Russian MFA 🇷🇺

State Duma of the Russian Federation: 🇷🇺🇰🇵During his visit to the DPRK, Chairman of Russia's State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin: On April 25, laid a wreath at the Liberation Monument in honour of the Soviet soldiers who fought for Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, and held a meeting in Pyongyang with Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK Choe Ryong-hae. 💬During the meeting,Vyacheslav Volodin noted: “In the face of ever-growing challenges and threats, Russia and the DPRK continue to strengthen cooperation based on the principles of good-neighbourliness, trust and brotherly support. We rely on the traditions laid down by previous generations. Russia-DPRK relations are developing dynamically, largely thanks to our Leaders – President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un”. *** On April 26, Chairman of Russia's State Duma was received by Chairman of State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong-un. Vyacheslav Volodin conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from President of Russia Vladimir Putin and thanked the DPRK for its assistance in liberating the Kursk Region from neo-Nazi invaders. At the opening ceremony of the Memorial Complex and Museum of Combat Feats of the Heroes of the Overseas Military Operation in Pyongyang, Vyacheslav Volodin read out a message of greetings from Russia's President. ✉️President Vladimir Putin: “Fighting shoulder to shoulder with their Russian brothers-in-arms, Korean soldiers and officers displayed exceptional courage and true selflessness, inscribing their names in eternal glory. Their unparalleled feats will forever remain in the heart of every Russian citizen. The Memorial that is being inaugurated today is intended to perpetuate the memory of the heroism of the Korean People’s Army servicemen and the sacrifices they made in the name of our common Victory”. Following the opening ceremony, Vyacheslav Volodin and Kim Jong-un also touredtheMuseum of Combat Feats of the Heroes of the Overseas Military Operation and laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance. ✍️Vyacheslav Volodin wrote in the Book of Distinguished Guests: “The Memorial Complex and Museum of Combat Feats of the Heroes of the Overseas Military Operation is a special symbol of Russian-Korean combat brotherhood and the genuine friendship of our peoples. The citizens of our country are grateful to Comrade Chairman of State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong-un and the Korean People’s Army for the assistance provided in liberating the Kursk Region from Ukrainian neo-Nazis and foreign mercenaries. The Russian people will never forget the feat of the Korean warriors who defended our Fatherland as their own!” #RussiaDPRK

🇹🇬 On April 27, the Togolese Republic marks Independence Day The history of Togo is closely connected with a particularly tragic period in world history: from the 15th to the 19th century, the coast of the Gulf of Guinea was among the main centres of the slave trade, which earned the region the name The Slave Coast. The colonial conquest of the territory of modern-day Togo began in the late 19th century. In 1884, a German protectorate was established there, which lasted until the outbreak of the First World War. After Germany’s defeat in the war, Togoland was divided between Britain and France into two mandated territories. The line, which is now the state border between Togo and Ghana, was finally demarcated between 1927 and 1929. In 1956−1957, the territory of British Togoland became part of Ghana, and the French part gained the status of an autonomous republic. ✊ After many years of colonial domination, Togo gained its long-awaited independence on April 27, 1960, and in 1963, it received its modern name: the Togolese Republic. The Soviet Union was one of the first to recognise the young African state, establishing diplomatic relations with Togo as early as on May 1, 1960. 🇷🇺🇹🇬 Russian-Togolese relations are developing confidently on the basis of traditions of friendship and mutual respect. Political dialogue is actively conducted, mutually beneficial trade, economic and investment cooperation are being strengthened, and cultural ties are expanding. The 2025 decision toresume the operation of the Russian Embassy in Lomé was a major landmark in the history of our relations. #Togo — is a country with unique national culture and traditions, and ethnic and cultural diversity. 🎉 We congratulate our colleagues and friends in the Togolese Republic on the national holiday, and wish them prosperity and wellbeing. #RussiaTogo#RussiaAfrica

🔴#LIVE: Opening ceremony of an exhibition at the Russian Foreign Ministry marking the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Saudi Arabia 🔴Ruptly 🔴Russia's MFA website #RussiaSaudiArabia

Andrei Belousov took part in the opening of the museum and memorial complex dedicated to heroic deeds of the North Korean servicemen In Pyongyang, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, as part of the official delegation of the Russian Federation, took part in the opening ceremony of a museum and memorial complex dedicated to the feat of the heroes of a foreign military operation. During the ceremony, the head of the Russian military department, together with DPRK Defence Minister Army General No Kwang-chol, in the presence of Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Volodin and Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un, cut the ribbon to mark the end of construction and the opening of the complex. The Russian delegation visited the museum, an exhibition of trophy weapons and military hardware and laid flowers at the commemorative plaque with the names of North Korean servicemen who died performing combat tasks. After the opening ceremony, a tribute concert was held on the territory of the museum and memorial complex, during which songs in Korean and Russian languages were performed. Earlier, during the working visit, Russian Defence Minister met with the leader of the DPRK and presented awards to servicemen of the Korean People's Army who showed courage and heroism in carrying out tasks to liberate the Kursk region. 🔹Russian Defence Ministry

