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Official channel for Russian Foreign Ministry 🔊 News channel in Russian - @MID_Russia Canal en español - @MAERusia 🐤 Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mfa_russia
📅 On March 13, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (#IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi.
During the conversation, the Sides held a constructive exchange of views on key aspects of cooperation between Russia and the IAEA. Russia’s significant contribution to the work of the organisation was noted.
Particular attention was paid to the situation surrounding the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities placed under IAEA safeguards, as well as to issues related to ensuring the safety and security of the Zaporozhskaya Nuclear Power Plant.
Some other aspects of the international agenda of mutual interest were also touched upon.
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💬 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during his talks with Rafael Grossi:
Russia was among the countries that stood at the origins of the International Atomic Energy Agency and remains convinced that the IAEA deserves the broadest possible support.
In today’s world – particularly over the past couple of years – the Agency, like any other multilateral structure dealing with non-proliferation issues, is being tested as Western colleagues attempt to restore their dominant positions across global politics.
☝️ In this context, it is particularly important to adhere to the statutory principles of the IAEA:
– to maintain impartiality,
– to ensure a depoliticized approach,
– to focus exclusively on fulfilling the tasks that formed the basis of the agreements establishing the Agency, including guaranteeing access for all NPT member states, without exception, to the benefits of peaceful nuclear energy.
I believe this is a very timely opportunity to discuss these developments in detail.
Read in full
📺 Ambassador Andrei Kelin's interview with CNBC presenter Steve Sedgwick (13 March 2026)
Key talking points:
• The shelling of Iran must stop and negotiations must resume. This is an illegal war. It happened in the middle of negotiations [...] I cannot understand why everyone is blaming Iran and forgetting who originated the crisis. The crisis began with aggression against Iran by Israel and the US.
• The UK is leading, or at least pretending to lead, a coalition of the willing whose main objective is to destroy Russia or diminish its capabilities [...] Everything is targeted against Russia. The UK is very belligerent in that sense [...] I have never heard the UK government say anything about a peaceful settlement [of the Ukraine crisis] or the necessity of a diplomatic outcome.
• We very much support elections in Ukraine. They should take place because Zelensky has exceeded his term by nearly two years. We need someone who could sign a comprehensive [peace] agreement, and this person must be legitimate and elected by the Ukrainian people.
• We need an agreement that states that security in Europe is indivisible and equal for all. This will guarantee security not only for Ukraine, but also for Russia and other European countries.
• The West has been trying to so suffocate and strangle Russia's economy [with sanctions]. It did not happen. We have reoriented our trade and economic efforts to the East. In fact, the sanctions did not force us to change our political goals. We are still following them.
• Russia stands for a multipolar world [...] The point is that we need to establish good-neighbourly relations and normal trade, economic and humanitarian relations among all countries in the world.
Watch the interview on our YouTube channel
🔴 #LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi
🔴 Ruptly
🔴 Russia's MFA Website
🎙 Remarks to the Press by Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Vassily Nebenzia on the Ukrainian Armed Forces Attack on Bryansk (March 11, 2026)
💬 Vassily Nebenzia: On March 10, the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev committed yet another barbaric crime against the civilian population of our country by carrying out a missile strike on Bryansk. A busy business district, located in close proximity to multi-apartment residential buildings, children’s goods stores, a university and other civilian infrastructure, came under deliberate attack. As a result of this strike, seven people were killed and 42 were injured.
The expired head of the regime Zelensky, speaking to the press, described this heinous attack as a “successful operation” and thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine for their service. This is yet another striking example of the sheer cynicism with which the Kiev authorities treat attacks that claim lives of civilians.
The strike was carried out with the use of at least seven long-range British Storm Shadow missiles. It is entirely obvious – and we have repeatedly pointed this out – that such an operation would be technically impossible for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to conduct on their own.
The use of advanced Western weaponry takes place only with the direct involvement of foreign specialists who guide the targeting. In addition, certain NATO countries provide the necessary intelligence data.
❗️ As such, the Western sponsors of Zelensky bear full responsibility for the killing of civilians. Instead of giving peace negotiations, facilitated by the United States, a genuine chance, Kiev and London are seeking ways to further escalate tensions.
This tactic is not new. It has been repeatedly employed whenever a real prospect of settlement begins to emerge. It is hardly a coincidence that the timing of this attack coincided with signals from Washington expressing hope that negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement have reached a “turning point” and that achieving peace is entirely possible.
