Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, April 25, 2024
Table of contents
- Sergey Lavrov’s talks with Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda
- Ukraine crisis update
- Metropolitan Arseny of Svyatogorsk arrested by Ukrainian security service
- Recruiting mercenaries through Ukrainian diplomatic missions in third countries
- Death of Russian military correspondent Semyon Yeryomin
- Tenth anniversary of the Lugansk People’s Republic
- The West’s disinformation campaign regarding the “mass deportation of Ukrainian children to Russian territory”
- Germany’s economic losses during the special military operation in Ukraine and the ongoing energy crisis
- Foreign Ministry’s report, On the Situation Regarding Human Rights in the United States of America
- Attempts to rewrite history in Moldova
- Japanese politicians visit Yasukuni Shrine again
- The desecration and destruction of Soviet war memorials in Bulgaria
- Latvia’s decision to stop teaching Russian as a second foreign language at schools
- The 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing of the RadioTelevision Serbia Building
- Russian-African International Conference on Infection Control
- Kyrgyzstan provides humanitarian aid to residents of Russian regions struck by floods
- The 3rd Russia-Africa: What Next? Youth Forum
- Anniversary of the Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire
- Launch of the St George’s Ribbon nationwide event
- Gromyko Competition for Young CIS Specialists in International Relations
- Armenian media’s insinuations
- Statements made by the Foreign Minister of Moldova
- The actions of Moldovan authorities regarding opposition members returning from Russia
- Remarks by the head of the US Treasury regarding China
- Statements by the CSTO Secretary General
- US policy towards Russia and China
- The delimitation of the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia
- Statements made by the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament
- The British industry’s transitioning to a wartime footing
- Presidential election in Senegal
- Statements by the Polish leadership
- The Swiss authorities’ blocking of Russian assets
- Trilateral agreements between the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia
- Mutual accusations between Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding the destruction of cultural and historical landmarks
- Financial support for Ukraine from the United States
- The stance of the collective West regarding the Ukrainian conflict
- The EU mission in Armenia
- Western activity in Central Asia
- Victory Day celebrations
- Statements by the Estonian Interior Minister
Sergey Lavrov’s talks with Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda
On April 26-27, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia Celinda Sosa Lunda will pay an official visit to Moscow. On April 26, she will meet with Sergey Lavrov.
The ministers will discuss the current state and prospects for the advancement of bilateral ties and political dialogue, consider ways to expand cooperation in various areas and improve the legal framework. They will focus on the opportunities for further building up Russian-Bolivian cooperation on the international stage.
Bolivia is one of Russia’s priority partners in Latin America and the Caribbean. Russian-Bolivian ties, based on the principles of respect and consideration for each other’s interests, have great potential. Foreign Minister Sosa Lunda’s visit is aimed at further deepening bilateral cooperation and promoting it to a qualitatively higher level.
Additional material on this visit will be published on the Foreign Ministry’s website later today.
The Kiev regime continues terrorist attacks targeting Russia’s civilian population and infrastructure.
On April 15-22 alone, the Armed Forces of Ukraine carried out over 160 attacks on Gorlovka, Donetsk, Avdeyevka and other communities in the DPR, killing two people and injuring 20.
On April 20, a pregnant woman was fatally wounded and four other civilians received injuries during the shelling of Novaya Tavolzhanka, a village in the Belgorod Region.
The Neo-Nazis continue to terrorise medical workers, and attack premises and vehicles used by medical institutions. On April 18, they targeted a blood transfusion station with people inside and city hospital No. 2 in Gorlovka with HIMARS, injuring 14 people, including a five-year-old girl and six health workers. The buildings were severely damaged. Predictably, none of the Western media outlets mentioned any of this.
On April 19, Ukrainian armed forces deliberately opened fire on an ambulance in Kakhovka, which arrived to help a man injured by shelling. The vehicle was damaged.
The Bandera’s followers make active use of drones to hunt civilians. An outrageous incident occurred on April 19 in the village of Poroz, Belgorod Region, where two local residents were burned alive in a private house, which caught fire after two explosive devices were dropped from an UAV – a bedridden elderly woman with a hip fracture and a man who provided care for her.
On April 23, a man received shrapnel wounds to the chest and shoulder in Shebekino, Belgorod Region, as a result of a kamikaze drone attack. On the same day, the Armed Forces of Ukraine attacked a civilian car with an FPV drone, killing four people.
