Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇸🇦📞 On April 2, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud had a telephone conversation.
The Sides held a substantive exchange on the full range of issues related to the crisis in the Middle East.
They expressed serious concern over the deterioration of the military-political situation in the region, civilian casualties and the destruction of strategically important infrastructure.
Both Leaders stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for stepping up political and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a long-term settlement of the conflict with due regard for the legitimate interests of all parties.
It was noted that the problems affecting the production and transportation of energy resources as a result of the crisis are having a negative impact on global energy security. In this connection, emphasis was placed on the importance of the joint work carried out with the participation of Russia and Saudi Arabia within the OPEC+ format to stabilize the global oil market.
🤝 The Sides expressed satisfaction with the high level of multifaceted Russia-Saudi Arabia cooperation, which continues to advance in a spirit of friendship and mutual benefit.
#RussiaSaudiArabia
The Sides held a substantive exchange on the full range of issues related to the crisis in the Middle East.
They expressed serious concern over the deterioration of the military-political situation in the region, civilian casualties and the destruction of strategically important infrastructure.
Both Leaders stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for stepping up political and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a long-term settlement of the conflict with due regard for the legitimate interests of all parties.
It was noted that the problems affecting the production and transportation of energy resources as a result of the crisis are having a negative impact on global energy security. In this connection, emphasis was placed on the importance of the joint work carried out with the participation of Russia and Saudi Arabia within the OPEC+ format to stabilize the global oil market.
🤝 The Sides expressed satisfaction with the high level of multifaceted Russia-Saudi Arabia cooperation, which continues to advance in a spirit of friendship and mutual benefit.
#RussiaSaudiArabia
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
💬 Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova:
Kaja Kallas has embarrassed the EU yet again.
With persistence better applied elsewhere, she keeps repeating the claim of Russia’s alleged “19 attacks”. She first voiced this talking point back in November 2025.
👉 One might have thought she had already been set straight
But no – stupidity is not cured that easily. Now she is back to the very same “19 attacks” mantra. Only this time, Kallas has decided to drag... Africa into it as well.
Let us remind poor Kaja who actually left a lasting scar on the African continent.
👉 The list for the past 100 years ALONE speaks volumes
It comes as no surprise that in nearly all of the most striking episodes of aggression, intervention and colonial wars, one finds today’s EU states and Britain. The very same countries that, quite tellingly, abstained on March 25 during the vote on the draft resolution “Declaration of the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialized Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime against Humanity”.
☝️ That is neocolonialism in all its ugliness.
Incidentally, in January, Kallas confessed to her great love of reading and even promised to “become very smart”. One might suggest adding the monograph Colonialism, Neocolonialism, Decolonization: Research Experience and Contemporary Discourse to her educational reading list.
Who knows – perhaps she will grow smarter after all.But I wouldn't bet on it.
Kaja Kallas has embarrassed the EU yet again.
With persistence better applied elsewhere, she keeps repeating the claim of Russia’s alleged “19 attacks”. She first voiced this talking point back in November 2025.
👉 One might have thought she had already been set straight
But no – stupidity is not cured that easily. Now she is back to the very same “19 attacks” mantra. Only this time, Kallas has decided to drag... Africa into it as well.
Let us remind poor Kaja who actually left a lasting scar on the African continent.
👉 The list for the past 100 years ALONE speaks volumes
It comes as no surprise that in nearly all of the most striking episodes of aggression, intervention and colonial wars, one finds today’s EU states and Britain. The very same countries that, quite tellingly, abstained on March 25 during the vote on the draft resolution “Declaration of the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialized Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime against Humanity”.
☝️ That is neocolonialism in all its ugliness.
Incidentally, in January, Kallas confessed to her great love of reading and even promised to “become very smart”. One might suggest adding the monograph Colonialism, Neocolonialism, Decolonization: Research Experience and Contemporary Discourse to her educational reading list.
Who knows – perhaps she will grow smarter after all.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇷🇸📞 On April 2, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of Serbia Ivica Dacic had a telephone conversation.
They discussed various issues of the Russia-Serbia partnership and cooperation in key areas.
The Sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Balkans. They stressed the fundamental importance of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 for the settlement of the Kosovo issue and their shared interest in preserving stability in the Balkan region.