Regrettably, international organizations have once again remained blind and deaf to what has happened. Yesterday, during the daily noon briefing, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General mentioned the issue only in passing and only after being asked a direct question. Even then, he stated that he “hasn’t seen that particular report”, limiting himself to a general remark that “the UN is against” such attacks.
❓ But where is clear and unequivocal condemnation of this crime? Where is the statement from the Secretary-General himself?
The continued silence on this and similar grave incidents raises serious questions about the impartiality and consistency of the Organization’s approach.
👉 We call on the UN Secretariat to abandon the policy of double standards and to provide an appropriate, clear and unequivocal assessment of this heinous attack.
Read in full
🗓 On March 12, during the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky announced the Joint Statement initiated by the Russian side and co-authored by 44 countries participating in the Session that advocate for strengthening the existing international legal system of drug control.
The text of the Joint Statement is open for accession by other delegations.
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📄 Joint Statement announced during the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
On behalf of:
People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Republic of Angola, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Republic of Belarus, Negara Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Republic of Burundi, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, State of Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, State of Libya, Malaysia, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Republic of Namibia, Republic of Nicaragua, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sultanate of Oman, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, State of Palestine, State of Qatar, Russian Federation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Singapore, Republic of the Sudan, Republic of Tajikistan, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Uzbekistan, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Republic of Yemen, Republic of Zimbabwe.
💬 We reaffirm the central role of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) as the principal policy-making body of the United Nations with prime responsibility for drug control matters. <...>
We believe that the conventions allow for sufficient flexibility for State Parties to take effective measures in the sphere of drug control, including with regard to the penal provisions and particular measures against the abuse of drugs, with due respect for sovereign drug control policies, legislation, national experience and unique circumstances of State Parties.
We underscore the need to respect each country’s sovereign right to implement drug control policies suited to its national situation, in line with the obligations under the three international drug control conventions, without imposing any specific models or approaches.
We emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing and countering the world drug problem, and approaches which work in one country or region may not be effective or applicable to other countries. <...>
We firmly believe that abstinence from illicit drug use should be the ultimate goal of all countries’ efforts to combat the world drug problem. We urge all Member States to set ambitious objectives, including building a society free of drug abuse, and not to limit their efforts to merely reducing harms related to illicit drug use, illicit drug cultivation, production, manufacture and trafficking. <...>
We emphasize that strengthening cross-border law enforcement cooperation is essential for our joint endeavor and recognize the important contribution of the Commission’s subsidiary bodies.
We recognize the fundamental role of effective international cooperation in preventing and combating drug-related crime and, to this end, underline the importance of addressing, tackling and effectively responding to international challenges and barriers, in particular measures that hinder such cooperation and are not consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and obligations under international law. In this regard, we urge States, consistent with their international obligations, to refrain from applying such measures.
We underscore the urgent need to take further ambitious, effective, and decisive actions to promote better implementation of all international drug policy commitments and to ensure a comprehensive review of relevant progress by 2029 within the CND.
Read in full
#RussiaIndia
🎙 Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov's interview with RT India (March 12, 2026)
Key outtakes:
• In 2025, Russia and India marked 25 years of our special and strategic partnership. For the entire period of Indian independence, we have been friends. We see our relations with India as one of the stabilising factors on the Eurasian continent – a factor for stability, peace and common security.
• Russia and India are great civilisations and major countries. Our partnership is rooted in long historical ties and a shared understanding of global affairs. This civilisational dimension gives our relations a strong long-term foundation.
• We have consistently advocated for the relaunch of the #Russia-#India-#China trilateral mechanism. We believe this mechanism is indispensable for securing the prosperity and the future of our continent and the world at large. At the same time, there is no "China factor" in our bilateral relations with India.
• The developments around Iran show a blatant violation of international norms and laws and a violent and unprovoked aggression against a sovereign country. Nothing can justify the current actions against Iran. The hostility should stop at the earliest so that we restore stability and predictability in the Middle East.
• India does not require permission from anybody to buy Russian oil. Russian oil cannot be excluded from the global basket. Russian energy will remain part of the global supply.
• We are ready to offer LNG supplies to India. Arrangements and contracts existed several years ago but were disrupted by sanctions. Nevertheless, we remain open to expanding energy cooperation.
• Russia benefits from stability and predictability in energy markets, not from crises. While higher prices may bring short-term revenue, there is no long-term gain for anybody from instability in the Middle East. What we call for is the immediate cessation of hostilities.
