Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answer to a question from the Moscow. Kremlin. Putin programme (Moscow, March 1, 2026)
❓ Question: Is Europeans’ self-preservation instinct completely failing with regard to this nuclear escalation?
💬 Sergey Lavrov: It seems to me, the situation that our Western neighbours are trying to drive the Ukrainian crisis into has already been assessed publicly at all levels, by both officials and political analysts, multiple times.
I don’t know about instincts. This crowd mainly has the ‘Epstein’ sort of instincts, I believe.
As for any concern for their countries and peoples – those instincts have, clearly, worn thin in the past years.
❓ Question: Is Europeans’ self-preservation instinct completely failing with regard to this nuclear escalation?
💬 Sergey Lavrov: It seems to me, the situation that our Western neighbours are trying to drive the Ukrainian crisis into has already been assessed publicly at all levels, by both officials and political analysts, multiple times.
I don’t know about instincts. This crowd mainly has the ‘Epstein’ sort of instincts, I believe.
As for any concern for their countries and peoples – those instincts have, clearly, worn thin in the past years.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin expressed deepest condolences to President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian over the assassination of Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei and members of his family.
The message reads, in part:
✍️ Please, accept my deepest condolences on the assassination of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.
In our country, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made an enormous personal contribution to the development of friendly ties between Russia and Iran and to raising them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Please, convey my most sincere sympathy and support to the family and friends of the Supreme Leader, as well as to the leadership and to the entire people of Iran.
Vladimir Putin
The message reads, in part:
✍️ Please, accept my deepest condolences on the assassination of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.
In our country, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made an enormous personal contribution to the development of friendly ties between Russia and Iran and to raising them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Please, convey my most sincere sympathy and support to the family and friends of the Supreme Leader, as well as to the leadership and to the entire people of Iran.
Vladimir Putin
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇦🇪📞 On February 28, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan had a telephone conversation.
The Russian Foreign Minister stressed that the actions of the United States and Israel in launching an unprovoked aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran were unacceptable.
The Foreign Ministers of Russia and the UAE stressed the destabilising nature of the military escalation in the region, which creates security threats to the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf.
Sergey Lavrov and Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed a unanimous opinion that all hostilities must cease and the situation must return to the political and diplomatic track, with due consideration for the legitimate interests of all the countries in the region.
#RussiaUAE
The Russian Foreign Minister stressed that the actions of the United States and Israel in launching an unprovoked aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran were unacceptable.
The Foreign Ministers of Russia and the UAE stressed the destabilising nature of the military escalation in the region, which creates security threats to the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf.
Sergey Lavrov and Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed a unanimous opinion that all hostilities must cease and the situation must return to the political and diplomatic track, with due consideration for the legitimate interests of all the countries in the region.
#RussiaUAE
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇨🇳📞 On March 1, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi held a telephone conversation.
The Ministers condemned the large-scale military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian territory, an operation carried out despite Tehran’s stated openness to dialogue.
They stressed that such acts of aggression represent a grave violation of international law and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, destabilising the situation across the entire region.
Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that it is unacceptable to pursue policies aimed at overthrowing the legitimately elected authorities of sovereign states.
Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and underscored the urgent need for a political and diplomatic resolution to all issues related to the Iranian case, including ensuring the legitimate security interests of all the Gulf states.
The Ministers highlighted the unity of Moscow’s and Beijing’s positions during the emergency UN Security Council meeting convened the previous day at the initiative of Russia and China.
They expressed their readiness to continue working together to help stabilise the situation, by coordinating their efforts within the UN Security Council, the IAEA, the SCO, and the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Parties agreed to maintain close contact on all pressing international issues.
#RussiaChina
The Ministers condemned the large-scale military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian territory, an operation carried out despite Tehran’s stated openness to dialogue.
They stressed that such acts of aggression represent a grave violation of international law and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, destabilising the situation across the entire region.
Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that it is unacceptable to pursue policies aimed at overthrowing the legitimately elected authorities of sovereign states.
Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and underscored the urgent need for a political and diplomatic resolution to all issues related to the Iranian case, including ensuring the legitimate security interests of all the Gulf states.
The Ministers highlighted the unity of Moscow’s and Beijing’s positions during the emergency UN Security Council meeting convened the previous day at the initiative of Russia and China.