#RussiaSerbia
They discussed various issues of the Russia-Serbia partnership and cooperation in key areas.
The Sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Balkans. They stressed the fundamental importance of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 for the settlement of the Kosovo issue and their shared interest in preserving stability in the Balkan region.
#RussiaSerbia
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🛢️ Russia will continue oil supplies to #Cuba.
🇷🇺Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev said a new tanker is being prepared.
On March 31, tanker “Anatoly Kolodkin” already delivered oil to the island.
🇷🇺Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev said a new tanker is being prepared.
On March 31, tanker “Anatoly Kolodkin” already delivered oil to the island.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇮🇷📞 On April 2, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi had a telephone conversation.
The Ministers held a detailed discussion on developments surrounding the new conflict in the Middle East and on efforts by a number of states to de-escalate tensions.
They also exchanged views on the ongoing discussions at the UN Security Council on ensuring the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and addressing other consequences of the unprovoked aggression by the US and Israel against Iran.
#RussiaIran
The Ministers held a detailed discussion on developments surrounding the new conflict in the Middle East and on efforts by a number of states to de-escalate tensions.
They also exchanged views on the ongoing discussions at the UN Security Council on ensuring the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and addressing other consequences of the unprovoked aggression by the US and Israel against Iran.
#RussiaIran
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Opening remarks by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his talks with SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev (April 3, 2026, Moscow)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: In 2026, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (#SCO) marks its 25th anniversary.
It is important to organise the SCO’s work in a way that duly reflects this milestone. More importantly, however, we must implement the key agreements already approved by the Heads of State and ensure they are incorporated into the Organisation’s Charter and other documents.
As always, we will reaffirm our support for the Secretariat’s efforts to implement the agreements reached by the Heads of State.
***
You have raised an important point about the impact of the broader international situation on the SCO’s work. Indeed, it is not only individual states and regions that are being put to a serious test, but also international organisations as mechanisms for advancing collective foreign policy approaches.
It seems to me that, amid this turbulent environment, the SCO is acquitting itself with dignity. We will do everything possible to ensure that attempts to weaken our Organisation and diminish its significance and role in Eurasian affairs do not succeed.
☝️We can see such attempts quite clearly.
Extra-regional countries are becoming increasingly active in Central Asia and in other parts of our shared Eurasian continent. We also see signs of crisis within both the North Atlantic Alliance and the EU. Our Western colleagues seem to believe that, if they are in crisis, they should impose it on non-Western groupings as well, following the logic of: “If I can’t have it, no one will” – applied to multilateral diplomacy and the building of a new world order.
I am confident that the SCO member states are a group of mature and responsible nations. We clearly see the great potential of the Organisation in addressing Eurasia’s challenges through positive action, dialogue, and constructive projects in the practical sphere, in logistics, in what we call the Greater Eurasian Partnership, and in strengthening the collective security of all countries in the region.
The SCO holds a unique position, because security, trade, economic, social and transport projects all fall fully within the mandate of our Organisation.
🤝 We will be pleased to hear your specific assessments reflecting the Secretariat’s vision for the way forward.
#RussiaSCO
💬 Sergey Lavrov: In 2026, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (#SCO) marks its 25th anniversary.
It is important to organise the SCO’s work in a way that duly reflects this milestone. More importantly, however, we must implement the key agreements already approved by the Heads of State and ensure they are incorporated into the Organisation’s Charter and other documents.
As always, we will reaffirm our support for the Secretariat’s efforts to implement the agreements reached by the Heads of State.
***
You have raised an important point about the impact of the broader international situation on the SCO’s work. Indeed, it is not only individual states and regions that are being put to a serious test, but also international organisations as mechanisms for advancing collective foreign policy approaches.
It seems to me that, amid this turbulent environment, the SCO is acquitting itself with dignity. We will do everything possible to ensure that attempts to weaken our Organisation and diminish its significance and role in Eurasian affairs do not succeed.
☝️We can see such attempts quite clearly.
Extra-regional countries are becoming increasingly active in Central Asia and in other parts of our shared Eurasian continent. We also see signs of crisis within both the North Atlantic Alliance and the EU. Our Western colleagues seem to believe that, if they are in crisis, they should impose it on non-Western groupings as well, following the logic of: “If I can’t have it, no one will” – applied to multilateral diplomacy and the building of a new world order.