• Our pivot towards Asia – and especially towards India – did not start because of the Ukrainian conflict. We made this shift more than 25 years ago, placing India and our Asian partners at the top of our international agenda. Even if relations with the West improve in the future, there will be no going back on our Asian priorities.
• The Rafale purchase continues India's earlier acquisition plans and is not directly comparable with the Su-57. The Su-57 represents fifth-generation capabilities and diversified options. What sets us apart is our readiness to provide complete technology transfer, something others may not offer.
• We expect President Vladimir Putin to attend the #BRICS Summit in India during India’s chairship. BRICS will focus on reform of global governance institutions, combating terrorism, improving trade mechanisms and boosting investments. The long-standing trust between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi remains a strong factor in our relations.
#DruzhbaDosti
🔴 #LIVE: Briefing by Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on topical foreign policy issues
🔴 Ruptly
🔴 Russia’s MFA website
⚡️ Russia’s EMERCOM:
✈️ An Il-76 aircraft of Russia’s EMERCOM will deliver humanitarian aid for the Iranian people.
On the instruction of Russia's President Vladimir Putin and by order of EMERCOM Head Alexander Kurenkov, the aircraft will transport over 13 tonnes of medicines to the Republic of Azerbaijan, where they will be delivered to authorized representatives of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
#RussiaHelps
⚡️ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's statement on the attack on the civilian commercial vessel Arctic Metagaz (March 11, 2026)
💬 Maria Zakharova: On March 3 at 04:25 a.m. local time, the LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz, flying the Russian flag and crewed by 30 Russian sailors, carrying 100,000 cubic metres of liquefied natural gas, was attacked by maritime and aerial drones in neutral waters in the central Mediterranean Sea, 168 nautical miles south-east of the coast of Malta.
The vessel lost propulsion and electrical power, resulting in a fire and gas explosion on board. In this critical situation, the crew demonstrated exceptional courage and composure. All sailors managed to evacuate the burning vessel in a lifeboat. Thanks to the crew’s professional and coordinated actions, no casualties were reported.
Ships in the area with Russian crews joined the search-and-rescue operation, one of which located the drifting lifeboat. Later that evening, at 20:30 local time, all crew members were rescued by a tanker that came to their aid and was to transport them to the nearest Russian port.
At the same time, false reports appeared in Western media claiming that the vessel had “caught fire on its own and sank as a result of the blaze”.
During the fire aboard the Arctic Metagaz, two crew members sustained serious burns, making their urgent evacuation necessary.
❌ Malta’s maritime authorities refused to assist in this evacuation.
Assistance was provided by the maritime rescue service of Libya, which dispatched a high-speed boat that transported the injured to a coastal hospital in the port of Benghazi.
With the active assistance of the Russian Embassy in Libya, the sailors received professional medical care and treatment for four days. After their condition stabilized and doctors confirmed they were fit for air travel, on March 10 the two injured crew members of the Arctic Metagaz were transported to Russia by a special flight and admitted to hospital.
❗️ The attack on a civilian commercial vessel in the Mediterranean Sea constitutes a gross violation of international law. It was a deliberate strike against a civilian target, potentially resulting in severe consequences, including loss of life and environmental damage. In other words, an act of terrorism and a war crime.
It is notable that this attack occurred in close proximity to the shores of an EU member state, yet no European country has so far condemned it.
🥞🧧 Cross-cultural festivals took place in Russia and China: Moscow celebrated 中国新年 the Chinese New Year, while Beijing hosted Maslenitsa.
The “Chinese New Year in Moscow” festival took place from February 16 to March 1, uniting more than 60 venues across the city. On this occasion, Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, extended her greetings in Chinese on the main folk holiday of the Celestial Empire.
The opening ceremony was held at Manezhnaya Square, featuring performances by artists from China, a drum show, folk dances and acrobatics. Residents of Moscow and visitors to the capital had the opportunity to attend performances by artists from various Chinese provinces, take part in interactive quests, create traditional tangu musical instruments, and make hongbao aka red envelopes for gifts and good wishes.
🍜 Guests were also treated to Chinese national delicacies, including Lanzhou noodles, Wenchang chicken with rice, traditional baozi buns and other dishes. At other festival venues, visitors could attend tea ceremonies, take part in a championship of Chinese board games and explore international exhibitions.
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The “Moscow Maslenitsa in Beijing” festival was held in the Chinese capital. During the festival, Chaoyang Park was transformed into a festive Moscow fair with wooden houses, themed art installations and photo zones.