Western media consistently turn a blind eye to these crimes. Worse still, they engage in open propaganda of Ukrainian terrorism.
On April 17, The Washington Post published an interview with the chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov, who commented on preparations for new raids by the so-called Russian Volunteer Corps and “mass-scale drone attacks” on targets in Russia.
The Russian law enforcement agencies have been carefully recording the crimes perpetrated by the Ukrainian neo-Nazis. Not a single atrocity committed by the Kiev regime will be overlooked. All those implicated are being identified and brought to justice.
Based on evidence collected by the Investigative Committee of Russia, courts in the Russian Federation continue passing sentences on Ukrainian militants guilty of grave crimes.
A court in the Donetsk People’s Republic has sentenced 34 servicemen of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and 29 militants from the Nazi Azov unit to prison terms ranging from 25 years to life. They have been found guilty of killing civilians, shelling residential areas, and destroying civilian infrastructure in the republic from February to April 2022.
None of the Ukrainian criminals will succeed in escaping punishment. They will face the full rigour of the law.
On April 20 and 23, the US Congress approved $60.8 billion in aid to Kiev. This decision was preceded by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expediting the passage of the notorious bill on stricter mobilisation rules. So, Zelensky appears to have come for every single Ukrainian citizen and will now form new suicide battalions with an eye to getting a reward from the United States. The Bankovaya Street regime has sacrificed dozens of thousands of Ukrainians for the sake of getting new batches of weapons. Moreover, it has sunk so low as to brag about this. Speaking in an interview with the NBC News television channel on April 21, Zelensky said cynically that Ukraine was sending its best sons and daughters to the frontline. This was reducing the price for Europe, for NATO: “The US Army now does not have to fight protecting NATO countries. Ukrainians are doing that. And it’s only ammo that the civilised world is providing.” Zelensky is trading Ukrainian lives for US and NATO taxpayers’ money. But the taxpayers in question are totally unaware of what they are paying for, because the media in their countries do not report it or distort the actual picture.
For Zelensky, Ukraine is just a legal tender: he pays in Ukrainian lives for the money, bonuses and services that he and his criminal team are getting from the West. Later, a considerable portion of these funds returns to the banking accounts and pockets of their Western patrons.
In other words, Ukraine is for Zelensky a “jungle” (to quote one of these patrons, chief EU diplomat Josep Borrell), with Ukrainians being just the expendables needed to provide for the interests of the “garden” that shelters their Western masters.
About 25 percent of the new $61 billion US aid package for Ukraine will be spent on military needs. The Armed Forces of Ukraine will not receive anything for free but, rather, on a credit basis. Many Ukrainians do not completely realise this. The money will be loaned. And who will pay for this? The young people of Ukraine. Those recruited by the subordinates of Vladimir Zelensky and Ukrainian special services, that are patronised by the United States and the United Kingdom, will not come back from the battlefield. This burden will weigh heavily on their children. Today, the people of Ukraine are paying with their lives, and they are selling their children into bondage once again. Vladimir Zelensky has deprived his people of everything, including history, culture, language and a future. He has deprived families of their fathers, sons and daughters. He has deprived children and future generations of their parents and independence.
The United States will retain the lion’s share of this aid package. According to US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, about $50 billion will be directly invested in the US defence industry and will create jobs in over 30 states. This money will “create” tens of thousands of graves in Ukraine. So, it will create jobs in the United States and graves in Ukraine because this is what Zelensky’s masters in the White House have decided. All of them see this as business, as Zelensky said in an interview with NBC News. “And Ukraine is sending their best sons and daughters to the front line. And this reduces the price for all Europe, for all NATO,” Zelensky said.
Ukraine differs little from Afghanistan in terms of US funding for the “carnage.” Brown University estimates that the United States had spent $2.3 trillion, or about $300 million daily, on the audacious military campaign in Afghanistan. Everyone knows how it ended. The Ukrainian “epic” is developing in line with the same scenario. In my opinion, this situation has even more dramatic ramifications for the destiny of the Ukrainian nation. It is not hard to predict the result of the Kiev regime’s campaign.