I am confident that the SCO member states are a group of mature and responsible nations. We clearly see the great potential of the Organisation in addressing Eurasia’s challenges through positive action, dialogue, and constructive projects in the practical sphere, in logistics, in what we call the Greater Eurasian Partnership, and in strengthening the collective security of all countries in the region.
The SCO holds a unique position, because security, trade, economic, social and transport projects all fall fully within the mandate of our Organisation.
🤝 We will be pleased to hear your specific assessments reflecting the Secretariat’s vision for the way forward.
#RussiaSCO
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
⚡️ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's statement on the damage caused to St Nicholas Cathedral in Tehran as a result of missile strikes (April 3, 2026)
💬 We are shocked by reports of the serious damage and significant material losses inflicted on St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Tehran on April 1 as a result of yet another barbaric air strike by the US-Israeli tandem.
A unique historical and architectural landmark has been affected – an Orthodox church unlike any other, under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church and included on the national register of cultural heritage of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Since its construction in 1945, based on the design of the outstanding Russian architect Nikolai Markov, this religious centre has united our diaspora in Iran, providing a source of strength and a spiritual link to the historical Motherland. The entire Orthodox community of Tehran, regardless of citizenship, has contributed through labour or donations to its preservation.
Particularly striking is the fact that the main strike hit the compound of the former US Embassy, located just metres from the cathedral, which was taken over by Iranian revolutionary youth back in 1979. This gives grounds to believe that the Americans have effectively admitted their own helplessness and have finally lost faith in their military machine’s ability to force its way triumphantly back into Tehran.
❗️We strongly condemn any harm inflicted on religious sites.
We are convinced that this egregious violation of the rights of believers must receive a proper response from the international community.
💬 We are shocked by reports of the serious damage and significant material losses inflicted on St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Tehran on April 1 as a result of yet another barbaric air strike by the US-Israeli tandem.
A unique historical and architectural landmark has been affected – an Orthodox church unlike any other, under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church and included on the national register of cultural heritage of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Since its construction in 1945, based on the design of the outstanding Russian architect Nikolai Markov, this religious centre has united our diaspora in Iran, providing a source of strength and a spiritual link to the historical Motherland. The entire Orthodox community of Tehran, regardless of citizenship, has contributed through labour or donations to its preservation.
Particularly striking is the fact that the main strike hit the compound of the former US Embassy, located just metres from the cathedral, which was taken over by Iranian revolutionary youth back in 1979. This gives grounds to believe that the Americans have effectively admitted their own helplessness and have finally lost faith in their military machine’s ability to force its way triumphantly back into Tehran.
❗️We strongly condemn any harm inflicted on religious sites.
We are convinced that this egregious violation of the rights of believers must receive a proper response from the international community.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇹🇷📞 On April 3, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation at the initiative of the Turkish Side.
The Leaders held an in-depth exchange of views in light of the ongoing escalation of the military-political confrontation in the Gulf region.
They noted that the intense hostilities are having serious negative consequences not only for the region, but also globally – including in the areas of energy, trade and logistics.
President Putin and President Erdogan expressed a common view in favour of an early ceasefire and compromise-based peace arrangements that would respect the legitimate interests of all states in the region.
While discussing the situation around Ukraine, Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his continued readiness to facilitate the relevant negotiation process.
In view of the attempts by the Kiev regime to strike gas transport infrastructure linking Russia and Türkiye, as well as commercial vessels in the Black Sea, the Presidents stressed the importance of coordinated measures to ensure comprehensive security in the Black Sea area.
🤝 They also reviewed further steps to expand bilateral political and trade-economic ties, including through the implementation of joint strategic projects in the energy sector.
#RussiaTürkiye
The Leaders held an in-depth exchange of views in light of the ongoing escalation of the military-political confrontation in the Gulf region.
They noted that the intense hostilities are having serious negative consequences not only for the region, but also globally – including in the areas of energy, trade and logistics.
President Putin and President Erdogan expressed a common view in favour of an early ceasefire and compromise-based peace arrangements that would respect the legitimate interests of all states in the region.
While discussing the situation around Ukraine, Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his continued readiness to facilitate the relevant negotiation process.