Residents and visitors of the Chinese capital were introduced to Russian traditions of welcoming spring, enjoyed musical and vocal performances, and tasted blini with a variety of fillings. Visitors could also take a virtual walk around Moscow and see its landmarks in VR.
From February 19-22, the festival attracted more than 486,000 visitors.
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🇷🇺🇨🇳 #RussiaChina: The festivals became a vivid example of cultural exchange between Moscow and Beijing. As part of “Maslenitsa in Beijing”, the Sides also signed a Memorandum of cooperation in tourism, providing for joint projects, exchanges of experience and the promotion of the tourist potential of both capitals.
🇷🇺🇴🇲 On March 11, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.
The ministers conducted a substantive exchange of views on the situation surrounding Iran with an emphasis on finding ways to bring about the swiftest possible end to the military confrontation caused by the United States and Israel’s unprovoked aggression.
They reiterated their position in favour of preventing escalation and immediately returning to a political and diplomatic settlement. The parties specifically emphasised the unacceptability of involving third countries, first and foremost the Gulf States, in the conflict which is fraught with the risk of wider military operations.
Sergey Lavrov highlighted Russia’s willingness to assist in identifying compromise-based peaceful solutions founded on respect for the principle of sovereignty and equality of all states, as well as other foundational norms of international law.
#RussiaOman
⚡️ Russia's Foreign Ministry statement on the missile strike of the Ukrainian militants on Bryansk
On March 10, the neo-Nazi Kiev regime committed yet another heinous crime against the civilian population of Russia, carrying out a missile strike on Bryansk.
We strongly condemn this deliberately planned terrorist attack.
A busy business district in the city’s Sovetsky District came under targeted fire. The area is located near Bryansk State Engineering and Technology University, apartment buildings, commercial and industrial enterprises, catering establishments and children’s goods stores.
▪️ As a result of the attack, seven people were killed and 42 injured. One child, born in 2009, has been hospitalized in the regional children’s hospital.
The authorities are providing all necessary medical and other assistance and support. We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.
According to available information, the strike was carried out using approximately seven British long-range Storm Shadow missiles. The head of the Kiev regime, Zelensky, has already publicly reported to his handlers about this barbaric act, calling it a “successful operation” by the AFU and cynically thanking the command for its execution.
As we have repeatedly pointed out, the use of high-tech Western weapons is impossible without the direct involvement of foreign specialists who ensure their operation and targeting, as well as without the provision of the necessary intelligence data by certain NATO countries.
❗️ Western handlers of Kiev bear full responsibility for the consequences of this strike, which resulted in civilian casualties.
It is obvious that, having completely lost itself in geopolitical games and seeking to assert itself as the informal leader of the European “hardliners” on the Ukrainian track and an irreconcilable opponent of Russia, Britain has stepped beyond the bounds of international law and is ready, through the hands of its puppets, to move the conflict to a fundamentally new level in terms of destruction and human casualties.
We also note that the use of British weapons systems is taking place amid intensified political and diplomatic efforts in the Russia-US-Ukraine trilateral format aimed at resolving the Ukrainian crisis.
The goal of London and other Western capitals is obvious – to derail the peace process through a large-scale provocation involving civilian casualties and trigger an escalation of hostilities. This tactic is not new and is used by the sponsors of the Kiev regime every time a real prospect for settlement emerges.
It is no coincidence that the timing of this attack coincides with signals from Washington, expressing hope that negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement have reached a “turning point” and that achieving peace is quite realistic.
☝️ We call on relevant international organisations – first and foremost the UN, whose leadership has been informed of the situation but has so far refrained from commenting – to provide an adequate assessment of yet another criminal act of the Kiev regime and its violation of the norms of international humanitarian law.
Silence will be perceived as nothing less than tacit complicity in the criminal actions of Zelensky and his handlers, who are intent on escalating the conflict.
🇷🇺🇦🇪 📞 On March 11, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of the United Arab Emirates Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had a telephone conversation.
Vladimir Putin warmly congratulated Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his 65th birthday, wishing him sound health, prosperity and further success. He also noted his significant personal contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between Russia and the UAE.
Both Sides noted with satisfaction that the friendly Russian-Emirati relations are developing dynamically across all areas.
The Leaders continued their exchange of views on the dangerously deteriorating situation in the Middle East, which is having serious consequences for Iran as well as for Arab countries. The President of Russia stressed the need to prevent further escalation of the conflict and to resolve it through negotiations.