On April 19, 2024, the NATO-Ukraine Council held its regular meeting online. Following the meeting, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg noted that the bloc’s countries had conducted an inventory of their arsenals in order to find surplus weapons for delivering to Kiev.
However, Zelensky’s demands on delivering seven batteries of Patriot surface-to-air missiles, other air-defence systems and ammunition went unanswered. Obviously, none of the allies wants to sacrifice its interests for the sake of the foundering Kiev regime. Once again, they confined themselves to plans for quickly delivering certain long-range missiles and large-calibre artillery systems to Ukraine for attacking targets on Russian territory.
London decided to set an example for other NATO members. On April 23, 2024, it announced a decision to provide Kiev with a record-breaking aid package worth $620 million. It will consist of 1,600 missiles, including Storm Shadow missiles with a range of 250 kilometres. At the same time, London said that support for Ukraine had vital significance for the security of the whole of Europe.
What do they mean by the whole of Europe? Where, in their opinion, does Europe begin and end? What are they talking about? If they mean the EU, London has exited from it. If they mean the whole of Europe, then what part of the European continent does Russia cover? Does not London know this? I understand that they are having problems with geography, but, nevertheless … Consequently, NATO has once again displayed its striving to raise the stakes during the conflict in Ukraine and to facilitate its dangerous escalation.
The recent adoption of a law tightening mobilisation rules has given more power to the Kiev regime, allowing it to exceed all limits. As a result, by the directive of Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmitry Kuleba, as of April 24, consular assistance abroad for men of mobilisation age has been suspended.
In simpler terms, what does this mean? This move means that Ukrainian citizens abroad, particularly those who are unwilling to defend their country (as stated by those on Bankovaya Street) and are used as pawns in the political dealings between Vladimir Zelensky, the White House, and Brussels, are now unable to obtain any document from Ukrainian consular and diplomatic missions.
We have repeatedly said that Ukrainian embassies abroad have shifted their focus from diplomacy, as required by the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, to serving as mobilisation centres, recruiting mercenaries. Now, they have abandoned their last duty of protecting citizens’ rights and providing essential services to them in processing documents. And for what? To expedite the return of Ukraine’s last citizens, offering them up to the corrupt and bloody machinery operated by Washington, Brussels, and Kiev. Dmitry Kuleba justified this move by arguing that those unwilling to fight for the state should not benefit from its services. However, he conveniently omitted that, according to Bankovaya Street, Ukrainian citizens aren’t fighting for Ukraine but rather for the interests of the US and NATO, as stated by Vladimir Zelensky. Borrell in Brussels and people in Washington echoed this sentiment, saying it is necessary for the interests of the collective West. Yet, Kuleba failed to disclose this to his citizens, depriving them of services guaranteed by Ukraine’s Constitution and laws.
From now on, they can only process documents they need to return to Ukraine, essentially funnelling them back to the military enlistment offices and imminent death. Despite this provision being stipulated in the law, its enforcement is hindered as the law itself only takes effect on May 17. Is Ukraine concerned with such legal intricacies? No. People are deprived of the right to ask questions. Bankovaya Street is wholly subservient to the cash inflow from Washington and Brussels. In Kiev, there’s a fervent drive to recruit fresh cannon fodder battalions, all in a bid to postpone the final collapse of the project known as the “Kiev regime.”
On April 19, 2024, the Committee on Youth Affairs and Sports proposed to the Verkhovna Rada the adoption of a law implementing military training for schoolchildren. The rationale provided suggests that this measure will cultivate fundamental knowledge of arms among Ukrainian children and show them their role in Ukraine’s defence. The underlying motives are clear to all: to lower the bar in further legislation, allowing the Kiev regime to kill even more people.
The intention is not to establish fringe youth camps similar to those led by Azov militants in Ukraine since 2014. Rather, they aim to militarise all children uniformly and turn them into Nazis, indoctrinating them with Bandera ideology and hatred for everything Russian. It’s reminiscent to resurrecting the Hitler Youth, now dubbed Neo-Hitler Youth. Then, these children will be sent to the frontlines to reinforce their indoctrination. The prospect of their return is hardly considered, as confirmed by Vladimir Zelensky’s recent remarks on April 21, suggesting that young people should engage in combat due to their proficiency in modern technologies. Consequently, discussions have reignited in Ukraine regarding the necessity of lowering the mobilisation age from 25 to 20 years.