In view of the attempts by the Kiev regime to strike gas transport infrastructure linking Russia and Türkiye, as well as commercial vessels in the Black Sea, the Presidents stressed the importance of coordinated measures to ensure comprehensive security in the Black Sea area.
🤝 They also reviewed further steps to expand bilateral political and trade-economic ties, including through the implementation of joint strategic projects in the energy sector.
#RussiaTürkiye
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
📆 On April 3, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Badr Abdelatty, who was on a visit to Russia.
The discussions between the two Foreign Ministers centred on pertinent issues related to the continued development of the historically amicable relations between Russia and Egypt. Both Sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to expanding multifaceted bilateral collaboration in line with the Treaty on Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation, signed in Sochi in 2018 by the Presidents of Russia and Egypt.
The Ministers acknowledged the significant coordinating role of the Joint Russian-Egyptian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation in enhancing collaboration, noting that its 15th meeting was held in Moscow in May 2025. They deliberated on certain practical aspects of realising large-scale joint investment projects, particularly the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant in Egypt and the establishment of a Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Views were exchanged on urgent international and regional challenges. They concurred on intensifying partner-like coordination in foreign policy at the United Nations and in other international arenas. The Ministers observed the alignment of Russia’s and Egypt’s positions regarding the resolution of crises in the Middle East and on the African continent through political and diplomatic means, in accordance with international law standards.
During discussions concerning the situation in the Persian Gulf region, the Russian Side underscored that the current unprecedented escalation was a consequence of unprovoked aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran.
❗️ Sergey Lavrov and Badr Abdelatty advocated an immediate cessation of hostilities and a de-escalation of tensions through negotiation. They affirmed their mutual readiness to offer every possible assistance in overcoming existing contradictions through dialogue, while taking into account the interests of all the states in the Middle East region.
The Ministers confirmed that both countries’ fundamental approaches to resolving the Palestinian‑Israeli conflict are aligned, based on the universally recognised international legal framework which provides for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They emphasised the importance of achieving sustainable peace in the Gaza Strip and ensuring unfettered humanitarian access to that Palestinian enclave.
The crisis situations in Libya, Sudan, Yemen, and Lebanon were also examined. The necessity of resolving these crises through peaceful means, so as to preserve the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of these states, was noted.
Sergey Lavrov provided Badr Abdelatty with a detailed briefing on Russia’s approaches to resolving the conflict around Ukraine.
🤝 Furthermore, they discussed practical matters concerning preparations for the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled to be held in Moscow later this year, as well as the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum at the level of heads of foreign policy agencies.
The discussions between the two Foreign Ministers centred on pertinent issues related to the continued development of the historically amicable relations between Russia and Egypt. Both Sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to expanding multifaceted bilateral collaboration in line with the Treaty on Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation, signed in Sochi in 2018 by the Presidents of Russia and Egypt.
The Ministers acknowledged the significant coordinating role of the Joint Russian-Egyptian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation in enhancing collaboration, noting that its 15th meeting was held in Moscow in May 2025. They deliberated on certain practical aspects of realising large-scale joint investment projects, particularly the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant in Egypt and the establishment of a Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Views were exchanged on urgent international and regional challenges. They concurred on intensifying partner-like coordination in foreign policy at the United Nations and in other international arenas. The Ministers observed the alignment of Russia’s and Egypt’s positions regarding the resolution of crises in the Middle East and on the African continent through political and diplomatic means, in accordance with international law standards.
During discussions concerning the situation in the Persian Gulf region, the Russian Side underscored that the current unprecedented escalation was a consequence of unprovoked aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran.
❗️ Sergey Lavrov and Badr Abdelatty advocated an immediate cessation of hostilities and a de-escalation of tensions through negotiation. They affirmed their mutual readiness to offer every possible assistance in overcoming existing contradictions through dialogue, while taking into account the interests of all the states in the Middle East region.
The Ministers confirmed that both countries’ fundamental approaches to resolving the Palestinian‑Israeli conflict are aligned, based on the universally recognised international legal framework which provides for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They emphasised the importance of achieving sustainable peace in the Gaza Strip and ensuring unfettered humanitarian access to that Palestinian enclave.
The crisis situations in Libya, Sudan, Yemen, and Lebanon were also examined. The necessity of resolving these crises through peaceful means, so as to preserve the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of these states, was noted.
