🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview to the TV BRICS international media network (Moscow, February 9, 2026)
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Key talking points
• The global arena is undergoing a transformation that began some time ago with the objective transition toward a multipolar world order. This is neither the bipolarity of the Soviet-American era with the Warsaw Pact and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, nor the unipolarity that emerged after the Soviet Union’s collapse. <...> Multiple centres of rapid economic growth, power, and financial and political influence have thus emerged.
• It is equally important that we develop action plans tailored for each partner country covering trade and economic cooperation, investment, scientific collaboration, and coordinated activity on the international stage, including at the United Nations and other organisations, based on agreements reached between presidents and prime ministers. Particular attention is devoted to #CIS, #EAEU, #CSTO, and the post-Soviet space at large. This day-to-day work relies on long-term planning and delivers tangible mutual benefits to both Russia and its partners.
• Multiple centres of rapid economic growth, power, and financial and political influence have thus emerged. The world is being reshaped through competition. The West is reluctant to relinquish its formerly dominant positions.
• Safeguarding security demands sustained action to ensure that the Nazi state established on our borders in Ukraine – and supported by the West as a vehicle for renewed confrontation – cannot continue to exist in its present form. Nazi foundations must be eliminated. We will ensure, and I have no doubt about it, our own security interests, by preventing the deployment on Ukrainian territory of any weapons threatening us, and, second, by guaranteeing reliable and full protection for the rights of Russian and Russian-speaking people, who have been living in Crimea, Donbass and Novorossiya for centuries, and whom the Kiev regime that came to power after a coup declared subhuman “species” and “terrorists” and unleashed a civil war against.
• Russia chaired#BRICS in 2024. At that time, a summit was held in Kazan, and a number of our initiatives were put into action: alternative payment platforms, payment mechanisms in national currencies, the creation of reinsurance opportunities for trade within BRICS and between the association and its partners, the creation of a grain exchange, and a new investment platform.
All this is not to spite anyone, especially the United States. This is due to the fact that the United States seeks to bring all processes in the areas I mentioned under its strict control and demands unilateral concessions. Without giving up contacts with them, to the extent that they are willing to engage on a mutually beneficial basis, we are interested, together with our BRICS partners, in creating an architecture that will not be subject to the illegal actions of one or another player from the Western flank.
• The Greater Eurasian Partnership was bound to appear on the agenda. Many years ago, at the 2015 Russia – #ASEAN Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested this term which is based on an objective trend of Eurasia becoming the biggest, richest and fastest-growing continent, especially its Pacific part. It is the most heavily-populated continent which, importantly, has seen several great civilisations emerge and continue to exist – the Chinese, Indian, Arab, Persian and Russian civilisations.
☝️ It is for a reason that our initiative on building a common Eurasian security architecture, set forward by President Putin in 2024, is gaining momentum. It is increasingly attracting interest.
⚡️Federal Security Service of Russia:
On April 28, 2026, as a result of an exchange held on the Belarusian-Polish border, two Russian citizens returned home – Russian scientist Alexander Butyagin and the wife of a Russian soldier serving with the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent in the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic.
☝️Both had previously been unlawfully held in states unfriendly to Russia.
The Russian citizens were exchanged for two career officers of Moldova’s special service, who had earlier posed as Moldovan citizens allegedly recruited by an officer of the Main Directorate for Foreign Intelligence of the Intelligence and Security Service of the Republic of Moldova. They arrived in Russia in 2025 using documents issued under fictitious personal details, with the aim of conducting intelligence activities.
👉They were identified and detained by Russian security agencies.
Aware that they had been exposed, the Moldovan intelligence officers made every effort to conceal their affiliation with the regular staff of foreign special services. However, during the criminal investigation, an irrefutable body of evidence was gathered, fully exposing and confirming their affiliation with the intelligence service of the Republic of Moldova.
🤝 The return of Russian citizens home was made possible thanks to a multi-stage operation carried out by the Federal Security Service of Russia jointly with the State Security Committee of Belarus.
#RussiaBelarus
🇷🇺🇧🇾📞On April 12, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko had a telephone conversation.
The Leaders exchanged warm Easter greetings and conveyed their best wishes to the brotherly peoples of the two countries.
They also discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda, including trade and economic cooperation.
Both Sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the Russia-Belarus alliance and maintaining close coordination at various levels.
The Presidents also exchanged views on a number of international issues.