The Kiev regime is not concerned about the potential loss of several generations of young people in Ukraine. Their focus seems to be on executing a well-funded agenda to reduce the country’s population.
The West doesn’t conceal its disregard for the opinion of the Global Majority regarding the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. They seem aware that such attitudes are evident. On April 18, 2024, head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell claimed that Vladimir Zelensky’s “formula” was the only initiative under discussion, implying that other proposals from countries like China, Brazil, and African nations had seemingly “vanished.” However, Josep Borrell provided no explanation regarding their disappearance.
This further emphasises that, contrary to the West’s promises during the “peace conference” convened in Switzerland, there is no intention to consider the initiatives of other nations, let alone understand the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis. The aim of such forums is not to achieve peace, but rather to assemble an anti-Russia coalition based on Vladimir Zelensky’s formula through deceit, fraud, and manipulation, and present a collective ultimatum to Russia. By the way, on April 23, 2024, Vladimir Zelensky himself essentially confirmed this in an interview with Ukrainian media, emphasising the necessity of reaching certain agreements based on the outcomes of the Swiss conference to apply “political pressure on Russia.”
We would like to reiterate that Vladimir Zelensky’s formula and the measures designed to promote it do not bring peace closer but instead prolong the hostilities, fostering a sense of absolute impunity within the Kiev regime and arming it for further terrorist acts.
I reiterate, discussions about resolving the Ukrainian crisis are futile without Russia’s participation and consideration of our interests, particularly in the security sphere.
The facts listed above confirm the importance of the objectives of the special military operation, which are to denazify and demilitarise Ukraine, as well as eliminate threats emanating from its territory. All of these objectives will be fulfilled.
Metropolitan Arseny of Svyatogorsk arrested by Ukrainian security service
Amid the Russian army’s recent achievements as part of the special military operation, the Zelensky regime is stepping up repression against the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), its clergy and believers.
On April 24, Ukraine’s SBU security agency carried out another repressive act, detaining the abbot of the Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra, Metropolitan Arseny of Svyatogorsk, under a far-fetched pretext. According to the SBU butchers, His Eminence repeatedly aired “pro-Russian narratives,” and allegedly revealed “the location of Ukrainian army checkpoints” in the region immediately adjacent to the line of contact during a liturgy. What do they mean? The first part is definitely about hatred – agencies supported by Vladimir Zelensky hate the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. As for the sensitive disclosures the priest purportedly made in his sermons, apparently, he must have mentioned attacks on the monastery launched from the Ukrainian army’s strongholds in the vicinity. According to reports, the metropolitan has been taken away for interrogation and the Ukrainian Nazis are threatening him with a long incarceration. The Lavra is currently closed, and security agents are searching it.
The Svyatogorsk Lavra carries out an important humanitarian mission as a refuge for thousands of local residents displaced by the conflict. For more than a decade of repression against the residents of Donbass, the Kiev regime has sought, by all possible means, to gain control over this monastery, which is an important Orthodox shrine in southern Russia. Having failed to do so, they have clearly decided to take revenge against its abbot. This show attack on the Church by the Kiev authorities just makes one wonder: what are they driven by? Is it some St Bandera’s cult or other demons? That’s a rhetorical question.
This incident is another blatant manifestation of the Kiev regime’s repressive policy targeting the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church in an attempt to destroy the Orthodox identity of millions of UOC believers. The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly pointed to the violations of UOC believers’ rights and repressions against them for a long time. In July 2023, a detailed report was published on the Foreign Ministry website, Illegal actions by the Kiev regime targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), its clergy and parishioners. I urge you to reread it. We continue working to collect evidence of the Kiev regime’s egregious crimes, including those targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. We regularly highlight violations of religious freedom by the Kiev authorities during international meetings and at major multilateral platforms.
In connection with the Zelensky regime’s latest criminal acts against UOC priests, we call on human rights organisations to take action to facilitate Metropolitan Arseny’s release.
We hope that Metropolitan Arseny will be released as soon as possible, in time for the Orthodox Easter holiday. I am sure that all Orthodox believers are praying for him and his brethren.
Recruiting mercenaries through Ukrainian diplomatic missions in third countries
Today, we have already talked about the practice of Ukrainian embassies of recruiting mercenaries in third countries. We noted media reports where Ukrainian embassies in a number of countries openly encourage local citizens to enlist in the International Legion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The authorities of host countries either turn a blind eye to this activity or even condone it.