Sergey Lavrov provided Badr Abdelatty with a detailed briefing on Russia’s approaches to resolving the conflict around Ukraine.
🤝 Furthermore, they discussed practical matters concerning preparations for the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled to be held in Moscow later this year, as well as the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum at the level of heads of foreign policy agencies.
🇷🇺 Russia advances personalized cancer treatment
❗️The first patient in Russia has received a domestically developed personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, "Neooncovac", for the treatment of skin melanoma.
🧬 The therapy was administered at the National Medical Research Center for Radiology. The patient is a 60-year-old man diagnosed with melanoma.
The vaccine is individually produced for each patient and is designed to train the immune system to recognize and destroy tumor cells.
💬 Health Minister Mikhail Murashko:
Approval for clinical use was granted in November 2025 for patients with inoperable or metastatic melanoma.
Work is currently underway to include the therapy in Russia’s public healthcare coverage system.
❗️The first patient in Russia has received a domestically developed personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, "Neooncovac", for the treatment of skin melanoma.
🧬 The therapy was administered at the National Medical Research Center for Radiology. The patient is a 60-year-old man diagnosed with melanoma.
The vaccine is individually produced for each patient and is designed to train the immune system to recognize and destroy tumor cells.
💬 Health Minister Mikhail Murashko:
The breakthrough technology is expected to become available to patients in need in the near future. It is not a panacea, but an additional tool in the hands of oncologists.
Approval for clinical use was granted in November 2025 for patients with inoperable or metastatic melanoma.
Work is currently underway to include the therapy in Russia’s public healthcare coverage system.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
◾️ On April 4, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established through the signing of the Washington Treaty by 12 countries from Europe and North America.
Since its inception, this “defensive alliance” has continually expanded. Over time, NATO has absorbed 20 new member-states through ten rounds of enlargement, with seven of these occurring after the dissolution of the Soviet Union: in 1999, 2004, 2009, 2017, 2020, 2023, and 2024.
The alliance’s military interventions worldwide have always become sources of instability and chaos, directly leading to civilian casualties and devastating consequences — as witnessed in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, and other regions.
❗️Back in 2007, during the Munich Security Conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin explicitly highlighted NATO’s destabilizing role in the global order following the Cold War:
Both the Soviet Union and Russia, at various times, sought rapprochement with NATO, even expressing interest in joining the alliance to create a comprehensive security system in Europe.
The Soviet-lead Warsaw Pact was established only in 1955 — six years after NATO’s creation. It proves that the USSR did not harbor aggressive intentions toward NATO member states.
Prior to this, Moscow aimed to normalize relations and even considered joining the North Atlantic alliance. In March 1954, Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov proposed that the Soviet Union might explore the possibility of NATO membership to reduce tensions between socialist and capitalist blocs and prevent conflicts. However, Western powers rejected this proposal.
After the USSR’s dissolution, Russian leadership made further attempts to engage with the alliance. In June 1994, Russia became the first country to join NATO’s “Partnership for Peace” program, aimed at developing bilateral cooperation between the alliance and partner states.
Many Western analysts now acknowledge in their memoirs that there was no sense in expanding NATO and keeping Russia “on the sidelines.”
In 1997, Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov proposed establishing contacts between the Russian Federation and NATO, leading to the signing of the Russia-NATO Founding Act and the creation of the Russia-NATO Council. Nevertheless, NATO’s expansion continued.
💬 President Vladimir Putin also indicated that he had proposed the idea of Russia joining NATO:
Despite Russia's good will, all these proposals have been rejected by the West.
Today, the North Atlantic bloc remains a tool for forcefully advancing the interests of the “golden billion”. The catastrophic consequences of the alliance’s geopolitical maneuvers are well-known.
Since its inception, this “defensive alliance” has continually expanded. Over time, NATO has absorbed 20 new member-states through ten rounds of enlargement, with seven of these occurring after the dissolution of the Soviet Union: in 1999, 2004, 2009, 2017, 2020, 2023, and 2024.
The alliance’s military interventions worldwide have always become sources of instability and chaos, directly leading to civilian casualties and devastating consequences — as witnessed in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, and other regions.
