life at MGIMO. ✒️Finally, this trip was rich in fruitful working contacts: the MGIMO delegation discussed new projects with representatives of Embassies, Russian Centers of Science and Culture, companies, and news agencies, while also agreeing to expand cooperation with leading universities and relevant ministries of the three countries. 📷 We are pleased to note that all these events received wide coverage in Russian and foreign media, which highlighted MGIMO's popularity among international applicants and Russia's role in the region. However, it's hardly possible to fit all the outcomes of this event-packed and emotionally rich trip into a single post. We have gathered many impressions and will definitely continue sharing them with you! 👆Discover more highlights from the visit here. Learn more about MGIMO on our website. 🌐MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

#KievRegimeCrimes 📄The Final Report on the crimes committed by the Kiev regime in 2025 has been published, prepared by the Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rodion Miroshnik. In 2025 alone, Ukrainian armed groups fired at least 130,627 munitions at Russian civilian facilities – over 42,000 more strikes than in 2024 (when the number of attacks reached at least 87,885). The average daily number of shelling incidents in 2025 exceeded 350. The increase in Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Russia was observed primarily during periods when attempts were being made to advance a negotiation process to resolve the conflict, including US initiatives. ❗️Such actions may be viewed as a systematic approach by Kiev aimed at undermining peace initiatives. ◼️ Over 12 months, at least 6,483 civilians were affected by the criminal actions of Ukrainian militants. Of these, at least 5,418 were injured or maimed, and no fewer than 1,065 civilians were killed. At least 293 minors were affected–22 children were killed and 271 injured. The youngest injured child was just 3 months old. Since February 2022, as a result of decisions taken by the Ukrainian political leadership and the execution of criminal orders by militants of the Kiev regime, at least 7,746 civilians have been killed. The total number of civilians affected since the start of the special military operation amounts to at least 26,148 people, including no fewer than 18,402 injured or maimed. ◼️ The “hunt” for Russian journalists has become an important element of the criminal strategy of the Kiev regime, aimed at preventing the disclosure of reliable information about the real situation along the line of contact and the war crimes of Ukrainian militants. In 2025, there was a significant increase in attacks on Russian journalists. During the reporting period, 7 media representatives were killed and 10 were wounded to varying degrees of severity. ◼️ The Kiev regime continued to deliberately obstruct the rescue of civilians injured by UAF attacks. Over the past 12 months, 5 rescuers were killed and 78 were injured as a result of Ukrainian shelling. ◼️ Over the year, at least 81 cases of shelling of medical facilities were recorded. In addition, militants of the UAF disabled no fewer than 56 units of specialized medical transport. As a result of UAF attacks on ambulances, medical facilities and individual medical teams, 50 healthcare workers were affected – 10 were killed while performing their professional duties, and 40 were injured to varying degrees of severity. ☢️ The Ukrainian side repeatedly attempted strikes on facilities whose destruction could lead to the “release of hazardous elements”, first and foremost nuclear power plants. During the period under review, at least 29 attempted strikes on Russia’s nuclear energy facilities were recorded. The Zaporozhye NPP was attacked 23 times, while the Novovoronezh, Kursk and Smolensk NPPs were each attacked twice. Due to UAF shelling of the Zaporozhye NPP territory, #IAEA observer rotations were disrupted twice. Moreover, because of continuous Ukrainian strikes on power transmission lines supplying the plant, the NPP operated in isolated mode without connection to the energy grid for one and a half months. ⚖️ Russian investigative authorities are consistently and systematically taking measures to bring Ukrainian militants to criminal responsibility. In 2025, the Investigative Committee of Russiainitiated 3,208 criminal cases related to crimes committed by Ukrainian armed formations. To date, 874 criminal cases have been referred by prosecutors to the courts against accused Ukrainian servicemen and mercenaries. Courts have already issued convictions in 810 cases, involving 1,078 individuals. 👉Full version of the report (PDF)

🎥 Ahead of Diplomatic Workers' Day celebrated in Russia on February 10, watch the State Historical Museum video tour dedicated to Artamon Matveyev(1625–1682), an outstanding Russian statesman and diplomat of the 17th century. Artamon Matveyev entered state service at a young age and gradually rose to prominence at the court of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. In 1669, he was appointed head of the Posolsky Prikaz, the institution that served as Russia’s early foreign ministry. Matveyev held this position until 1676, playing a key role in shaping Russia’s diplomatic relations with European powers during a crucial period of state development. This video tour explores key stages of Matveyev’s life and career, highlighting his contribution to the development of Russian diplomacy and offering insight into the dramatic events of the late 17th century that shaped the country’s history. #DiplomatsDay#DWR2026