We would like to urge the leadership of these countries to consider the implications of such actions. Imagine if other nations were to recruit mercenaries to involve in a conflict that affects your state. How would you perceive such a scenario?
In this regard, I would like to remind you that the majority of nations worldwide are signatories to Protocol I additional to the 1949 Geneva Conventions. This protocol specifies that mercenaries do not qualify for the status of a combatant or a prisoner of war. Certain Western states, along with Ukraine itself, have ratified or signed the 1989 International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries. This convention mandates signatories to criminalise such activities and actively oppose them. Moreover, these countries are also parties to the 1907 Hague Convention (V) Respecting the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers and Persons in Case of War on Land. According to this document, no formation of forces in favour of belligerents or opening of recruitment offices is permitted on the territory of neutral powers (which these states claim to be).
Regarding Ukraine’s actions, it is evident that the recruitment of mercenaries exceeds the usual scope of duties of diplomatic missions. According to the provisions of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, protecting the interests of the accrediting state in the host country must be conducted “within the limits permitted by international law.” Additionally, diplomatic mission personnel are obligated to adhere to the laws of the host country, including criminal statutes prohibiting mercenary activities. To our knowledge, most Western nations adopted these norms. However, they blatantly disregard them. They also ignore their own legislation, effectively condoning illegal activities conducted by Ukrainian embassies on their territory.
Death of Russian military correspondent Semyon Yeryomin
More about the crimes of the Kiev regime.
On April 19, we received the unfortunate news that Izvestia Information Centre’s military correspondent Semyon Yeryomin was tragically killed in a targeted UAV attack by the armed formations of the Kiev regime in the Zaporozhe Region Semyon Yeryomin was performing his professional duties when he was fatally wounded by projectiles deliberately and repeatedly dropped from a Ukrainian Armed Forces drone. He later succumbed to his injuries. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning this latest crime committed by Ukrainian Nazis, which can be found on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The Izvestia correspondent had been covering conflict areas for many years. He consistently approached his job as a journalist with conscientiousness and integrity. He demonstrated true bravery while reporting on events in war zones on numerous occasions. He was recognised for his work with the medal of the Order for Services to the Fatherland, among other accolades. Since the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine, he had remained at the forefront of events. Often, he risked his life to bring the truth to the public. It was he who published documentary evidence that Russian correspondents on the frontlines were being targeted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
It is unclear how many journalists, military correspondents, observers, and public figures must become victims of the terrorist Kiev regime before international organisations and associations dedicated to journalists’ safety take decisive action instead of turning a blind eye to the crimes committed by Ukrainian neo-Nazis. The persistent silence, which borders on complicity, and the inaction of authorised OSCE and UNESCO officials, as well as prominent democrats and pseudo-human rights activists from the Council of Europe and other institutions, can only be seen as political segregation of media representatives based on their nationality.
Let me emphasise that this is not about minor infringements on someone's rights, but a deliberate choice to systematically ignore the murders and terrorist attacks targeting journalists, completely disregarding universal moral principles and the official responsibilities of international officials who are paid to take a principled stance.
Representatives of relevant UNESCO and OSCE agencies seem to conveniently forget their direct responsibilities and the work for which they get paid, if journalists are killed or targeted, or when they face political pressure anywhere in the world. Neither the deaths nor the terrorist attacks that claim their lives nor the fact that they are declared priority targets by the Kiev regime seem to prompt any action on behalf of Russian journalists.
While these agencies feign ignorance about the actions of the Kiev regime and turn a blind eye to the crimes committed by the neo-Nazi gangs, which can only be described as reprehensible, their proteges in Ukraine interpret this as approval and encouragement for their heinous atrocities.
I would like to once again extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Semyon Yeryomin, a true hero who fearlessly and steadfastly fulfilled his professional duty until the very last moment of his life.
Tenth anniversary of the Lugansk People’s Republic
Amid the nationalist frenzy in Ukraine that followed the bloody coup in Kiev and the aggressive actions of the proponents of the Bandera ideology who are ready to wipe off the face of the earth everything connected with Russia, on April 27, 2014, the residents of Lugansk at a rally that brought together thousands of people supported the Declaration of Sovereignty and the Act on the Proclamation of State Autonomy of the Lugansk People’s Republic. During the May 11 national referendum, the documents were approved by 96 percent of the more than 1.35 million voters.