❗️Back in 2007, during the Munich Security Conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin explicitly highlighted NATO’s destabilizing role in the global order following the Cold War:
I think it is obvious that NATO expansion does not have any relation with the modernisation of the Alliance itself or with ensuring security in Europe. On the contrary, it represents a serious provocation that reduces the level of mutual trust. And we have the right to ask: against whom is this expansion intended?
Both the Soviet Union and Russia, at various times, sought rapprochement with NATO, even expressing interest in joining the alliance to create a comprehensive security system in Europe.
The Soviet-lead Warsaw Pact was established only in 1955 — six years after NATO’s creation. It proves that the USSR did not harbor aggressive intentions toward NATO member states.
Prior to this, Moscow aimed to normalize relations and even considered joining the North Atlantic alliance. In March 1954, Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov proposed that the Soviet Union might explore the possibility of NATO membership to reduce tensions between socialist and capitalist blocs and prevent conflicts. However, Western powers rejected this proposal.
After the USSR’s dissolution, Russian leadership made further attempts to engage with the alliance. In June 1994, Russia became the first country to join NATO’s “Partnership for Peace” program, aimed at developing bilateral cooperation between the alliance and partner states.
Many Western analysts now acknowledge in their memoirs that there was no sense in expanding NATO and keeping Russia “on the sidelines.”
In 1997, Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov proposed establishing contacts between the Russian Federation and NATO, leading to the signing of the Russia-NATO Founding Act and the creation of the Russia-NATO Council. Nevertheless, NATO’s expansion continued.
💬 President Vladimir Putin also indicated that he had proposed the idea of Russia joining NATO:
There was a moment when I simply suggested: perhaps we should also join NATO? But no, NATO does not need a country like ours. No. I want to know, what else do they need? We thought we became part of the crowd, got a foot in the door. What else were we supposed to do? There was no more ideological confrontation. What was the problem? I guess the problem was their geopolitical interests and arrogance towards others. Their self-aggrandisement was and is the problem.Despite Russia’s initiatives, Western countries rejected these overtures.
Despite Russia's good will, all these proposals have been rejected by the West.
Today, the North Atlantic bloc remains a tool for forcefully advancing the interests of the “golden billion”. The catastrophic consequences of the alliance’s geopolitical maneuvers are well-known.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
Russian MFA 🇷🇺
◾️ On April 4, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established through the signing of the Washington Treaty by 12 countries from Europe and North America. Since its inception, this “defensive alliance” has continually expanded. Over…
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#See4Yourself #Think4Yourself
“Not an Inch Eastward” they said... – what the West promised and what the West did in a nutshell.
To put things in perspective, here's NATO’s expansion over the years. This “defensive” alliance has undergone ten waves of enlargement (or if speaking plainly – ten waves of constant expansion), seven of which occurred after the dissolution of the USSR.
Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has incorporated the following countries, building up their aggressive military potential, sowing anti-Russian sentiment and foisting its confrontational mindset on new and old members alike:
📍 1999: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland;
📍 2004: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia;
📍 2009: Albania, Croatia;
📍 2017: Montenegro;
📍 2020: North Macedonia;
📍 2023: Finland;
📍 2024: Sweden.
As of now, the alliance comprises 32 members. On NATO’s so-called Eastern flank, for decades there has been an active buildup of military capabilities.
As a result, the militarization of Europe is unleashed and out of control, with the security architecture and balance that kept the region relatively safe is being dismantled.
“Not an Inch Eastward” they said... – what the West promised and what the West did in a nutshell.
To put things in perspective, here's NATO’s expansion over the years. This “defensive” alliance has undergone ten waves of enlargement (or if speaking plainly – ten waves of constant expansion), seven of which occurred after the dissolution of the USSR.
Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has incorporated the following countries, building up their aggressive military potential, sowing anti-Russian sentiment and foisting its confrontational mindset on new and old members alike:
📍 1999: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland;
📍 2004: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia;
📍 2009: Albania, Croatia;
📍 2017: Montenegro;
📍 2020: North Macedonia;
📍 2023: Finland;
📍 2024: Sweden.
As of now, the alliance comprises 32 members. On NATO’s so-called Eastern flank, for decades there has been an active buildup of military capabilities.
As a result, the militarization of Europe is unleashed and out of control, with the security architecture and balance that kept the region relatively safe is being dismantled.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
⚡️ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s statement regarding reports of renewed strikes on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (April 4, 2026)
We are receiving with mounting alarm reports of renewed missile strikes on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on April 4. We are reviewing the incoming reports.