Vladimir Putin also expressed special gratitude to the President of the UAE for the assistance and support provided to the Russian citizens who are currently in the Emirates.
#RussiaUAE
🇷🇺🇸🇦📞 On March 10, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud had a telephone conversation.
The Ministers discussed the unprecedented escalation of tensions in the Middle East resulting from the unprovoked US-Israeli aggression against Iran.
Both Sides stressed the importance of an immediate cessation of all hostilities and abandoning the use of force to resolve the conflict, which is leading to civilian casualties and causing serious damage to civilian infrastructure both in Iran and in the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf. These states are not involved in the unlawful actions of the US and Israel and should not be subjected to strikes.
They also emphasized the need to consolidate the efforts of the international community in order to swiftly reduce military-political tensions and prevent further deterioration of the situation in the Middle East.
#RussiaSaudiArabia
🔴 #LIVE: Press Conference by the Secretary-General of the International Organization for the Russian Language Natalia Bocharova
🔴 Russia's MFA Website
🗓 On March 13, UK Ambassador to Moscow Nigel Casey and French Ambassador to Moscow Nicolas de Rivière were summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry and issued a strong protest over the March 10 strike on Bryansk by Ukrainian militants using cruise missiles produced by the Franco-British company MBDA.
❗️ It was clearly stated during the démarche that the UK and France bear direct responsibility for this terrorist attack which killed seven people and injured more than 40.
It was emphasized that the missile strike on Bryansk would have been impossible without the participation of British and French specialists in its organisation, as well as the transfer of intelligence data to the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev.
It was underscored that if London and Paris continue to be complicit in the war crimes of the Kiev regime, responsibility for the destructive consequences of the armed conflict and the escalation of tensions will fall on Britain and France.
It was also stated that Moscow regards the shelling of Bryansk as a deliberate provocation aimed at undermining the stepped-up efforts towards peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.
The British and French were called upon to abandon these inhumane actions undertaken in pursuit of raising their political profile and to bring the “Ukrainian project” they sponsor back into the focus of the international agenda against the backdrop of the ongoing escalation in the Middle and Near East.
The Russian side also demanded that the UK and France issue a public response with a firm and unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack by the Ukrainian militants in Bryansk.
👉 Failure to do so will be regarded as solidarity with terrorist methods – something utterly disgraceful for countries that are permanent members of the UN Security Council.
📅 On March 13, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Moscow with Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (#CTBTO PrepCom) Robert Floyd.
The Sides discussed issues related to cooperation with the CTBTO PrepCom.
Russia reaffirmed its commitment to the entry into force of the Treaty, as well as to observing the voluntarily declared moratorium on nuclear testing.
Both Parties emphasized their shared intention to steadily advance cooperation.
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💬 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during his talks with Robert Floyd:
It has been 30 years since the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty was signed, yet it has still not entered into force. Much remains to be done to achieve this goal.
We note your personal contribution to creating the conditions necessary for attaining the result that we would all like to see.
In the current international environment, tensions may escalate at any moment – and, in fact, they already are – including on matters related to nuclear testing.
Information circulating in the media is unsettling many countries and creating the impression that the nuclear non-proliferation regime is not merely facing risks but may be approaching the brink of collapse. In this situation, we highly appreciate your commitment to preserving the depoliticized nature of the work of the Provisional Technical Secretariat under your leadership.
Other international executive bodies dealing with issues of non-proliferation of WMDs sometimes succumb to the temptation to play politics and to accommodate those who seek to fuel tensions on the international stage over matters for which these very institutions were originally established.
☝️ I would like to emphasize once again that the Commission you lead has not yielded to such temptations. We see this as your merit and stand ready to work with you towards achieving the objectives set before the CTBTO Preparatory Commission.
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🇷🇺🇮🇷 Embassy of Russia in Iran:
An Il-76 aircraft of Russia’s EMERCOM delivered humanitarian assistance for our Iranian friends.
The humanitarian operation was carried out in accordance with instructions from the President of the Russia Vladimir Putin and on the orders of EMERCOM head Alexander Kurenkov.
The Ministry’s special flight delivered over 13 tonnes of medicines to Azerbaijan, where the cargo was delivered to authorised representatives of the Iranian government and subsequently forwarded to Iran.
