✉️ 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

⚡️ 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.

🇷🇺🇦🇪 📞 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

🇷🇺🇧🇭 📞 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

🇷🇺🇶🇦 📞 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

🇷🇺🇭🇺 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

#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.

“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.”

#KievRegimeCrimes

⚡️ Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rodion Miroshnik:

💬 Over 150 civilians, including one minor, were injured last week as a result of actions by the Ukrainian militants.

In addition to local residents, volunteer groups were also targeted – five volunteers were injured, two of whom were killed.

EMERCOM responders, who arrived to deal with the aftermath of Ukrainian shelling, also came under attack. Five were wounded and one employee was killed.

The highest number of civilian casualties was recorded in the Belgorod, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. In these areas, civilian infrastructure and the civilian population were targeted with drone, missile and artillery strikes by Kiev's armed formations.

❗️ Between February 23 and March 1, at least 153 civilians were affected by Ukrainian shelling – 131 people were injured, including one minor, and 22 were killed.

In total, over the past seven days, Ukrainian armed formations fired no fewer than 3,352 munitions at civilian targets on Russian territory.

🇷🇺🇴🇲📞 On March 3, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi had a telephone conversation.

The Ministers discussed the situation around Iran.

The Russian Side emphasized the need for the earliest possible cessation of any military action and a return to a political and diplomatic settlement.

The importance of taking into account the legitimate interests of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf was underscored.

They confirmed Russia’s and Oman’s readiness – including within the framework of the #UN – to facilitate the search for compromise-based peaceful solutions grounded in respect for the fundamental norms of international law.

Sergey Lavrov expressed appreciation to the authorities of Oman for their assistance in organizing the return to Russia of Russian citizens who had been in the UAE via Omani territory.

#RussiaOman

🇷🇺🇮🇷📞 On March 3, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi spoke over the phone.

The Ministers discussed developments in the region following the unprovoked armed aggression by the US and Israel against Iran.

They emphasized that such actions undermine the fundamental norms of international law and entail extremely grave consequences for the entire Middle East.

This position was clearly reaffirmed by the Russian representative at a meeting of the UN Security Council.

Sergey Lavrov reiterated Russia’s principled stance in favour of de-escalation, the rejection of the use of force and a return to a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict, confirming Russia’s readiness to facilitate this by all available means.

The priority of ensuring the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure in all countries of the region was also underscored.

#RussiaIran

📜On March 3, 1878, the Treaty of San Stefano was signed in a suburb of Constantinople, recording our country’s victory in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878.

Under the terms of the Treaty, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro gained full independence, while Bulgaria, which had been under Ottoman rule for nearly 500 years (!), was granted broad autonomy.

The date of the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano became a national holiday in Bulgaria – the Day of Liberation from Ottoman Rule.

The victory of the Russian forces in the war against the Ottoman Empire and the conclusion of the Treaty laid the foundation for future constructive cooperation between Russia and Bulgaria. For a long time, relations between our countries developed steadily and progressively.

#HistoryOfDiplomacy: A key role in the conclusion of the Treaty of San Stefano was played by the distinguished Russian diplomat and statesman Nikolai Ignatyev, who for more than ten years served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Empire to the Ottoman Empire, and signed the Treaty on behalf of Russia.

* * *

🇷🇺🇧🇬 Today, Russian-Bulgarian relations have been virtually reduced to zero. The current government is pursuing an openly Russophobic policy, continuing to dismantle the foundations of bilateral cooperation. Unfortunately, this also affects the way historical events are presented in the local media landscape.

💬 Ambassador of Russia to Bulgaria Eleonora Mitrofanova:

“In recent years, the chronicle of the Liberation has been ruthlessly rewritten. Alleged ‘imperial ambitions’ of Russia are brought to the forefront, while nothing is said about the truly nationwide movement in defence of our enslaved Bulgarian brothers, which played a decisive role in the decision of Emperor Alexander II to declare war on the Ottoman Empire.”

Excerpts from the congratulatory message by Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria Eleonora Mitrofanova on the occasion of Bulgaria’s national holiday, the Day of Liberation from Ottoman Rule, March 3, 2026.

☝️ We recall that 100,000 Russian soldiers gave their lives for the freedom of the peoples of the Balkans, including Bulgaria.

#RussiaBulgaria

🇷🇺 Russia's EMERCOM:

⚡️ An Il-76 aircraft of Russia's EMERCOM has returned home Russian citizens.

The evacuation of Russian citizens was organised on the instruction of the President of the Russia Vladimir Putin and by order of EMERCOM Head Alexander Kurenkov.

🛬 On the morning of March 4, a special flight from Azerbaijan has landed at Zhukovsky Airport near Moscow. On board were Russian citizens who had left Iran through land border crossing points.

🇷🇺🇮🇶📞 On March 4, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq Fuad Hussein had a telephone conversation.

An exchange of views took place regarding developments around Iran.

They emphasised the need for an early cessation of hostilities and for returning the situation to the track of a political and diplomatic settlement.

Sergey Lavrov and Fuad Hussein called on all parties to the conflict to refrain from attacks on civilian infrastructure, which result in suffering among the civilian population.

🤝 The Sides also discussed a number of current issues on the bilateral agenda.

#RussiaIraq