❗️We strongly condemn this atrocity, which has resulted in loss of life.
We extend our condolences over the death of one of the plants’s employees who, according to available information, was responsible for ensuring its physical security.
We have taken note of the deep concern expressed by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi over this attack. He stressed, in particular, that NPPs themselves, as well as the surrounding areas where vital nuclear safety systems may be located, must never become targets of military strikes.
It is clear that his words are addressed to the aggressors, who continue, with reckless disregard and even a certain morbid zeal, to launch direct attacks on Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure, which is subject to the NPT and Iran’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA.
These illegal and reckless actions are an indelible stain on the international reputation of those who direct missiles at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and other Iranian nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, and who give the order to strike them. In effect, they have completely destroyed whatever standing they once claimed in the field of nuclear non-proliferation, as well as nuclear safety and nuclear security, thereby making clear that they themselves recognise no rules or restraints.
❗️ We expect that the damage inflicted on the NPT regime by the US and Israeli strikes will be subjected to an impartial and rigorous assessment at the NPT Review Conference opening on April 27.
For its part, Russia is doing everything possible to draw the attention of the international community and the wider global public to the fact that the situation around the Bushehr NPP is moving ever closer to a dangerous line.
The worst can still be avoided. But for that to happen, strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, including the Bushehr NPP, must cease immediately.
We are receiving with mounting alarm reports of renewed missile strikes on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on April 4. We are reviewing the incoming reports.
❗️We strongly condemn this atrocity, which has resulted in loss of life.
We extend our condolences over the death of one of the plants’s employees who, according to available information, was responsible for ensuring its physical security.
We have taken note of the deep concern expressed by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi over this attack. He stressed, in particular, that NPPs themselves, as well as the surrounding areas where vital nuclear safety systems may be located, must never become targets of military strikes.
It is clear that his words are addressed to the aggressors, who continue, with reckless disregard and even a certain morbid zeal, to launch direct attacks on Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure, which is subject to the NPT and Iran’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA.
These illegal and reckless actions are an indelible stain on the international reputation of those who direct missiles at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and other Iranian nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, and who give the order to strike them. In effect, they have completely destroyed whatever standing they once claimed in the field of nuclear non-proliferation, as well as nuclear safety and nuclear security, thereby making clear that they themselves recognise no rules or restraints.
❗️ We expect that the damage inflicted on the NPT regime by the US and Israeli strikes will be subjected to an impartial and rigorous assessment at the NPT Review Conference opening on April 27.
For its part, Russia is doing everything possible to draw the attention of the international community and the wider global public to the fact that the situation around the Bushehr NPP is moving ever closer to a dangerous line.
The worst can still be avoided. But for that to happen, strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, including the Bushehr NPP, must cease immediately.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
#Victory81
🏅 April 4 marks 81 years since the liberation of Bratislava from the Nazi invaders.
Slovakia's capital was cleared of Hitler’s occupiers during the Bratislava-Brno Offensive (March 25 – May 5, 1945), carried out by the 2nd Ukrainian Front under the command of Marshal Rodion Malinovsky.
💬 Chief of Staff of the 2nd Ukrainian Front Marshal Matvei Zakharov stressed that Slovak partisans provided valuable assistance to Red Army units and formations, including by sharing timely intelligence:
☝️ To avoid civilian casualties and spare Bratislava’s historic cityscape, Soviet forces refrained from using heavy artillery.
By April 2, Red Army formations had broken into the eastern and north-eastern districts of the city. On April 4, Soviet troops reached the central fortress – Bratislava Castle – where the remnants of the German garrison had taken shelter. By the end of the day, the city had fallen. Scattered Nazi units retreated in haste towards Vienna.
As during the liberation of other European countries, the Red Army provided humanitarian and economic assistance to the people of Bratislava and helped restore infrastructure.
By April 10, 1945, Bratislava’s central streets and squares had already been cleared of rubble and debris, the sewerage system was back in operation, and residents began returning en masse from nearby villages to their homes.
During the Bratislava-Brno Offensive, troops of the 2nd Ukrainian Front advanced 200 km, routed 9 Wehrmacht divisions, and created the conditions for further offensives towards Prague and Vienna.