📹 Russia's EMERCOM
🔴 #LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with the CTBTO Preparatory Commission Executive Secretary Robert Floyd
🔴 Ruptly
🔴 Russia's MFA Website
🇷🇺🇨🇺📞 On March 12, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Cuba Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla had a telephone conversation.
The Sides reviewed key issues of bilateral cooperation and the international agenda.
Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s principled position regarding the unacceptability of economic and political pressure on Cuba by the US.
Strong support was expressed for the brotherly Cuban people in defending their state sovereignty and their right to choose their own path of development.
The Ministers also discussed the schedule of upcoming Russia-Cuba contacts, including preparations for the 23rd meeting of the Russia-Cuba Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation.
#RussiaCuba
🎙 Explanation of Vote Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Vassily Nebenzia after UNSC Vote on Bahraini Draft Resolution on Iran's Strikes on Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (New York, March 11, 2026)
💬 Vassily Nebenzia: The Russian Federation abstained in the vote on the draft resolution tabled by Bahrain because it is extremely unbalanced and does not serve the purposes of maintaining international peace and security.
we do understand and regret the situation in which the Middle East countries find themselves today. Moreover, Russia deems unacceptable any strikes on the territory of Arab States in the Persian Gulf, in particular on civilian infrastructure there. <...>
However, it would be impossible and unfair to talk about attacks on countries in the region without regard for the root causes of the current escalation, namely the aggression of the US and Israel against Iran.
⚠️ To our deep regret, the resolution that has just been adopted is framed precisely in such a biased and one-sided tone. It muddles up the cause and effect. If someone who is not well versed in international affairs reads this resolution, they will inevitably get the impression that Tehran, willingly and out of malice, conducted an unprovoked attack on Arab countries.
Nor does the document mention the fact that the authorities in Tehran have repeatedly emphasized that their retaliatory actions are directed not against the countries in the region, but against US military facilities and infrastructure located on their territory, and are legitimate targets within Iran's right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. <...>
The unconditional imperative to protect civilians and infrastructure in the current conflict is also presented in the adopted resolution in a very one-sided manner. Strikes targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable under any circumstances and in any country – be it Iran, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or Israel.
However, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) draft suggests that no one has ever attacked the civilian population of Iran. <...>
☝️ Passing such a resolution will not advance peace in the Middle East. It will only exacerbate the differences between key players in the region.
We are worried that, rushing to condemn Iran, the GCC countries may undo all the latest accomplishments on the path to restoring good-neighborly relations with Tehran, thus pushing away the prospect of creating a common security space for the entire region for many years to come.
Moreover, a positive decision by the Council on this document could be interpreted by bad-faith actors, and primarily by those who started this war, as a “blessing” to proceed with aggression against Iran. We urge all UN members to bear this in mind.
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⚡️ Russia's Investigative Committee:
On March 12, evidence collected by the Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has been deemed sufficient by the court to convict 19 defendants in the case of the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue on March 22, 2024.
Members of the terrorist organisation “Wilayah Khorasan”, as well as their accomplices and those who supplied weapons to the terrorists and were affiliated with the terrorist movement of Batal-Hadzhi Belkhoroev were found guilty – depending on their respective roles – of committing crimes under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
The investigation and the court established that preparations for the Crocus City Hall attack began several months before it was carried out. Some defendants arrived in Russia from abroad, where they had undergone initial training. Others already present in Russia were tasked with obtaining the means and tools necessary to carry out the crime.
▪️ As a result of the terrorist act, 149 people were killed, one person remains missing, and 609 citizens sustained injuries of varying severity. The total damage caused by the attack amounted to approximately 6 billion rubles.
After committing the crime, the perpetrators attempted to flee to Ukraine, but were detained in the Bryansk region and brought to Moscow. Some accomplices were instructed by the organisers to leave Russia, but were detained while attempting to cross the border.
❗️ It has been reliably established that this heinous crime was planned and carried out in the interests of the current leadership of Ukraine, with the aim of destabilizing the political situation in Russia.
By the court’s verdict, 19 defendants were sentenced – depending on their roles – to terms of imprisonment ranging from 19 years and 11 months to life, as well as fines of up to 2.7 million rubles.
Preliminary investigation continues with regard to two organisers and four members of the terrorist organisation. They have been placed on the international wanted list and arrested in absentia. Measures are underway to establish their whereabouts, with investigators and operational services actively cooperating with law enforcement agencies of other states.
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🗓 On March 11, Moscow hosted the first Ministerial Conference of the International Organisation for the Russian Language (#IORL), established under the relevant Agreement signed by the presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The conference was opened by Russia's Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov.
✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to participants in the Ministerial Conference, whose attendants included heads of educational and foreign policy agencies of the member states.
✍️ The participants signed documents required for the IORL to start its operations and establish its Secretariat, and elected its Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General.
Participants held an in-depth exchange of views on issues related to the organisation’s activities and promising focus areas.
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the first Ministerial Conference of the International Organisation for the Russian Language (Moscow, March 11, 2026)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: We are holding the first Ministerial Conference of the International Organisation for the Russian Language (#IORL). Allow me to declare it open. <...>
Indeed, the Russian language – rich, powerful and multifaceted – is our precious shared heritage, as the President of Russia has rightly noted. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, including in the digital domain, where it ranks second after English in terms of the number of websites and social media channels.
Russian is an official or working language of a number of international organisations, including the United Nations. It plays a major constructive role in bringing together the peoples of the Eurasian space and in deepening creative, scientific and academic exchanges.
Strengthening the positions of the Russian language in the world is, without exaggeration, a guarantee of preserving the planet’s cultural and civilisational diversity and an important contribution to the formation of a more just multipolar world order.
In this context, I would like once again, on behalf of the Russian Federation, to express sincere appreciation to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who in December 2021 put forward the initiative to establish an organisation dedicated to promoting the Russian language.
The relevant treaty, signed in October 2023 by the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, entered into force at the end of 2024. This is undoubtedly a landmark event for our countries and, naturally, for all those who know, value and cherish the language of Alexander Pushkin and Leo Tolstoy, as well as the great Russian culture built upon it.
We see the International Organisation for the Russian Language as an independent multilateral entity. Its core objectives include: enhancing international cooperation in support of the Russian language based on the principles of friendship, trust, good-neighbourliness and interethnic harmony, as well as fostering dialogue among scholars and writers around the world.
🤝 At the same time, the Organisation is open to all interested states, both in Eurasia and on other continents. I would stress that this was particularly emphasised when President Tokayev first proposed the initiative.
In my view, it is important that the International Organisation for the Russian Language combine, in its work, the traditional and well-established instruments of multilateral cooperation with modern approaches capable of engaging the younger generation in our countries.
Among the priorities on the agenda are promoting the Organisation’s international standing and helping to establish its external partnerships.
A special role in these efforts will be played by the Secretariat of the International Organisation for the Russian Language. Today, we are to approve the leadership of the Secretariat.
I trust that all of us will provide it with the full support it requires.
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Nearly two and a half years have passed since the treaty was signed, and I would like to acknowledge the extensive work carried out during this period by experts from our countries, including those from the ministries of education, science, innovation, and foreign affairs.
Today we are submitting for your consideration draft documents agreed upon by the experts, which will create the legal foundation for the Organisation’s practical work to begin as early as this April.
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The Foreign Ministry will actively support the Secretariat’s work, while understanding that over time the primary role of the Russian Federation in this organisation will gradually transition to the Russian Ministry of Education and Science.
Today we had a very fruitful session: we established the organisation’s structure and fulfilled our heads of state’s instructions.
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#Announcement
🗓 The International Security Forum held under the auspices of the Security Council of the Russian Federation is scheduled to take place on May 26-29, 2026, at the ‘Live Arena’ multifunctional complex and the ‘Patriot’ Central Park.
The Forum to feature the following events:
• the XIV International Meeting of High-Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters
• a variety of thematic sessions (scientific conferences, roundtables, briefings, presentations)
• bilateral and multilateral meetings
• exhibitions devoted to specific areas of activity of relevant Russian agencies and organizations
👉 The Forum's Core Events (.doc file)
More than 180 delegations from foreign states and international organizations have been invited to participate in the Forum.
Secretaries of security councils, national security advisors to heads of state, directors of law enforcement agencies and special services, and general secretaries of international organizations are expected to attend. Ambassadors of foreign states, representatives of the academia, and security experts will also participate in the event.
👉 Russian government agencies and ministries, organizations and companies featured at the Forum
Total number of participants is expected to be as high as 5,000 people.
Forum's working languages: Russian, Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, French, Serbian, and Spanish (simultaneous interpretation will be provided).
👉 Accreditation & registration for the Forum's participants (starts on March 17)
👉 Accreditation for media representatives
🇷🇺🇮🇳📞 On March 11, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar had a telephone conversation.
The Foreign Ministers exchanged views on the situation around Iran, speaking in favour of its swift normalization.