This was their response to the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine’s decision to conduct an “anti-terrorist operation” (known to everyone as the terrible and bloody ATO) and the use of artillery, heavy armoured vehicles and aircraft by the
In doing so, the people of Lugansk made clear their choice to ensure their right to speak Russian and to defend themselves, their history and culture, and their unwillingness to put up with the arbitrariness of the
The destruction of peaceful settlements by large-calibre artillery, Grad MLRSs, Tochka-U missiles, and the air strike on the city centre on June 2, 2014, as well as other crimes committed by the Kiev regime have only strengthened Lugansk’s determination to stand to the end.
Meanwhile, by its decisions to withdraw the official bodies from the LPR and the DPR and to stop funding all its budgetary obligations from June 13, 2014, Ukraine confirmed the fact of discontinuing the provision of state functions in these territories, and by doing so it effectively recognised the state independence of the LPR and DPR and confirmed their right to freely determine their own future.
The West’s disinformation campaign regarding the “mass deportation of Ukrainian children to Russian territory”
This topic is leading the Western disinformation campaign against our country and serves as an information cover for the criminal actions of the collective West and the
Since the beginning of the special military operation and with active support from the collective West, the Ukrainian side launched an unprecedented disinformation campaign focusing on “mass-scale deportation of Ukrainian children to Russian territory”. They use every trick in the process from publications in the Western media to
The related materials have been actively circulated in the leading Western media to this day. They refer to an “official report” according to which some 19,500 children have been allegedly “deported or forcibly displaced” to
The
The Westerners qualify
The office of Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova has organised a clear and transparent legal process with a sequential operation algorithm. We have established communication channels with Ukrainian counterparts regarding this issue. Yesterday, everyone who wanted could see Maria Lvova-Belova holding face-to-face talks with Ukrainian counterparts on children’s exchange mediated by
We have organized two briefings by Lvova-Belova at the Foreign Ministry, during which she provided facts when replying to media questions about these efforts. We are planning to hold one more such briefing in the next few months.
The children’s commissioner received the lists of missing children from various sources. All of them are being carefully examined, and if they include contact information of the children’s relatives, the Office of the Commissioner communicates with them. For example, it has been established that a young man of legal age for whom his mother has been looking since April 2022, is living in
I would like to remind you that the international Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, who have allegedly been illegally deported to
The real problems of children are overshadowed by all these activities and pseudo-initiatives, which are aimed at attaining their proponents’ mercenary interests. Nobody cares about children in the West or
Ukrainian female refugees have filed over a thousand appeals with Russia’s Permanent Mission to the UN to save their children, who have been taken from them by the youth justice authorities of EU countries. We know about 255 cases when European agencies took children from their Ukrainian parents. The situation is especially dramatic in
The Ukrainian citizens who have abandoned all hope of returning their children taken from them in the EU appeal for help to Russian offices abroad, whereas Ukrainian embassies deny assistance to them. They are in a tight corner now, considering that under the new mobilisation law assistance to Ukrainian citizens abroad can only be provided in the context of their return to
We have taken note of the latest news. The German police have found 161 Ukrainian children who, according to
We would like to express support for the efforts of the Russian children’s rights commissioner, who has been working consistently in the interests of both Russian and Ukrainian children that live in the conflict zone and have been affected by it. I would like to remind you that the allegation of
We have been trying to attract international attention to fake stories about
When has it ever been different? Did the West ever support
Germany’s economic losses during the special military operation in Ukraine and the ongoing energy crisis
Here is yet another example highlighting a fake agenda and misinformation, rather than just hypocrisy and their double standards. Berlin has been making statements about Russia virtually every day. They are talking about our alleged economic “defeat” and the lack of prospects for our economic future and development.
Two years ago, German authorities proclaimed a change of eras and moved to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia. Since then, the German side has closed all channels for bilateral interaction. The government of Olaf Scholz specially prides itself in completely renouncing fuel and energy deliveries from Russia. This is what they said.