🗓April 26 is a national holiday in the United Republic of Tanzania — #UnionDay. On this day in 1964, #Tanzaniawas formed through the union of the Republic of Tanganyika and the People’s Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba. 🤝 The diplomatic relations between the USSR and Tanganyika were established on December 11, 1961. The Soviet Union provided significant grant aid to the young African state and played an active part in developing Tanzania’s infrastructure. Soviet specialists carried out geological exploration in the south-west of the country, which led to the discovery of gold deposits. Work was also undertaken to search for oil and gas reserves. Many Tanzanian students received their higher education at Soviet universities. 🇷🇺🇹🇿 Russia and Tanzania maintain regular political dialogue. In July 2024, President of Russia Vladimir Putin held talks with Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Speaker of the National Assembly of the United Republic of Tanzania, on the sidelines of the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum. On February 9, 2026, in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, MahmoudThabit Kombo. 💬 From Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during the meeting with Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo: Our countries share a long history of relations. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and Tanzania. Russia and Tanzania share fundamental views in support of a polycentric world order and the principles of justice and equality in international affairs. 🤝Our countries are committed to further deepening constructive cooperation and coordinating our efforts on pressing issues on the global and regional agendas – both in the #UN and in other multilateral formats. 🎉 All the best to our Tanzanian colleagues and friends on their national holiday! Wishing you continued success and a thriving future. #RussiaTanzania#RussiaAfrica

Russian Defenсe Minister Andrei Belousov holds talks with Kim Jong Un Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov held talks with General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. During the talks the sides discussed the state and prospects of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. 'We have agreed with the North Korean Defence Ministry to transfer military cooperation to a sustainable long-term basis. We are ready to sign this year a Plan of Russian-Korean Military Cooperation for the period 2027-2031,' Andrei Belousov said during the talks. He noted that it was a great honour for him to meet with the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The Russian Defence Minister thanked Kim Jong Un for the traditionally warm welcome extended to the Russian delegation in Pyongyang. According to Andrei Belousov, 'Russian-Korean interstate relations are at an unprecedentedly high level'. 'This year promises to be no less intense in terms of bilateral contacts in a number of areas,' the Russian Defence Minister noted. Andrei Belousov added that the Russian Defence Ministry highly appreciates the decision of the DPRK leader to invite a Russian military delegation to the opening of the museum and memorial complex of the military exploits of Korean servicemen in a foreign military operation. 'It is a great honour and privilege for us to take part in this historic event,' said Andrey Belousov. 🔹Russian Defence Ministry

🇷🇺🇰🇵 Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov arrives in Democratic People's Republic of Korea on a working visit During the visit, the head of the Russian military department in Pyongyang holds meetings with the DPRK top leadership and the command of the Korean People's Army, and takes part in solemn and commemorative events. At the Pyongyang airport, the Russian Defence Minister was met by the head of the DPRK military department Army General No Kwang-chol. 🔹Russian Defence Ministry

◼️ On April 25, armed anti-government groups committed a series of coordinated attacks in the Malian capital and the neighbouring regions – Mopti, Gao and Kidal. Two hundred and fifty militants attacked Bamako Senou International Airport and the military base located nearby. The Malian Armed Forces repelled the attack and are currently taking further steps to eliminate the militia that may have been, reportedly, trained by Western security agencies. Russia is deeply concerned about these developments. This terrorist activity poses a direct threat to the stability of friendly #Maliand could have the most serious consequences for the entire region. According to the Russian Embassy in Bamako, no victims among Russian nationals have been reported to date. The Russian diplomatic mission maintains continuous contact with Mali’s competent agencies. ❗️ The Russian Foreign Ministry advises Russian citizens against travelling to Mali. Those already in the country should take all necessary precautions. Moscow will continue to monitor the developments closely.