They expressed their readiness to continue working together to help stabilise the situation, by coordinating their efforts within the UN Security Council, the IAEA, the SCO, and the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Parties agreed to maintain close contact on all pressing international issues.
#RussiaChina
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
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⚡️ Russia’s EMERCOM:
On March 2, An Il-76 aircraft of Russia’s EMERCOM brought Russian nationals from Egypt to Moscow.
The evacuation was organized on the instructions of the President Vladimir Putin and at the directive of EMERCOM Head Alexander Kurenkov.
The special flight landed at Zhukovsky Airport near Moscow carrying diplomatic staff and their family members who had been serving in Israel.
A total of 84 people arrived in the capital – including 38 children.
On March 2, An Il-76 aircraft of Russia’s EMERCOM brought Russian nationals from Egypt to Moscow.
The evacuation was organized on the instructions of the President Vladimir Putin and at the directive of EMERCOM Head Alexander Kurenkov.
The special flight landed at Zhukovsky Airport near Moscow carrying diplomatic staff and their family members who had been serving in Israel.
A total of 84 people arrived in the capital – including 38 children.
Forwarded from Russian Mission Vienna
🇷🇺 The special session of the IAEA Board of Governors, convened at Russia’s request to address the situation around Iran, will begin in the coming hours.
The military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian territory on 28 February - at a time when the negotiation process on resolving issues related to the Iranian nuclear programme was at an advanced stage and could have led to concrete agreements - deserve strong condemnation. Such actions objectively undermine diplomatic efforts, create an atmosphere of distrust, and jeopardize the prospects for a political and diplomatic solution.
Of particular concern is the signal conveyed by these steps: instead of allowing negotiations the opportunity to reach a substantive outcome, a coercive military instrument is being employed. This inflicts damage on the broader non-proliferation architecture and demonstrates that even at an advanced stage of diplomacy, the military factor may be used as a tool of influence.
Under these circumstances, the IAEA should not remain on the sidelines. Russia has repeatedly emphasized that the attacks carried out in June last year against facilities under IAEA safeguards did not receive a clear public assessment or condemnation from the Agency. The consistency and principled nature of the IAEA’s position remain critically important for maintaining confidence in the international safeguards and non-proliferation regime.
The military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian territory on 28 February - at a time when the negotiation process on resolving issues related to the Iranian nuclear programme was at an advanced stage and could have led to concrete agreements - deserve strong condemnation. Such actions objectively undermine diplomatic efforts, create an atmosphere of distrust, and jeopardize the prospects for a political and diplomatic solution.
Of particular concern is the signal conveyed by these steps: instead of allowing negotiations the opportunity to reach a substantive outcome, a coercive military instrument is being employed. This inflicts damage on the broader non-proliferation architecture and demonstrates that even at an advanced stage of diplomacy, the military factor may be used as a tool of influence.
Under these circumstances, the IAEA should not remain on the sidelines. Russia has repeatedly emphasized that the attacks carried out in June last year against facilities under IAEA safeguards did not receive a clear public assessment or condemnation from the Agency. The consistency and principled nature of the IAEA’s position remain critically important for maintaining confidence in the international safeguards and non-proliferation regime.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
✉️ Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov's congratulatory message to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Dr. Gedion Timotheos on the 130th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa (March 2, 2026)
✍️ Esteemed Dr. Gedion Timotheos,
Please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of Ethiopia’s Victory over the Italian colonizers in the Battle of Adwa.
The Battle of Adwa had a profound impact around the world, becoming the first victory of an African state over a colonial power. This milestone not only confirmed the strength of spirit of the Ethiopian people, but also initiated the struggle for independence throughout Africa.
🤝 Russia and Ethiopia share long-standing traditions of friendship, respect and trust. Within the #UN, #BRICS and a number of other authoritative international organizations, Moscow and Addis Ababa are creating the preconditions for a just world order based on the multipolarity and supremacy of the international law.
Cooperation is developing in the trade, economic, scientific, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Flagship projects in these fields include the construction of a nuclear power plant of Russian design in Ethiopia, the reconstruction of the Russian Red Cross Hospital named after Dejazmach Balcha in Addis Ababa and also creation of the Russian-Ethiopian Joint Biological Research Center.
