🇷🇺🇭🇺 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

🎙 Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions during a joint press conference with the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam Erywan Yusof (March 3, 2026, Moscow)

Key points:

• Brunei is our reliable long-standing partner in the Asia-Pacific region. This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries.

• We substantively reviewed the state and prospects of our cooperation. We agreed to take additional practical steps to advance political contacts. We also noted the importance of maintaining the high pace of growth in our trade turnover. Last year it reached a record level of nearly $900 million.

• We agreed to deepen coordination within the #UN, the #OIC, and the #RussiaASEAN Dialogue Partnership. This dialogue also marks its 35th anniversary this year. Corresponding events will take place.

• Undoubtedly, the conflict of today – essentially a war – is the aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Its consequences are already being felt across the entire region, including Arab states, which are also bearing the costs – both economic and human.

• We believe it is necessary to speak categorically and resolutely in favour of the immediate cessation of hostilities. Everything must be done to stop these actions – as well as the war itself. We regularly hear about its stated objectives, yet we still see no evidence that Iran was developing nuclear weapons – which was presented as the main, if not the only, justification for the war.

***

From the Q&A session:

❓ Question: Russia has called for ending the war in Iran. You also said sanctions are absolutely unacceptable as a method of resolving issues and that international law is not working. What mechanisms – diplomatic or otherwise – could help prevent escalation and expansion of the conflict? In other words, how can what Israel and the United States are currently doing be stopped, and how dangerous do you see the situation in the Middle East?

💬 Sergey Lavrov: I am convinced that the mechanisms can only be political and diplomatic.

As for the mechanisms that could be used now, one may recall our initiative to establish a collective security system in the Persian Gulf, which envisaged full normalization of relations between Iran, its neighbours and the Arab monarchies.

This initiative is more than 25 years old. We have consistently promoted relevant efforts that a couple of years ago helped Saudi Arabia and Iran agree to restore relations. Iran also maintains relations with several other states of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

❓ Question: Israel yesterday announced the mobilisation of 100,000 reservists and declared preparations for a ground operation in Lebanon. This morning the Israeli army reported that it had taken positions in southern Lebanon. How does Russia assess these statements and the risks of escalation on the Lebanese track?

💬 Sergey Lavrov: Of course, this is an escalation and a departure from the existing agreements regarding Lebanon, the status of southern Lebanon, Hezbollah, and the positions the sides should occupy on both banks of the Litani River. There are many arrangements there – and they are now being violated.

Israel says that Hezbollah has begun defending Iran, therefore it is carrying out numerous strikes against Lebanon.

❗️ This is a vicious circle, and it will never be broken unless all these issues are addressed comprehensively.

A Middle East conference, which we have proposed for many years, would now be particularly timely.

In the absence of such a forum – where all parties are represented and each can defend, explain and argue their position and seek a balance of interests – individual powers end up deciding the region’s problems. This is what we see happening in Gaza, in the West Bank, in Lebanon, and now with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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🎙Интервью Посла России в Канаде О.В.Степанова «Соловьев Live» («Генри Шоу»)

🔹Иран

Канада без промедления поддержала силовую акцию США против Ирана, прибегнув в своём заявлении к сомнительным обоснованиям, обходящим нормы международного права и призванным лишь создать видимость легитимности действий против Тегерана.

🔹Канада - США

Около 80% канадской экономики тесно связано с Соединёнными Штатами, а безопасность страны во многом обеспечивается за счёт предоставления её территории и инфраструктуры для американского военного присутствия и проецирования силы. Прежде всего в северном и арктическом направлениях, но также и в более широком глобальном контексте.

🔹Россия-Канада

Россия никогда не рассматривала Канаду как противника или источник угрозы.

Двусторонних отношений в их классическом смысле между Россией и Канадой не существует. Они в глубокой заморозке с2014 г. и особенно после 24 февраля 2022 г. Оттава сама пошла на их разрушение.

🔹Арктика

В Арктическом совете именно Канада выступает одним из ведущих голосов за то, чтобы решать арктвопросы в формате «семёрки», без России. Это трудно представить на практике, учитывая, что около половины Арктики относится к российской зоне ответственности.

🔹Канада-Великобритания

Между Лондоном и Оттавой осуществляется тесная координация по вопросам внешней политики.

🔹Канада-Украина

Русофобский курс Канады вырабатывается во многом под нажимом влиятельной здесь укробандеровской диаспоры.