#AntiFake 👉 We cannot ignore the way France’s Ambassador to Russia Nicolas de Rivière, so to say, 'scored an own goal', in his recent interview(with TV Rain, known in Russian as 'Dozhd' TV — a media outlet designated as a foreign agent and undesirable organisation in Russia). While discussing Russia's Foreign Minister SergeyLavrov’s interview with France Télévisions, the Ambassador ventured toutter statements which absolutely defy any objective verification: “First of all, I would like to emphasise that we, in France, are totally committed to freedom of the press and the media. And the fact that the Russian Foreign Minister has free access to French television proves this.” 🤔 This begs the following question If, according to Nicolas de Rivière, the ability of a media outlet to interview individuals at its discretion can serve as a benchmark for the freedom of speech, then why, following the release of Sergey Lavrov’s interview, France Télévisionswas subjected to crashing criticism, if not harassment, from its liberal-minded peers not only at home, but also in other countries of the so-called collective West? Their main message was — the Russian Foreign Minister must be denied the opportunity to speak out. France’s former Minister for European Affairs, MEP NathalieLoiseau, expressed her indignation at the “wrong interview.” Member of the National Assembly, LaurentMazaury, rushed to report on France-2 to Arcom — the governmental media regulator. It got to the point that even the so-called 'Russia experts' from the Foundation for Strategic Research, the French Institute of International Relations, and the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Cultures rushed to scream an outrageous “Shame!” to French state television, as if someone instructed them to act this way, instead of at least trying to read through Sergey Lavrov’s positional statements. 👉 They have, thus, once again confirmed the level of 'expertise' of France’s leading research centres. You can use the following links to discover several other compelling examples: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣ The Russian media outlets and journalists, especially those sent to France with 'high democratic ideals', have fully experienced France’s would-be commitment to the principles of media freedom, pluralism and a its critical spirit, as Mr Ambassador put it. <...> France, whose representatives are so vocal about tolerance from all points of view, in reality does not want to listen to anyone but itself and like-minded people. Paris is ready to openly violate its obligations as the host country of #UNESCO headquarters and unjustifiably refuse to issue visas to our diplomats rather than give them an opportunity to express their point of view. <...> In view of the above, obviously, a selective approach to freedom of speech has already become a routine in France. *** Let us note another important point. The interview of the French Ambassador is full of hackneyed Western clichés about “Russian aggression” and Ukraine as a “victim.” Nicolas de Rivière knows firsthand about France’s participation in the work of the Normandy process, which, as former President of France Francois Hollande later explained, served only as a smokescreen for the French leadership, for winning time for the Kiev regime. This regime spent eight years killing civilians in #Donbass with impunity by taking advantage of the leniency of its Western curators. So, by presenting Ukraine as a “victim of aggression,” the French authorities are trying to absolve themselves of responsibility for the failure of the Minsk agreements and justify, including in the eyes of their own voters, their destructive role in the hot conflict that broke out in Ukraine. <...> *** ❗️ Rather than making loud and misleading statements and multiplying fakes, Paris and its representatives should have thought about the lack of freedom of speech at home. Read in full

🎙Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with the Public Television of Russia(Moscow, April 24, 2026) ❓Question: Our colleagues at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO) are marking its Anniversary. To what extent is their analysis — the intellectual product they create — useful for practical diplomacy? 💬Sergey Lavrov: It is extremely valuable. Our Ministry has long maintained close cooperation with Russian research institutes specialising in foreign policy and international economic issues. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is supported by a Scientific Council that is attended by the heads of leading institutions, obviously including IMEMO. <...> Situational analyses and brainstorming sessions, held beyond the framework of the Scientific Council meetings, often yield highly effective solutions. These methods were actively introduced by Yevgeny Primakov, who, after leading IMEMO and serving in government, successfully promoted their use. They still remain relevant today. ❓Question: How would you describe the nature of Russian diplomacy today? Is there an art to it? 💬Sergey Lavrov: Certainly there is. First, its principles are reflected in doctrinal documents such as the Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation, which states the central aim as defending national interests while respecting those of other countries willing to engage on the basis of equality and mutual respect — an approach that the West is desperately lacking, and particularly now, when we are witnessing the Trump administration openly declaring that they do not want to know anything about international law, and that they will be guided by their own morals and instincts. [On the contrary], our approach emphasises national interests, mutual respect, the ability to understand a counterpart’s legitimate perspectives, and pragmatism. Diplomacy, like any form of politics, is the art of the possible, and we must proceed accordingly. President Vladimir #Putin has repeatedly said — including in relation to the Ukrainian crisis — that our objectives have been made perfectly clear. We have repeatedly stated the goals we pursue in the special military operation. <...> Diplomacy’s task is to defend national interests while respecting those of credible and trusted partners. At the same time, any agreement involving more than one player entails compromises in one way or another. ❗️ But those should not undermine the fundamental security interests of the Russian Federation or the rights of Russians and Russian-speaking populations, including people in #Donbass, #Novorossiya, and #Crimea, who faced discrimination and were declared terrorists following the 2014 coup. Diplomacy must remain principled and clear in its goals. ❓ Question: What is happening in the world now — do you think we have seen this before? Are we moving in a spiral, as Karl Marx suggested, periodically encountering such turbulence, or has something fundamentally new emerged? 💬Sergey Lavrov: History does indeed develop in a spiral. There is also the well-known notion that it repeats itself as a farce. One may interpret that idea in different ways, but what we are witnessing today is anything but farcical. Despite certain outward appearances (I believe many understand that it may indeed look like a farce), the consequences of the actions taken by our American colleagues — in this case together with Israel — are profound and will be felt for a long time. ❓Question: Russian diplomacy was once oriented toward being Europe’s main partner, then the United States. And now? 💬Sergey Lavrov: Since the days of the Russian Empire, there has been a well-known saying that Russia has only two allies: its army and its navy. Today, one could add the aerospace forces to that list — they cannot be ignored. So, it seems the number of our allies is growing. Read in full