#RussiaBelarus
✉️Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov sent his greetings to Foreign Minister of Belarus Maxim Ryzhenkov on the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus(April 2, 2026)
The message reads, in part:
“Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus and the 30th anniversary of the signing ofthe Treaty on the Formation of the Community of Russia and Belarus, which laid the foundation for this holiday and marked the beginning of a new stage in the unifying processes between our countries.
This day symbolizes the unbreakable friendship, deep-rooted cultural and spiritual affinity, and inseparable destinies of Russians and Belarusians.
For centuries, our brotherly peoples have stood shoulder to shoulder through every trial, selflessly defending their sovereignty and steadfastly upholding our shared traditional values.
A constant priority for the Foreign Ministries of Russia and Belarus remains providing foreign policy support for broad bilateral cooperation and diplomatic backing for the integration-building of the Union State.
I reaffirm my commitment to close coordination of our approaches, to jointly defending our common interests, and to promoting shared initiatives on the international stage, with a view to building a stable and just system of interstate relations based on the immutable norms of international law and the principle of equal and indivisible security.
I look forward to continuing our close, trusting and productive cooperation.
I would also like to wish you and the entire staff of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry good health, happiness, well-being and every success for the benefit of strengthening friendship and cooperation between the brotherly peoples of our countries”.
#RussiaBelarus🇷🇺🇧🇾
✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message to the participants of the ceremonial assemblies marking the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus(April 2, 2026)
The message reads, in part:
“Thirty years ago today, the Treaty on the Establishment of the Community of Russia and Belarus was signed, marking the beginning of the integration process between our two nations.
Over this period, mutually beneficial ties have expanded significantly, with their positive impact clearly reflected in people’s daily lives. Today, Russians and Belarusians enjoy equal rights in healthcare, education, social security, and pensions, and can freely choose where to live and work – from Brest to Vladivostok.
Close coordination has been established in foreign policy, defence, and security, which is especially important in the current complex international environment. The two countries are also jointly implementing comprehensive measures to strengthen their financial, economic, scientific, and technological sovereignty.
The Union State has, without exaggeration, become a key driver of integration processes across Eurasia, serving as a model for cooperation within multilateral organisations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
I am confident that, building on the achievements to date, we will continue our consistent joint efforts to further expand allied relations and deepen comprehensive cooperation between Russia and Belarus, for the benefit of our fraternal peoples.”
#RussiaBelarus🇷🇺🇧🇾
✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on the Day of Unity between the Peoples of Russia and Belarus (April 2, 2026)
The message reads, in part:
“Over the three decades since the signing of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Community of Russia and Belarus, a great deal has been accomplished to develop mutually beneficial integration ties and fruitful bilateral cooperation.
Our people enjoy equal rights and opportunities across the entire territory of the Union State. Moscow and Minsk align the key parameters of macroeconomic, monetary, and social policies, and coordinate efforts in the areas of international cooperation, defence, and security.
During the meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State held in February, we outlined a set of measures to further advance integration processes in various areas. I am confident that its consistent implementation fully meets the interests of the two nations, Russia and Belarus.”
#RussiaBelarus🇷🇺🇧🇾
🇷🇺🇧🇾📞 On January 22, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Belarus Maksim Ryzhenkovheld a telephone conversation.
The Ministers discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation and foreign policy coordination, as well as a number of pressing items on the international agenda.
In particular, they exchanged views on the US President Donald Trump's invitation to a number of countries, including the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, proposing the establishment of a “Peace Council”, and outlined further steps to advance the joint Belarus-Russia initiative on developing a Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century.
They also reviewed the schedule of upcoming meetings and events at the highest and high levels.
#RussiaBelarus
🇷🇺🇧🇾📞 On January 13, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Belarus Maksim Ryzhenkovheld a telephone conversation.
The Ministers discussed ongoing issues of bilateral cooperation and foreign policy coordination, as well as exchanged views on a number of topical international agenda items.
#RussiaBelarus
🇷🇺🇧🇾📞 On December 31, Russia's President Vladimir Putin and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenkohad a telephone conversation.
During the conversation, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko vehemently condemned the reckless Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian President's residence in the Novgorod Region.
It was emphasised that this cynical provocation occurred against the backdrop of ongoing Russian-American engagements aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis.
🤝 After discussing the incident, the Leaders exchanged cordial New Year's greetings and expressed their best wishes to the fraternal peoples of both countries.