Support was expressed for the contribution of #SCO and #BRICS to efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and creating conditions for achieving a sustainable settlement based on a balance of the legitimate interests of all parties.
They also discussed certain aspects of the bilateral agenda, including the schedule of upcoming political contacts.
#RussiaIndia
🇷🇺🇪🇬📞 On March 11, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty spoke over the phone.
The Ministers expressed deep concern over the dangerous situation unfolding in the Middle East, which has sharply deteriorated as a result of the unprovoked aggression by the US and Israel against Iran.
They called for the swiftest possible end to the conflict, which is causing civilian casualties and damaging civilian infrastructure.
The Russian and Egyptian Foreign Ministers stressed the need to promptly resume political and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting stability and security in the region.
🤝 It was agreed to continue contacts and foreign policy coordination at the UN and other international platforms.
The Ministers also touched upon issues related to the further development of Russia-Egypt cooperation, including the schedule of upcoming bilateral events.
#RussiaEgypt
🇷🇺🇦🇿📞 On March 11, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev had a telephone conversation.
Vladimir Putin thanked Ilham Aliyev for the efficient assistance in organizing the evacuation of Russian nationals from Iran and in ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Iranian people from Russia via Azerbaijani territory.
In an exchange of views on the current situation in the Middle East, the Leaders spoke in favour of an early cessation of hostilities and resolving the acute conflict through political and diplomatic means.
They also touched upon a number of topical issues on the bilateral agenda. Both Sides reaffirmed their commitment to further developing Russian-Azerbaijani cooperation across various fields on the principles of strategic partnership and alliance.
#RussiaAzerbaijan
#KievRegimeCrimes
💬 Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova:
The Kiev regime deliberately struck the civilian population in Bryansk. The UN Secretariat, which regularly comments on the situation surrounding the Ukrainian crisis, cannot pretend not to see this. Nor can it ignore the number of civilians killed and wounded.
Russia’s Permanent Mission will certainly bring this information to the attention of the UN as well. Will the Secretary-General and his representatives once again remain silent?
***
💬 Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry Rodion Miroshnik:
The tragedy in Bryansk can only be qualified as a serious violation of the norms and principles of international humanitarian law. The Kiev regime resorted to this act in an attempt to draw the attention of its European patrons, who have become increasingly distracted by developments in the Middle East.
A missile strike on a location with a large concentration of civilians cannot be justified under any circumstances. Responsibility lies not only with the Ukrainian militants who committed the atrocity, but above all with the political leadership of the Kiev regime. Such strikes are not carried out without direct instructions from the top leadership.
Zelensky’s heinous act cannot remain without universal condemnation and a military response.
***
💬 Russian Commissioner for Human Rights, Tatiana Moskalkova:
I condemn yet another vile crime of the Nazi regime – barbaric strikes against the civilian population of Bryansk.
The regional authorities are doing everything possible to provide prompt assistance to the victims. My deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of those killed. I wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.
I call on international organizations to respond firmly to this inhumane crime committed by the Kiev regime against civilians.
⚡️ Spokeswoman of Russia's Investigative Committee Svetlana Petrenko:
A criminal case has been opened following the massive shelling of the city of Bryansk by Ukrainian militants on March 10.
The Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia has initiated a criminal case on charges of a terrorist act (Clause “b”, Part 3, Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) in connection with an attack carried out by Ukrainian militants on the city of Bryansk.
On March 10, 2026, representatives of Ukrainian armed groups carried out a massive strike on residential areas and other civilian infrastructure in the Bryansk Region using missile weapons with high destructive capacity.
❗️ As a result of strikes and explosions involving at least eight missiles in Bryansk, no fewer than four civilians were killed and at least 42 people were injured. More than 70 infrastructure facilities and vehicles were also damaged, including premises of a civilian enterprise.
Investigators and forensic specialists are continuing their work at the scene, documenting and collecting evidence of the crime, while emergency services are dealing with the aftermath of the explosions and clearing damaged structures.
According to the investigation, the terrorist attack was carried out with the participation of servicemen from the Main intelligence directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, the armed forces of Ukraine and other Ukrainian military formations, as well as representatives of Ukraine’s senior military and political leadership. They acted as part of a criminal group with the aim of intimidating the population and attempting to destabilize the functioning of Russia’s state authorities.
Investigative measures are underway to identify the specific individuals among Ukrainian armed formations involved in organizing and carrying out this heinous crime against civilians.