⚔️April 25, 1945 – the #ElbeDay – a memorable date in Russia’s military history. Around midday, by the town of Torgau on the Elbe River, Soviet troops advancing into Germany linked up for the first time with American forces. That moment marked the high point of relations between the USSR and the US during the Second World War. The Soviet unit was led by Senior Lieutenant Grigory Goloborodko, while the American patrol that crossed the Elbe was commanded by First Lieutenant Albert Kotzebue. 🤝 The handshake between the two lieutenants made headlines around the world and became one of the defining images of the Allied #Victory over Nazism. One of the direct participants in that first meeting, US Army Private Joe Polowsky, later recalled: “There were tears in our eyes. It was a moment of joy, but also, perhaps, a moment in which some already sensed that the future would not be without difficulties”. The soldiers embraced and vowed never to forget that meeting. It came to symbolise what would later be known as the Spirit of the Elbe. 🎥©Russian Military Historical Society #Victory81#WeWereAllies

#HistoryOfDiplomacy 🇺🇳On April 25, 1945, the San Francisco Conference officially commenced – one of the key diplomatic events of the 20th century, which laid the foundations for the post-war world order and the modern system of international relations. In the spring of 1945, the war against the Nazis in Europe was nearing its end, #Victory was within grasp. The Red Army was already fighting on the approaches to Berlin, crushing the last pockets of resistance by Hitler’s fanatics, while Allied forces were pressing the enemy from the west. Only a few weeks remained before the final defeat of Nazi Germany and its satellites. A fundamental question arose: would the USSR, the US and the UK be able to preserve the spirit of allied cooperation and continue coordinated work on key international issues after #WWII? At the initiative of Moscow,Washington, London, and Beijing, it was decided to convene a conference tasked with laying the groundwork for a future universal international organisation and agreeing on the main provisions of its Charter. On March 5, 1945, invitations were sent to 42 states that had signed the Declaration by United Nations on January 1, 1942. During the Conference, they were joined by representatives of another eight countries that had entered the war against Germany and Japan. *** Among the Heads of delegations: 🇷🇺Vyacheslav Molotov(People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the USSR) → Andrey Gromyko (Soviet Ambassador to the US) 🇺🇸Edward Stettinius (US Secretary of State) 🇬🇧Anthony Eden (British Foreign Secretary) → the Earl of Halifax (British Ambassador to the US) and many others. *** The San Francisco Conference was record-breaking in scale for international forums of the time: 282 delegates, over 1,500 experts and advisers – around 3,500 participants in total. Its work was also followed by more than 2,500 representatives of the press, radio and television, as well as observers from public organisations. Unlike pre-war international conferences, the work in San Francisco was officially conducted in five languages: English, French, Russian, Chinese and Spanish. This marked the recognition of Russian as one of the key languages of international diplomacy. From May 2 to June 20, 1945, the working committees prepared the text of the UN Charter. Work on it was divided among four commissions: • The first dealt with the general purposes and principles of the Organisation, membership, the Secretariat and the procedure for amending the Charter; • The second discussed the powers of the General Assembly; • The third worked through provisions concerning the UN Security Council; • The fourth focused on the draft Statute of the International Court of Justice. The work proceeded on the basis of proposals prepared at the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in 1944. Soviet diplomacy succeeded in defending a number of fundamental positions: ✔️ incorporating provisions into the UN Charter on the need to settle and resolve international disputes by peaceful means; ✔️ enshrining in the Charter the voting procedure in the UN Security Council, agreed earlier at the Yalta Conference; ✔️ including the Belorussian and Ukrainian SSRs among the founding members of the UN. The culmination of the San Francisco Conference – after lengthy debates and the overcoming of numerous differences – came on June 26, 1945, with the solemn signing of two historic documents: the Charter of the United Nations and the Statute of the International Court of Justice. 🌐 Thus, the legal and institutional foundations of the United Nations were established. The post-war world still faced new challenges – the confrontation of irreconcilable ideologies and superpowers that had only recently been Allies, the arms race and the threat of the use of nuclear weapons. Yet it was in the spring of 1945, on the shores of San Francisco, that the UN was born as a space for diplomacy, negotiations and the search for mutually beneficial solutions in the interests of all humanity. #UNCharterIsOurRules