🇷🇺🇧🇷 On February 5, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov held a meeting in Brasilia with Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil Maria Laura da Rocha. Conducted in the constructive spirit characteristic of Russian-Brazilian dialogue, the conversation focused on current matters of bilateral cooperation and prospects for deepening collaboration within multilateral platforms. #RussiaBrazil

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’sopening remarks during talks with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Federal Councillor of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu(Moscow, February 6, 2026) 💬 Mr Minister, Mr Secretary General, Colleagues. We are delighted to see you. Having assumed the Chairmanship-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Switzerland, the country you, Your Excellency Ignazio Cassis, represent, has shown interest in resuming a meaningful diplomatic conversation with the Russian Federation. We appreciate this. Of course, the fact that his Excellency OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu is taking part in our talks will make them even more focused and substantial, since we will have to discuss global processes which have been affecting the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe in an extremely negative way. I will not elaborate on the examples demonstrating how the OSCE found itself in the current state of an abysmal crisis and on the brink of self-destruction. The reason is quite simple and consists of a radical rejection by most Western countries of the high principles set out in the Helsinki Final Act, as well as declarations adopted at the subsequent OSCE summits. Yesterday, we started the conversation on this sensitive topic in an informal setting with all of you who are present here today. It is our hope that we will continue this discussion today, this time as part of a formal meeting. In order to assure the media that we are not trying to hide anything from them, let me tell you right away that we will not hold a joint news conference. Minister Ignazio Cassis decided to talk to the media upon returning to Switzerland. As for us, we will make sure to meet with the press once we wave our guests goodbye.

🇷🇺The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Canada, together with the Consulate General of Russia in Toronto and the Canadian Association of World War II Veterans from the Soviet Union, held a traditional meeting with veterans, volunteers, and representatives of public organizations. 🇷🇺 The meeting served as an important platform for dialogue and for reviewing ongoing memorial and historical work. Participants discussed upcoming patriotic initiatives in the context of preparations for the 8️⃣1️⃣st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. 💬Ambassador Oleg Stepanov: Preserving the historical memory of Soviet people’s feat in the war remains our top priority. I would like to sincerely thank the veterans, volunteers, and active members of the Russian community in Canada for their efforts to defend the truth about Victory. 🔴 During the meeting, the Ambassador presented a commemorative gift from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to Arkady Nesonelievich Gorbunov, who celebrated his 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣th birthday on September 5, 2025. 🪖 Arkady Gorbunov is a frontline veteran who endured a difficult combat path and was wounded twice. For his courage and bravery, he was awarded the Order of the Red Star and the Order of the Patriotic War (1st Class), as well as combat medals. After the war, he devoted himself to peaceful labor and science, working for many years at an aircraft manufacturing plant. 🔴🔴No one is forgotten. Nothing is forgotten. #WeRemember#Victory81

🔴#LIVE: Remarks and answers to media questions by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov following talks with Chairperson-in-Office, Federal Councillor of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu in Moscow. 🔴Ruptly 🔴X (ex-Twitter) 🔴Facebook 🔴Russia's MFA website

🔴#LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Chairperson-in-Office, Federal Councillor of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu in Moscow. 🔴Ruptly 🔴X (ex-Twitter) 🔴Facebook 🔴Russia's MFA website

🇷🇺🇧🇷 Mikhail Mishustin invited representatives from Brazil to take part in St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Russian Prime Minister announced this at the opening of the Russia–Brazil Business Forum timed to Eighth meeting of Russian-Brazilian High-Level Commission on Cooperation: “Issues of expanding international cooperation are always a priority for the Russian Government. Following the instructions of the President of Russia, we are building a network of partnerships with foreign countries and the necessary infrastructure for foreign economic activity. We believe it is important to strengthen direct contacts between business communities.” Photo credit: Russian Government 🌺RoscongressDirect

🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at Russia's Perm Krai presentation (Moscow, February 5, 2026) 💬 I am pleased to welcome everyone to the presentation of the Perm Krai, the first presentation of a Russian region this year. The Perm Krai is an industrially advanced and distinctive region with strong economic, investment and tourism potential, a fascinating history and culture, and diverse natural resources. <…> The Kama Region carries on glorious arms-making traditions of its ancestors. New types of weapons are developed here, and critical equipment and materiel for the country’s defence complex, including for the special military operation, are produced. Russia can take pride in the fact that Perm designers are creating and refining modern domestic aircraft engines using the most advanced technologies in the process. Thanks to the support provided by the regional government and the provision of tax breaks, the IT sector is making wide strides. More than 1,500 IT companies operate successfully in the region, playing an important role in the digital transformation of the Russian economy and public administration. The region boasts rich mineral reserves, including oil and gas, mineral salts and coal, as well as gold and diamonds. More than 1,500 deposits of 53 types of mineral resources have been explored. Chemical enterprises in the region account for 97 percent of Russia’s total output of potassium fertiliser and are major taxpayers, including owing to exports revenue. ☝️ The Kama Region is effectively developing foreign economic and international ties. We endeavour to support our friends in this regard. Today, the region’s trading partners include 124 countries. The Perm Territory is implementing major projects with a total investment amounting to around 630 billion roubles. The regional leadership and the Governor are committed to expanding contacts with friendly countries. <…> The region boasts major scientific and educational potential and uses it to export Russia’s higher education. More than 5,500 foreign students from 60 countries study at 17 higher learning institutions in the region. The most sought-after specialisations include biotechnology, pharmacology, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. Perm universities are actively engaged internationally and are maintaining ties with their partners from China and the countries of Central Asia and Africa. With the support of the All-Russian political party United Russia, international public and political hearings were held in Perm in May 2025 to support President Putin’s initiative to form a Eurasian architecture of equal and indivisible security. The event, in which I had the pleasure of taking part, brought together over 300 foreign participants, including parliamentarians and representatives of leading political parties and business and expert circles from over 30 countries. <…> The Western Urals region is renowned for its geographical and natural diversity. Perm and the surrounding territories are popular with the Russian and foreign tourists. <…> A large number of cultural and public events are held in the Kama Region, and the festival movement is making strides as well. I would especially note the internationally renowned Perm Ballet and the Diaghilev Festival, which each year becomes a focal point for cultural figures from around the world. In 2025, Perm was designated as Russia’s Youth Capital. This means that the city is looking to the future in every sense, providing comprehensive assistance and support to young people and families. 🤝 Once again, I would like to confirm that our Ministry takes great pleasure in providing, and will continue to provide, support for all these initiatives. This kind of regional contributions form the material foundation of our diplomatic activity. Read in full

#Announcement 🗓 On February 6, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to hold talks in Moscow with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Federal Councillor of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu (Türkiye). Sergey Lavrov’s previous meeting with Ignazio Cassis and Feridun Sinirlioglu took place in New York in September 2025 on the sidelines of the high-level week as part of the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly. Elected by the organisation’s members for one calendar year, the OSCE’s chairship-in-office is tasked with: • coordinating the activities and holding consultations on current matters, • appointing the heads of field missions and special representatives on conflicts and various issues, • holding meetings of the OSCE’s decision-making bodies and other events. The country assuming the OSCE chairmanship must focus on consensus-based approaches and take into account the diversity of opinions as expressed by member states as well as strictly adhere to the mandate of the chairship as set out in the decision of the 2002 OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in Porto titled “The role of the OSCE chairmanship-in-office” and the Permanent Council Decision No. 845 dated 2002 titled “OSCE statements and public information.” Considering the current situation within the OSCE, it can hardly play any role in ensuring security within the new multipolar world order. There is no doubt that the OSCE could benefit from taking into account the experience of associations such as the #SCO, #BRICS and the #CIS, where countries have been guided by the principles of equality and mutual support. The talks will focus on overcoming the deep crisis the OSCE is currently experiencing. It results from the destructive actions by some Western countries, who have been seeking to exploit the OSCE in the pursuit of their vested interests, including by unleashing an anti-Russian hysteria. Finland was proactive in encouraging this posture during its chairmanship-in-office in 2025. It failed to fulfil its mandate as an honest broker. In particular, nothing was done to bring the three security dimensions – politico-military, economic and environmental, and humanitarian – back to normal. There has been virtually no progress along these tracks since 2022 which is attributable to an almost total Ukrainisation of the OSCE agenda. 🇷🇺Russia intends to discuss the prospects for addressing the existing problems while respecting the interests of all the participating countries. <...> During the meeting, participants will pay special attention to the OSCE’s economic and environmental dimension, which is designed to harmonise the interests of the participating states in the corresponding sectors. Russia will stress that it is unacceptable to use tools pertaining to the second basket when assessing environmental damage in Ukraine and promoting manifestly confrontational positions such as subjecting climate-related matters to the security agenda. <...> The Foreign Minister will focus on the most recent issues within the OSCE space, i.e., countering the manifestations of neo-Nazism, preventing the falsification of history and media censorship, defending traditional values, the rights of believers and ethnic minorities. Sergey Lavrov also intends to point out there has been a tendency for over three years now to replace OSCE’s key events, including the Humanitarian Segment of the OSCE Review Conference, with formats operating outside of the consensus rule. <...> Russia will draw the Chairperson-in-Office’s attention to the need to address Russia’s obvious underrepresentation in senior political roles within the OSCE, as well as the need to ensure that Russian candidates are treated in an impartial manner.

