Russian MFA 🇷🇺

Preparing for admission together — at the International Applicants Club🤝 The MGIMO International Applicants Club hosted a free intensive preparatory course, “Five Steps to MGIMO.” As part of the program, twenty of the most active participants — prize-winners of the Ranking Competition — took part in a series of online events and received a selection of useful preparation materials. Here’s how it went! 🇷🇺 On April 13, an online training session was held to prepare for the Russian-language entrance interview. Participants had the opportunity to try themselves in the role of examinees, test their skills, and analyze both their own performance and that of their peers. 🎙️On April 15, an online training session for the English-language entrance interview took place. Participants once again tested their abilities, this time completing the entrance assessment in English. 🧑‍💻 On April 17, course participants attended a consultation on technical aspects of admission. During the session, Elena Zavalko, a tutor from the International Department, answered all questions related to the application process, enrollment, tuition payment, and arrival in Russia. 👧 On April 19, applicants met with a current MGIMO student. Maria Krapivka, a first-year student of the School of International Business from Moldova, shared her experience, spoke about admission, studies, and life in Russia, and answered all the participants’ questions ahead of the application period. 🎓 The course concluded with a meeting with a MGIMO graduate on April 24. Valery Myltsev , a 2021 graduate of the School of International Relations and now an Engagement Manager at McK Partners, shared his journey through admission, studies, and career development, and offered valuable advice to future international professionals. We thank all our guest speakers and sincerely hope that this course made the path to admission clearer and, most importantly, inspired participants to keep moving forward! 👆We remind you that all prospective MGIMO students have the opportunity to join our community for international applicants and feel part of the MGIMO family even before enrollment! #InternationalApplicantsClub 🔎 Learn more about MGIMO on our website. 🌐MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

✉️Greetings by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the organisers, participants and guests of the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum”(April 28, 2026) ✍️ It is gratifying that hospitable Kazan is once again providing a platform for dialogue between cultures, religions and civilisations. Russia and Muslim countries enjoy friendly relations. There is mutual interest in developing a multifaceted partnership. We are also united by our commitment to shaping a #MultipolarWorldbased on the generally recognised principles of international law, the values of equality, mutual respect and the diversity of development models. The Group of Strategic Vision “Russia – Islamic World” makes its contribution to our joint efforts. I am confident that the Forum will help strengthen business contacts between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world, promote trade and economic ties, implement investment projects, create logistics routes and form technological alliances. I wish you every success in your work and all the very best. SERGEY LAVROV

🇷🇺🇮🇷Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov holds talks with Iranian Deputy Defence Minister Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov held talks with Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik, the Deputy Minister of Defence for Strategic Planning of the Islamic Republic of Iran. ‘We advocate for resolving the conflict exclusively through diplomatic means. We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran. I wish the fraternal Iranian people and its armed forces fortitude and courage in overcoming all threats facing the nation. We are ready to do everything possible to resolve this situation,’ said Andrei Belousov. The head of the Russian military department expressed confidence that Moscow and Tehran will, as before, support each other in any scenario. In turn, Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik thanked Andrei Belousov for the opportunity to meet and discuss pressing issues of bilateral cooperation. 🔹Russian Defence Ministry

🇷🇺💬Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov's interview with NDTV TV channel(April 22, 2026) Key theses: #RussiaIndia#DruzhbaDosti The contacts between the leaders of our countries are regular and intensive. The coordination of our approaches to many topical issues of international politics has been very close. I am very optimistic about the future and the ongoing projects in our bilateral relations. #MiddleEast The implications of the conflict have been severe for the entire world. Russia has condemned the US and Israeli actions against Iran. I guess the Gulf countries have become disillusioned with the US and the security guarantees that were promised to them. The energy and fertilizer markets have been jeopardized. #Oil Our oil supplies to India have substantially increased. The anti-Russia sanctions imposed by the US and the European Union are illegal in nature; India does not recognize them. We have always stated that we are prepared to supply as much oil as India is prepared to absorb. #Defence Russia offers extensive transfer of technology and very favorable conditions. It is not only sales; it is a long-term technological partnership. We have a comprehensive program of defence cooperation. #Tourism Russia is an attractive destination to visit, and last year, in 2025, we saw the largest number of Indian tourists on our Arctic coast. There has been a consistent increase in both Indian tourists to Russia and Russian tourists to India. We have proposed a visa-free agreement between the two countries for groups of tourists. 👉🏻Watch in full 🔸@RusEmbIndia