🎙Interview of the Ambassador of Russia to Canada, Oleg Stepanov, with "Solovev Live" (“Henry Show”)

🔹Iran

Canada immediately supported the U.S. use of force against Iran, resorting in its statement to questionable justifications that circumvent international law and merely create the appearance of legitimacy for actions directed against Tehran.


🔹Canada–United States

Around 80% of the Canadian economy is closely tied to the United States, while the country’s security is largely ensured through the use of its territory and infrastructure for the American military presence and power projection. This applies first and foremost to the northern and Arctic directions, but also in a broader global context.


🔹Russia–Canada

Russia has never regarded Canada as an adversary or a source of threat.

Bilateral relations between Russia and Canada, in the classical sense, do not exist. They have been in a deep freeze since 2014 and especially after February 24, 2022. Ottawa itself chose to dismantle them.

🔹Arctic

Within the Arctic Council, Canada has been one of the leading voices advocating that Arctic issues be addressed in a “Group of Seven” format, without Russia. This is difficult to imagine in practice, given that roughly half of the Arctic falls within Russia’s zone of responsibility.

🔹Canada–United Kingdom

There is close coordination between London and Ottawa on foreign policy matters.

🔹Canada–Ukraine

Canada’s Russophobic course is shaped to a considerable extent under pressure from the influential Ukrainian Banderite diaspora in the country.

🎙 Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s answer to a media question regarding the attack on the Russian gas tanker Arctic Metagaz (March 4, 2026)

❓ Question: On March 3, a Russian vessel, the gas carrier Arctic Metagaz, was attacked in the Mediterranean Sea. What is the fate of its crew, and what measures is the Russian side taking in this situation?

💬 Maria Zakharova: The Russian Foreign Ministry and its overseas missions, in coordination with the relevant authorities, have joined the operation to rescue the crew members of the Russian gas carrier Arctic Metagaz, which was attacked in the Mediterranean Sea.

According to the information available to us, all 30 crew members have been rescued and are safe. Two individuals who sustained burns are receiving medical assistance in cooperation with the coastal state.

Russian diplomatic missions in the region continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to provide the necessary support to Russian citizens.

As stated by the Russian Ministry of Transport, the attack on the tanker was carried out by Ukrainian unmanned boats.

Such actions – if confirmed – constitute an act of terrorism, a blatant violation of international law, and pose a direct threat to maritime security.

Given that the vessel in question was a gas carrier transporting cargo, the consequences of this attack also entail colossal environmental damage.

❗️ We reserve the right to take political and diplomatic measures in response to this incident, including in light of the threat to international peace and security posed by such actions.

🎙 Comment by Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on France’s decision to increase its nuclear arsenal (March 4, 2026)

💬 The statement made the other day by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding Paris’s intention to embark upon a non-transparent expansion of its nuclear arsenal, which in itself constitutes an extremely destabilising development, should be viewed in a broader context.

<...>

We note that the United Kingdom earlier announced an approach largely similar to the course now adopted by France, having some time ago also begun a significant expansion of its national nuclear arsenal while reducing its transparency.

Moreover, in accordance with US-UK arrangements, London will, in addition to its existing sea-based component, acquire air delivery systems for nuclear weapons and gain access, with US consent, to US nuclear aerial bombs newly deployed in Britain which will further increase the number of warheads that the country could employ in a potential conflict.

At the same time, NATO’s traditional policy in this sphere excludes disclosure of the quantitative parameters of US nuclear weapons deployed in Europe. Russia is compelled to take into account that, in addition to the United Kingdom, an undeclared number of such weapons is stationed in four other European NATO countries and Türkiye, from where they are capable of striking a broad range of critically important targets on the territory of the Russian Federation. <...>

Beyond strengthening their national military nuclear capabilities, the United Kingdom and France are working with their allies to shape a certain independent or autonomous European nuclear deterrent capability.

Initial, somewhat disingenuous attempts to present this as an alternative to the American nuclear umbrella quickly gave way to recognition of the obvious fact that this concerns the expansion of the European nuclear component within NATO, in addition to the existing practice of nuclear sharing missions based on US nuclear weapons.

Thus, there is a substantial reinforcement and expansion of NATO’s overall nuclear potential, which, in the event of a direct military conflict with Russia, could be coordinated against our country not only in its European segment but in its entirety, including the US arsenal. <...>

We also note that the decisions by London and Paris to expand their nuclear arsenals are intended to be implemented outside international constraints, continuing their long-standing policy of avoiding participation in any nuclear arms control arrangements.

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