🎆 To mark the victory, a ceremonial salute was fired in Moscow. The units that distinguished themselves in the battle for the city were awarded the honorary title “of Bratislava”.
6,845 Red Army soldiers fell in the battle for Bratislava. Most are buried at the Slavin military memorial complex in the centre of the Slovak capital.
#WeRemember
Slovakia's capital was cleared of Hitler’s occupiers during the Bratislava-Brno Offensive (March 25 – May 5, 1945), carried out by the 2nd Ukrainian Front under the command of Marshal Rodion Malinovsky.
💬 Chief of Staff of the 2nd Ukrainian Front Marshal Matvei Zakharov stressed that Slovak partisans provided valuable assistance to Red Army units and formations, including by sharing timely intelligence:
“Before the offensive on Bratislava began, the Front command managed to establish contact with Slovak partisans. They helped us greatly by supplying valuable information about the German army’s fortification system, the defence plans for individual cities, and the strength and combat composition of the enemy forces opposing us”.
☝️ To avoid civilian casualties and spare Bratislava’s historic cityscape, Soviet forces refrained from using heavy artillery.
By April 2, Red Army formations had broken into the eastern and north-eastern districts of the city. On April 4, Soviet troops reached the central fortress – Bratislava Castle – where the remnants of the German garrison had taken shelter. By the end of the day, the city had fallen. Scattered Nazi units retreated in haste towards Vienna.
As during the liberation of other European countries, the Red Army provided humanitarian and economic assistance to the people of Bratislava and helped restore infrastructure.
By April 10, 1945, Bratislava’s central streets and squares had already been cleared of rubble and debris, the sewerage system was back in operation, and residents began returning en masse from nearby villages to their homes.
During the Bratislava-Brno Offensive, troops of the 2nd Ukrainian Front advanced 200 km, routed 9 Wehrmacht divisions, and created the conditions for further offensives towards Prague and Vienna.
🎆 To mark the victory, a ceremonial salute was fired in Moscow. The units that distinguished themselves in the battle for the city were awarded the honorary title “of Bratislava”.
6,845 Red Army soldiers fell in the battle for Bratislava. Most are buried at the Slavin military memorial complex in the centre of the Slovak capital.
#WeRemember
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
Russian MFA 🇷🇺
#See4Yourself #Think4Yourself “Not an Inch Eastward” they said... – what the West promised and what the West did in a nutshell. To put things in perspective, here's NATO’s expansion over the years. This “defensive” alliance has undergone ten waves of enlargement…
Truth regarding NATO 👉 #Think4Yourself
NATO is the main military force of the 'collective West', clinging to its eroding dominance against the backdrop of the emerging multipolar world order.
This so-called “defensive alliance” (which it is absolutely not) is the world's largest military expender, one that drives the arms race and ensures its capability to force on others the 'rule-based order' — another euphemism, which is code for a loose system where the West and the West alone will establish or change any rules at any time at one's whim, if it's to the West.
It is no surprise that NATO stands as the unequivocal global leader in military expenditure.
Annually, the member-states of this “peaceful” (NOT) alliance allocate approximately $1.4 trillion to military needs, accounting for over half of all defence spending worldwide.
❗️ However, the colossal expenditure on “defence” have not yielded additional stability or security for Europe. On the contrary, NATO’s geopolitical expansion eastward resulted in turmoil, military conflicts and the erosion of the European security architecture.
NATO is the main military force of the 'collective West', clinging to its eroding dominance against the backdrop of the emerging multipolar world order.
This so-called “defensive alliance” (which it is absolutely not) is the world's largest military expender, one that drives the arms race and ensures its capability to force on others the 'rule-based order' — another euphemism, which is code for a loose system where the West and the West alone will establish or change any rules at any time at one's whim, if it's to the West.
It is no surprise that NATO stands as the unequivocal global leader in military expenditure.
Annually, the member-states of this “peaceful” (NOT) alliance allocate approximately $1.4 trillion to military needs, accounting for over half of all defence spending worldwide.
❗️ However, the colossal expenditure on “defence” have not yielded additional stability or security for Europe. On the contrary, NATO’s geopolitical expansion eastward resulted in turmoil, military conflicts and the erosion of the European security architecture.