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’sopening remarks at a meeting with President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Alen Simonyan(Moscow, February 5, 2026) 💬 We know you had a fulfilling visit to the Russian Federation. The last time we met was in 2021. We operate on the premise that our contacts at the top political and parliamentary level have been quite steady and substantial over the past year. We are interested in keeping it this way. Armenia is our ally and strategic partner. The situation in the South Caucasus is quite challenging, and we are aware of it. Certain progress has been made and things have been agreed upon by Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan, and the Prime Minister of Armenia in 2020-2022. We believe all of that remains relevant, especially if we want to overcome all economic, transport, and logistical issues in the South Caucasus. Armenia should benefit significantly from these decisions; all obstacles to the normal functioning of the entire region as a single whole should be removed. We are ready to make it happen. Our respective deputy prime ministers maintain regular contacts based on the decisions stemming from the Leaders’ agreements in the trilateral working group. We know the Armenian leadership expressed interest in maintaining the current level of ties and cooperation with the Russian Federation. We also know that not all countries located outside of that region are comfortable with that. Our EU colleagues are quite actively working to oppose this. We have never objected to any of our partners developing external ties in any area. As for our EU colleagues, they never stop confronting the country in question with a choice: you are either with us or with them. This is the logic they have stuck to for over 20 years now in the post-Soviet space. The EU and European NATO members have openly declared war on Russia with the aim of inflicting a “strategic defeat” on us. We would like narratives that sow distrust, or even hostility, not to dominate or prevail in the public space of our two countries. It is somewhat puzzling for us to hear someone say now and then that some imaginary attacks are being prepared by someone “from the north” against Armenia, or about an existential threat allegedly posed by the CSTO. While we are at it, I would also like to note attempts to call into question our shared history of the Soviet period, including the Great Patriotic War, as well as the post-Soviet period. We will always honour and cherish the memory of the Armenian people’s contribution to victory over Nazism. Everyone is aware of the feats of outstanding military commanders who hailed from the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic. <...> We have repeatedly stated that Armenia is pursuing its own sovereign choice. We are equally interested in Armenia being sovereign, strong, and self-sufficient country and be able to choose its own foreign policy in discussions about what is more important and more beneficial for Armenia. Is it continuing integration processes within the EAEU, or transitioning to the EU rules and standards. These discussions are under way. We are observing them, but you know where we stand on this. We are not driven by ideology, but are firmly rooted in reality. The EAEU membership is incompatible with the principles that underlie participation, cooperation and, all the more so, accession to the EU. This is your choice. We will respect it in full. I trust that account will be taken of the results achieved over the past 10 years since Armenia became a full member of the EAEU. 📈 In 2015, its GDP stood at $10.5 billion; today, it is $26 billion. It is up by 2.5 times. This is a cold hard fact. I will not even comment on it. Moscow remains your main trade and economic partner. We treat this position of ours accordingly. We want to expand this cooperation in every possible way, to advance major infrastructure projects and initiatives taking into account the existing experience reflected in Armenia’s economy. #RussiaArmenia