🇷🇺🇿🇦Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienkocongratulated Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces of South Africa Refilwe Maria Mtsweni-Tsipane on the occasion of Freedom Day. “On behalf of the Federation Council and on my own behalf, I extend my congratulations on South Africa’s national holiday - Freedom Day. Your country is one of Russia’s most important partners on the African continent,” the message reads. Valentina Matvienko noted that in recent years, political contacts between Russia and South Africa have gained significant momentum, while cooperation in areas such as #BRICS has reached a qualitatively new level. 🤝 The shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of bilateral cooperation shapes the parliamentary dialogue, which serves as an effective mechanism for expanding trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties. She expressed confidence that dialogue between the Federation Council and South Africa’s National Council of Provinces will continue to develop and contribute to joint projects for the benefit of both nations. Valentina Matvienko also wished her counterpart success in public service and prosperity to the people of South Africa, reaffirming her high regard and readiness to welcome her in Russia. #RussiaSouthAfrica

🇺🇳#UNCharterIsOurRules 🌐 International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace was observed on April 24. It was established by UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/73/127 on December 12, 2018, in order to promote the UN values and to reaffirm the belief of our peoples in the purposes and principles enshrined in its Charter: “The International Day constitutes a means to promote the values of the United Nations and to reaffirm the faith of our peoples in the purposes and principles enshrined in its Charter, to reaffirm the importance and relevance of multilateralism and international law and to advance the common goal of lasting and sustained peace through diplomacy.” Russia has consistently supported multilateralism and the leading role of the UN in world affairs, actively participating in efforts to reform and adapt the UN to new international realities. This is especially relevant today, when the UN and other multilateral institutions have come under unprecedented pressure from a small group of states, and the standing of the World Organisation has been noticeably down, including due to the Secretariat refusing to adhere to the equidistance principle. The collective West keeps attempting to subordinate the Organisation to its narrow self-interests and to impose the controversial concept of a rules-based world order to replace international law. 💬 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov(excerpt from a speech on February 11, 2026): At the UN platform, in conjunction with our like-minded partners in the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter, we are working to ensure that the principles enshrined in the UN Charter are observed in their full scope, entirety, and interconnection, rather than selectively, as the West prefers. The UN is going through rough times and is bearing the brunt of profound differences between the world’s leading powers. Nevertheless, the Organisation’s role as a platform for aligning states’ interests is undeniable. According to the Foreign Policy Concept, Russia prioritises restoring the UN’s role as the central coordinating mechanism for aligning the interests of member states. Our country contributes to the formation of a more representative, democratic, fair, and multipolar world order with the central coordinating role of the UN, based on respect for cultural diversity, mutually beneficial and equal cooperation among countries. 📄 Excerpt from the Concept: “The mechanism for shaping universal international legal standards should be based on the free will of sovereign states, and the UN should remain the main venue for progressive development and codification of international law.” Our shared responsibility is to preserve the UN as a model of multilateralism and coordination in global politics. The path to this end lies through joint work, rejection of claims to any form of exclusivity, and respect for the sovereign equality of states. At the same time, an important task includes strengthening the potential of multilateral regional associations and integration entities involving Russia, including enhancing the international role of #BRICS, #SCO, #CIS, #EAEU, #CSTO, #RIC, and other interstate associations and international organisations.

🇿🇦Congratulations on Freedom Day, South Africa! Today marks the 32nd anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections, held on 27 April 1994. These historic elections were the first in which all citizens, regardless of race, were able to exercise their right to vote, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new democratic era. This day is commemorated annually to honour the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of those who fought against the apartheid system, an embodiment of injustice and inequality, and paved the way for a free and united South Africa. 🇷🇺🤝🇿🇦Russia has always stood in solidarity with the people of South Africa in their struggle for freedom and justice, and continues to support the country’s development and prosperity today. We convey our warmest greetings to all South Africans on this important national holiday! #FreedomDay2026

🇷🇺🇮🇷 President of Russia Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Special Representative of the President of Iran and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Abbas Araghchi(St Petersburg, April 27, 2026) 💬Vladimir Putin: Allow me to extend a warm welcome to you – this time in St Petersburg. At the beginning of our conversation, I would like to note that last week I received a message from the Supreme Leader of Iran. I would ask you to convey my most sincere gratitude for it and to confirm that Russia, like Iran, intends to continue developing our strategic relations. Please convey my words of gratitude to the Supreme Leader for this message, as well as my best wishes, sound health and wellbeing. We see how courageously and heroically the people of Iran are fighting for their independence and sovereignty. Of course, we very much hope that, relying on this courage and striving for independence, the Iranian people, under the leadership of their new Leader, will overcome this difficult period of trials and see peace prevail. 🤝 For our part, we will do everything that serves your interests and the interests of all peoples of the region to ensure that this peace is achieved as soon as possible. You know our position well. #RussiaIran