On such a significant day for your country, I wish you and all the people of Ethiopia peace, well-being and prosperity.
With respect,
Sergey Lavrov
🇷🇺🇪🇹 #RussiaEthiopia
✍️ Esteemed Dr. Gedion Timotheos,
Please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of Ethiopia’s Victory over the Italian colonizers in the Battle of Adwa.
The Battle of Adwa had a profound impact around the world, becoming the first victory of an African state over a colonial power. This milestone not only confirmed the strength of spirit of the Ethiopian people, but also initiated the struggle for independence throughout Africa.
🤝 Russia and Ethiopia share long-standing traditions of friendship, respect and trust. Within the #UN, #BRICS and a number of other authoritative international organizations, Moscow and Addis Ababa are creating the preconditions for a just world order based on the multipolarity and supremacy of the international law.
Cooperation is developing in the trade, economic, scientific, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Flagship projects in these fields include the construction of a nuclear power plant of Russian design in Ethiopia, the reconstruction of the Russian Red Cross Hospital named after Dejazmach Balcha in Addis Ababa and also creation of the Russian-Ethiopian Joint Biological Research Center.
On such a significant day for your country, I wish you and all the people of Ethiopia peace, well-being and prosperity.
With respect,
Sergey Lavrov
🇷🇺🇪🇹 #RussiaEthiopia
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
⚡️ Russian MFA statement on the situation around Iran
We are concerned regarding the expansion of the armed confrontation across the entire Middle East region as a result of the aggression by the US and Israel against Iran.
It has become evident that, beyond seeking regime change in the Islamic Republic of Iran through the most unscrupulous means – including the killing of the leadership of a sovereign state – Washington and Tel Aviv are attempting to provoke a breakdown in the process of normalizing relations between Iran and its Arab neighbours.
For our part, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities by all sides and for the adoption – as an unconditional priority – of comprehensive measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in all countries of the region.
🔉 Audio statement by Maria Zakharova (in Russian)
The strike on a girls’ school in the Iranian city of Minab, which reportedly killed dozens of innocent children, warrants unequivocal condemnation.
❗️ Any attacks on civilian facilities – whether in Iran or in Arab states – are unacceptable and must cease immediately.
We once again urge the parties to renounce the use of force in addressing their differences and to return to a political and diplomatic path towards resolving all outstanding issues, with full respect for the legitimate security interests of every state in the region.
We are concerned regarding the expansion of the armed confrontation across the entire Middle East region as a result of the aggression by the US and Israel against Iran.
It has become evident that, beyond seeking regime change in the Islamic Republic of Iran through the most unscrupulous means – including the killing of the leadership of a sovereign state – Washington and Tel Aviv are attempting to provoke a breakdown in the process of normalizing relations between Iran and its Arab neighbours.
For our part, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities by all sides and for the adoption – as an unconditional priority – of comprehensive measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in all countries of the region.
🔉 Audio statement by Maria Zakharova (in Russian)
The strike on a girls’ school in the Iranian city of Minab, which reportedly killed dozens of innocent children, warrants unequivocal condemnation.
❗️ Any attacks on civilian facilities – whether in Iran or in Arab states – are unacceptable and must cease immediately.
We once again urge the parties to renounce the use of force in addressing their differences and to return to a political and diplomatic path towards resolving all outstanding issues, with full respect for the legitimate security interests of every state in the region.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇦🇪 📞 On March 2, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of the UAE Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke over the phone.
The Leaders discussed the unprecedented tragic developments in the Middle East in the context of US-Israeli aggression against Iran and Tehran’s firm retaliatory actions.
Both Sides emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the political and diplomatic track.
Vladimir Putin noted that the Russian Side had made substantial efforts to facilitate a peaceful settlement around the Iranian nuclear programme and to seek mutually acceptable compromises. The Emirati Side also played an active role in this process.
❗️ However, the progress achieved was undermined by an unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign UN member state, in violation of the fundamental principles of international law.
The President of Russia thanked Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the efforts undertaken to assist Russian citizens in the UAE, including a large number of tourists, amid the current force majeure circumstances.