#RussiaBelarus
✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on the Day of Unity between the Peoples of Russia and Belarus (April 2, 2026)
The message reads, in part:
“Over the three decades since the signing of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Community of Russia and Belarus, a great deal has been accomplished to develop mutually beneficial integration ties and fruitful bilateral cooperation.
Our people enjoy equal rights and opportunities across the entire territory of the Union State. Moscow and Minsk align the key parameters of macroeconomic, monetary, and social policies, and coordinate efforts in the areas of international cooperation, defence, and security.
During the meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State held in February, we outlined a set of measures to further advance integration processes in various areas. I am confident that its consistent implementation fully meets the interests of the two nations, Russia and Belarus.”
#RussiaBelarus🇷🇺🇧🇾
🇷🇺🇧🇾 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin congratulated Alexander Lukashenko on the 30th anniversary of his tenure as President of Belarus.
✍️ The entire recent history of Belarus, that is inextricably linked with your name, heralded the establishment of modern state institutions and considerable successes in social and economic spheres. On six consecutive occasions, Belarusian voters entrusted the top state position to you, and this is, doubtless, a testimony to your tremendous authority and prestige among compatriots.
It is hard to overestimate your personal contribution to the development of friendly relations and fruitful cooperation between our countries, to asserting and strengthening the Union State and advancing mutually beneficial integration processes in the Eurasian region.
I will be happy to continue our constructive and comradely dialogue, as well as close-knit joint work, for the benefit of the fraternal peoples of Russia and Belarus.
#RussiaBelarus
📆 On November 25, Moscow hosted an annual joint meeting of the Collegiums of the Russian and Belarusian Foreign Ministries. The other day, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Maxim Ryzhenkov.
The ministers discussed key issues of collaboration between the national Foreign Ministries and diplomatic support to foster integration. They coordinated positions on a wide range of international issues. The Sides reaffirmed their determination to provide mutual allied support and to jointly uphold common interests on the global arena.
During the joint meeting of the Collegiums of the Russian and Belarusian Foreign Ministries, the Sides analysed the implementation of the previous meeting’s decisions and summed up preliminary results of implementing the bilateral programme of agreed-upon actions in the foreign policy of the States Parties to the Treaty on Establishing the Union State, in 2024-2026. The participants charted collaboration guidelines for jointly using humanitarian policy tools, promoting traditional values and preserving historical memory.
🤝 They agreed to continue closely coordinating expanded cooperation with friendly states and associations and jointly maintaining relations with unfriendly countries and organisations, including efforts to counter their aggressive policy of sanctions and legal aggression. The Sides agreed to expand joint efforts in providing information support for their foreign policy.
✍️ Following the meeting, they signed a resolution approved by both Collegiums and a Plan of consultations between the national Foreign Ministries in 2026.
The next joint meeting of the Collegiums of the Russian and Belarusian Foreign Ministries is scheduled to be held in the fourth quarter of 2026.
#RussiaBelarus
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during expanded-format talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Sergey Aleinik(Minsk, June 24, 2024)
💬Sergey Lavrov: It is always a pleasure to be among friends on the hospitable Belarusian land in Minsk.
In addition to excellent conditions for joint work (we have a lot on our agenda), Minsk offers excellent opportunity to communicate with old acquaintances and comrades as well.
Thank you for expressing condolences in connection with yesterday’s terrorist attack in Sevastopol. There was another terrorist attack with casualties in Dagestan. The relevant competent authorities are doing their best to swiftly identify the perpetrators and those who ordered the attack.
We have no doubt that the United States and its Ukrainian underlings are involved in it. The weapons supplied by Washington to the Ukrainian regime were used in the attack. These weapons cannot be used without the direct involvement of the US military, including their satellite capabilities.
You have emphasised the importance of preserving historical memory no matter what. This applies to the terrorist threat which does not subside on the ground, including with regard to our respective countries, and the memory of the Great Patriotic War, which has come under attack from numerous angles. Attempts are being made to rewrite history, and to equate the victor and the aggressor. Monuments are being torn down, and Nazi criminals are being glorified.
Key talking points:
• During the recent “summit on peace in Ukraine” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shouted out Nazi slogans, and no one, including “neutral” Swiss hosts, dared to call him to order.
• Our interaction is more valuable than ever given the circumstances. In recent years, it has reached unprecedented heights.
• This is my third trip to Minsk and our sixth meeting this year. We know there will be more this year. I appreciate the invitation to attend the second Minsk Conference on Eurasian Security, which will be held on October 31-November 1. We will definitely be there.
#RussiaBelarus
#EurasianSecurity