⚡️Statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Russia’s response to EU’s 20th package of sanctions (April 27, 2026) The EU continues its attempts to exert pressure on our country by expanding unilateral restrictive measures. Another sanctions “package” –the 20th to date – was approved by the Council of the EU on April 23. ☝️Such actions by Brussels, taken bypassing the UN Security Council, grossly violate international law. In response to EU’s unlawful decisions, the Russian Side has significantly expanded the list of representatives of EU institutions, EU member states, and a number of European countries aligning themselves with Brussels’ anti-Russian policy who are denied entry to the Russian Federation in accordance with Federal Law No. 114-FZ of August 15, 1996, On the Procedure for Exit from the Russian Federation and Entry into the Russian Federation The list includes representatives of EU entities, EU member states and several other European countries • involved in decisions to provide military assistance to Ukraine; • engaged in activities aimed at undermining the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation; • responsible for imposing anti-Russia sanctions; • damaging Russia’s relations with third countries; • creating obstacles to maritime shipping in the interests of our country; • involved in the persecution of Russian officials under far-fetched pretexts; • establishing a “tribunal” against the Russian leadership; • advocating the illegal seizure of Russian state assets or the use of profits generated from them. Our restrictive measures have also been imposed on civil society leaders and members of the academic community from European countries who maintain hostile positions towards Russia, as well as members of national parliaments of EU member states and the European Parliament who voted in favour of anti-Russia resolutions and bills. ❗️Brussels’ destructive policy is incapable of having any impact on our country’s foreign policy course. Russia has been and remains committed to defending its national interests, safeguarding the rights and freedoms of its citizens, and consistently contributing to the formation of a just multipolar world order.

#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 April 20 – 26, 2026: ▪️ April 22 – a UAV strike on a private household in Belgorod, Belgorod Region. ▪️ April 22 – a fixed-wing UAV strike on an apartment building in Donetsk, DPR. ▪️ April 22 – a UAV strike on a shop car park in the village of Nikolskoye, Belgorod Region. Two civilians were wounded, one of them a 15-year-old teenager. ▪️ April 22 – a fixed-wing UAV strike on an apartment building in Syzran, Samara Region. Two civilians were killed and 12 wounded. ▪️ April 23 – artillery shelling of residential areas in Vasilyevka, Zaporozhye Region. ▪️ April 23 – a kamikaze drone strike on a humanitarian organisation’s vehicle delivering food to civilians in frontline settlements in the DPR. Two people were wounded. ▪️ April 23 – a fixed-wing UAV strike on an apartment building in Samara. ▪️ April 25 – a UAV strike on an apartment building in Alekseyevka, Belgorod Region. ▪️ April 25 – a fixed-wing UAV strike on a residential complex in Yekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk Region. Nine civilians were wounded. ▪️ April 25 – a kamikaze drone strike on an EMERCOM special-purpose vehicle in Rubezhnoye, LPR. A follow-up strike targeted the rescue team that had arrived at the site of the UAV attack.

⚡️On April 27, Ambassador of Germany to Russia Alexander Graf Lambsdorff was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry. A strong protest was conveyed to the Ambassador in connection with a recent meeting in Kiev, facilitated by the Zelensky regime, between Bundestag member Roderich Kiesewetter – a member of the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs from the ruling Christian Democratic Union – and Akhmed Zakayev, head of the “Chechen Republic of Ichkeria” – a terrorist organisation, banned in Russia. ☝️ Akhmed Zakayev is on an international wanted list. The German lawmaker expressed support for the anti-Russia activities of members of this organisation, who have been strongly involved in sabotage operations in the Belgorod and Kursk regions. He also called for closer cooperation with Germany, including efforts to recruit Russian nationals residing there to carry out activities aimed at destabilizing the socio-political situation in Russia. Moscow regards this meeting as irrefutable proof of the German authorities’ intent to interfere in Russia’s internal affairs and undermine its national security, including by engaging with terrorist structures under the aegis of Kiev’s criminal regime. ❗️The German side has been warned about the negative consequences of such actions. Any hostile steps towards Russia will be met with a corresponding response.

#Announcement 🎙 On Wednesday, April 29, 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 28, 10:00 am MSK