The UAE President particularly stressed that Iran’s retaliatory strikes directly affected the Emirates, causing damage and posing risks to civilians. According to him, such strikes are being carried out despite the fact that UAE territory is not being used as a launchpad for attacks against Iran and are therefore unjustified.
For his part, Vladimir Putin expressed readiness to convey these messages to Tehran and, more broadly, to provide possible assistance in stabilizing the overall situation in the region.
🤝 The leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
#RussiaUAE
The Leaders discussed the unprecedented tragic developments in the Middle East in the context of US-Israeli aggression against Iran and Tehran’s firm retaliatory actions.
Both Sides emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the political and diplomatic track.
Vladimir Putin noted that the Russian Side had made substantial efforts to facilitate a peaceful settlement around the Iranian nuclear programme and to seek mutually acceptable compromises. The Emirati Side also played an active role in this process.
❗️ However, the progress achieved was undermined by an unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign UN member state, in violation of the fundamental principles of international law.
The President of Russia thanked Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the efforts undertaken to assist Russian citizens in the UAE, including a large number of tourists, amid the current force majeure circumstances.
The UAE President particularly stressed that Iran’s retaliatory strikes directly affected the Emirates, causing damage and posing risks to civilians. According to him, such strikes are being carried out despite the fact that UAE territory is not being used as a launchpad for attacks against Iran and are therefore unjustified.
For his part, Vladimir Putin expressed readiness to convey these messages to Tehran and, more broadly, to provide possible assistance in stabilizing the overall situation in the region.
🤝 The leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
#RussiaUAE
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇧🇭 📞 On March 2, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who currently chairs the Gulf Cooperation Council, held a telephone conversation.
The Leaders exchanged views on the unprecedented escalation around Iran resulting from the US-Israeli aggression, which is driving the entire region to the brink of a full-scale war with unpredictable consequences.
Both Sides stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in order to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control and to return it to a political and diplomatic framework.
The current developments, in particular, pose risks to the security of many Arab states with which Russia maintains friendly relations.
In this context, Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to use all available means to actively facilitate the stabilization of the situation in the region.
🤝 The Leaders agreed to remain in contact.
#RussiaBahrain
The Leaders exchanged views on the unprecedented escalation around Iran resulting from the US-Israeli aggression, which is driving the entire region to the brink of a full-scale war with unpredictable consequences.
Both Sides stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in order to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control and to return it to a political and diplomatic framework.
The current developments, in particular, pose risks to the security of many Arab states with which Russia maintains friendly relations.
In this context, Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to use all available means to actively facilitate the stabilization of the situation in the region.
🤝 The Leaders agreed to remain in contact.
#RussiaBahrain
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇶🇦 📞 On March 2, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a telephone conversation.
The discussion focused primarily on the acute crisis in the Middle East triggered by the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.
This flagrant breach of international law has resulted in severe and tragic consequences for the Iranian people.
Both Leaders expressed concern about the risks of further escalation and the possibility of third countries being drawn into the conflict.
At the same time, they voiced hope that Iran’s retaliatory actions would not harm civilians or damage civilian infrastructure in neighbouring states, including facilities in the tourism and transport sectors.
The Emir of Qatar expressed appreciation for the support extended to regional states in the current difficult circumstances and reaffirmed that cooperation with Russia across various fields remains a priority.
Both Sides underscored the importance of a swift de-escalation and a return to political and diplomatic means of resolving differences on the basis of mutual respect and equality.
🤝 The Leaders agreed to maintain contacts through various bilateral channels.
#RussiaQatar
The discussion focused primarily on the acute crisis in the Middle East triggered by the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.
This flagrant breach of international law has resulted in severe and tragic consequences for the Iranian people.
Both Leaders expressed concern about the risks of further escalation and the possibility of third countries being drawn into the conflict.
At the same time, they voiced hope that Iran’s retaliatory actions would not harm civilians or damage civilian infrastructure in neighbouring states, including facilities in the tourism and transport sectors.
The Emir of Qatar expressed appreciation for the support extended to regional states in the current difficult circumstances and reaffirmed that cooperation with Russia across various fields remains a priority.
Both Sides underscored the importance of a swift de-escalation and a return to political and diplomatic means of resolving differences on the basis of mutual respect and equality.
🤝 The Leaders agreed to maintain contacts through various bilateral channels.
#RussiaQatar
Forwarded from Gateway to Russia
More than 190 ethnic groups live in the Russian Federation. Today, we're talking about the Avars!
🪆 Gateway to Russia
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇭🇺 On March 3, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban held a telephone conversation.
The Leaders reviewed current issues of Russia-Hungary cooperation, including the implementation of agreements reached during the talks between Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban on November 28, 2025, in Moscow.
They also discussed the sharply escalating situation around Iran and across the broader Middle East region – including possible implications for the global energy market.
During the exchange of views on Ukraine, Vladimir Putin noted the principled position of the Hungarian leadership in support of a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict, as well as Hungary’s overall commitment to pursuing a balanced and sovereign course in international affairs.
Issues concerning Hungarian citizens mobilized into the Ukrainian armed forces and currently held in Russian captivity were also addressed.
🤝 The Leaders agreed to continue contacts at various levels.
#RussiaHungary
The Leaders reviewed current issues of Russia-Hungary cooperation, including the implementation of agreements reached during the talks between Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban on November 28, 2025, in Moscow.
They also discussed the sharply escalating situation around Iran and across the broader Middle East region – including possible implications for the global energy market.
During the exchange of views on Ukraine, Vladimir Putin noted the principled position of the Hungarian leadership in support of a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict, as well as Hungary’s overall commitment to pursuing a balanced and sovereign course in international affairs.
Issues concerning Hungarian citizens mobilized into the Ukrainian armed forces and currently held in Russian captivity were also addressed.
🤝 The Leaders agreed to continue contacts at various levels.
#RussiaHungary
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇧🇳 On March 3, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov held talks with Second Foreign Minister of Brunei Darussalam Erywan Yusof.
As 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Brunei, the Sides held a substantive discussion on the current state and future prospects of bilateral ties – including further deepening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as energy, agriculture, finance and banking, and tourism.
The Ministers also conducted a comprehensive exchange of views on key international and regional issues – including the escalating situation in the Middle East and developments in the Asia-Pacific region.
Particular attention was given to enhancing cooperation within the framework of the #RussiaASEAN Dialogue Partnership.
***
💬 Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during his talks with Erywan Yusof:
Yesterday, in an informal setting, we began discussing current and highly complex issues of international politics that affect all countries without exception – including many states in the Middle East and South-East Asia.
All this undoubtedly underscores the necessity and relevance of further intensifying dialogue on all matters between friendly countries such as Russia and Brunei Darussalam.
2026 is a jubilee year. Diplomatic relations between our countries were established 35 years ago.
Moreover, we are marking the 35th anniversary of the #RussiaASEAN Dialogue Partnership, of which Brunei Darussalam is an active and respected member.
Our meeting is a good opportunity, within the framework of our annual contacts, to review the entire spectrum of our relations – from bilateral ties to regional matters and the increasingly acute international issues and the global situation as a whole.
#RussiaBrunei
As 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Brunei, the Sides held a substantive discussion on the current state and future prospects of bilateral ties – including further deepening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as energy, agriculture, finance and banking, and tourism.
The Ministers also conducted a comprehensive exchange of views on key international and regional issues – including the escalating situation in the Middle East and developments in the Asia-Pacific region.
Particular attention was given to enhancing cooperation within the framework of the #RussiaASEAN Dialogue Partnership.
***
💬 Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during his talks with Erywan Yusof:
Yesterday, in an informal setting, we began discussing current and highly complex issues of international politics that affect all countries without exception – including many states in the Middle East and South-East Asia.
All this undoubtedly underscores the necessity and relevance of further intensifying dialogue on all matters between friendly countries such as Russia and Brunei Darussalam.
2026 is a jubilee year. Diplomatic relations between our countries were established 35 years ago.
Moreover, we are marking the 35th anniversary of the #RussiaASEAN Dialogue Partnership, of which Brunei Darussalam is an active and respected member.
Our meeting is a good opportunity, within the framework of our annual contacts, to review the entire spectrum of our relations – from bilateral ties to regional matters and the increasingly acute international issues and the global situation as a whole.
#RussiaBrunei
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
#HistoryOfRussia
⚓️ On March 3, 1799, a Russian squadron led by great Russian fleet commander, Fyodor Ushakov, seized what was viewed as an impregnable fortress on the island of Corfu.
In the wake of the late 18th century revolutionary upheavals in France and the resulting wars, quite a few key defensive structures across the Mediterranean, including the Ionian Islands, fell into French hands. Being able to control these islands placed Paris in control of maritime roots and reinforced its regional influence.
Fyodor Ushakov’s Black Sea squadron was on a mission to expel the French from the Ionian islands, with the help of the Turkish fleet. Most of the islands were liberated by early November 1798 with the squadron fighting its way from one fortress to another and taking over eight of them, one by one. What remained was viewed as an impossible feat, since it consisted of capturing the fortress on the island of Corfu, which was regarded as an impregnable citadel. The French had a garrison of about 3,000 troops and over 650 cannons.
⚔️ The mission started with blocking the island, and the decision to launch the attack against the fortress came in early March. Fyodor Ushakov used a unique tactic to limit casualties. 👉 He decided to set up position on Vido, a small rocky island, in order to target the enemy with his firepower from there, while also dispatching a landing force from Vido to Corfu. The plan worked, and by March 3, the fortress’ commander was forced to capitulate.
As many as 2,931 people, including four generals, were taken prisoners, albeit under honourable conditions. The French were allowed to leave the island under the condition that they would refrain from taking part in combat action for 18 months.
🎖 Emperor Pavel I promoted Fyodor Ushakov to the rank of admiral and awarded his with the diamond star of the Order of Alexander Nevsky. The King of Naples gave the Russian fleet commander the Order of Saint Januarius, 1st degree, while the Ottoman Sultan honoured Ushakov with the Chelengk, the highest military decoration of the Ottoman Empire.
It was the great fleet commander’s bold and decisive action which made capturing the impregnable fortress of Corfu possible with minimal human casualties.
In his letter to Ushakov, great military commander, the undefeated Alexander Suvorov lavished Fyodor Fyodorovich Ushakov with praise and exulted with delight.
⚓️ On March 3, 1799, a Russian squadron led by great Russian fleet commander, Fyodor Ushakov, seized what was viewed as an impregnable fortress on the island of Corfu.
In the wake of the late 18th century revolutionary upheavals in France and the resulting wars, quite a few key defensive structures across the Mediterranean, including the Ionian Islands, fell into French hands. Being able to control these islands placed Paris in control of maritime roots and reinforced its regional influence.
Fyodor Ushakov’s Black Sea squadron was on a mission to expel the French from the Ionian islands, with the help of the Turkish fleet. Most of the islands were liberated by early November 1798 with the squadron fighting its way from one fortress to another and taking over eight of them, one by one. What remained was viewed as an impossible feat, since it consisted of capturing the fortress on the island of Corfu, which was regarded as an impregnable citadel. The French had a garrison of about 3,000 troops and over 650 cannons.
⚔️ The mission started with blocking the island, and the decision to launch the attack against the fortress came in early March. Fyodor Ushakov used a unique tactic to limit casualties. 👉 He decided to set up position on Vido, a small rocky island, in order to target the enemy with his firepower from there, while also dispatching a landing force from Vido to Corfu. The plan worked, and by March 3, the fortress’ commander was forced to capitulate.
As many as 2,931 people, including four generals, were taken prisoners, albeit under honourable conditions. The French were allowed to leave the island under the condition that they would refrain from taking part in combat action for 18 months.
🎖 Emperor Pavel I promoted Fyodor Ushakov to the rank of admiral and awarded his with the diamond star of the Order of Alexander Nevsky. The King of Naples gave the Russian fleet commander the Order of Saint Januarius, 1st degree, while the Ottoman Sultan honoured Ushakov with the Chelengk, the highest military decoration of the Ottoman Empire.
It was the great fleet commander’s bold and decisive action which made capturing the impregnable fortress of Corfu possible with minimal human casualties.
In his letter to Ushakov, great military commander, the undefeated Alexander Suvorov lavished Fyodor Fyodorovich Ushakov with praise and exulted with delight.
“Hooray to the Russian fleet… I keep telling myself these days: if only I could take part in the battle of Corfu, even as a warrant officer.”