The German leadership expected these measures to bleed our country white. Let us look at the result. Certainly, Western media outlets, primarily German outlets, are painting an entirely different picture. This is the same example of what they are doing in the context of the children’s issue and the situation around Russia. Let us look at the situation using facts, statistics and materials based on Russian and international documents and statistical records.
Today, Russia is the fifth largest economy worldwide in terms of the purchasing power parity. What is the situation like in Germany, which planned to inflict a “strategic defeat,” including an economic defeat, on us by deciding to punish this country? They did not state their reasons, but we know that, throughout history, they have always wanted to punish us for something.
Official data shows a systemic economic crisis in Germany. The country’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action confirmed that the country had incurred direct losses worth about 160 billion euros in the last two years. No one had illegally appropriated, confiscated, stolen or frozen these 160 billion euros. No, the government of Germany lost this sum due to its ill-conceived and illegal actions, primarily those directed against Russia. Experts are even talking about 400 billion euros. We are witnessing deindustrialisation and the flight of capital from Germany to other countries. The latter sum exceeded 250 billion euros in 2022-2023. Companies are quickly relocating their production assets to third countries. In late 2023, Germany became the only industrial country in a recession. The IMF has complied a rather pessimistic forecast for Germany: In 2024, its GDP will not exceed 0.2 percent. Leading German companies are not concealing their plans to lay off their workers in the next few years.
Do these economic and industrial developments suit the people of Germany? No, this is not so. It is up to them to decide. There is only one thing that matters to us: tell the truth and do not use the potential of media outlets for spreading lies and endlessly repeating slogans that Russia must be “punished.” You should use these capabilities of German and American news agencies that are active in Germany for telling the people of Germany about the real situation in the country. This is what the citizens of Germany should be concerned about.
Foreign Ministry’s report, On the Situation Regarding Human Rights in the United States of America
The Foreign Ministry’s website has, for the first time, published a report dedicated to human rights protection in the United States.
Despite Washington’s unfounded statements about its commitment to upholding the principle of universality of fundamental human rights and freedoms as well as declaring itself a global leader in this area, we must admit that in reality, the situation regarding respect for human rights and freedoms in the United States is very far from international standards.
The execution of various military operations on the territories of European and Middle Eastern states, the establishment of secret prisons worldwide, the enforcement of highly stringent migration policies in recent years, and numerous other infringements on human rights and freedoms not only highlight the dual nature of this country’s stance on human rights standards but also its lenient attitude toward international law in general.
How do sanctions imposed against states correlate with human rights and freedoms? What about the blockade of countries without legal justification during the pandemic? Is it ethical to use trade and financial pressure to influence the population, coercing citizens who feel economic strain to alter their civic stance? These are questions the US has yet to address, but they are raised in our report.
The uncontrolled dominance in global affairs, the capture of new markets, and the absence of regulatory mechanisms following the dissolution of the Soviet Union fostered a sense of impunity within the American elite. This has led to an expansion in the use of not only military but also economic instruments, as well as informational resources, as tools of coercion.
The American authorities are actively employing the strategy of proxy warfare against Russia and its people, a point we reiterate daily. Primarily, this manifests through substantial military aid to the Kiev regime and coercing its NATO allies to follow suit in supporting US terrorist actions. There is evident pressure put on sovereign states, including through human rights mechanisms, in an attempt to fabricate a negative narrative surrounding the Russian Federation and its international allies and partners.
One of the most significant challenges in addressing the contemporary global community’s human rights challenges is Washington’s habit of applying double standards when evaluating specific situations and phenomena.
The United States continues to employ this approach actively and hypocritically to escalate confrontation and interfere in the internal affairs of independent states, violating their sovereignty.
In the eyes of the global community, such approaches increasingly imbue the perception of American democracy with a manipulative and weakened essence. This, in turn, leads to the discreditation of democratic principles and values in general.
The adherence to an international rules-based order, primarily serving the cynical interests of Washington, coupled with a patronising tone, bias, and disregard for the concept of sovereignty and one of the fundamental principles of international law, as outlined in the UN Charter – non-interference in the internal affairs of states – inevitably leads to profound disappointment in the “Western values” that have captivated other civilizations and societies for decades, reaping significant political dividends for the West and the US alike.
At the same time, while disregarding serious and long-standing human rights issues within the country, the US is concentrating its efforts on steering other states towards self-destruction.
Attempts to rewrite history in Moldova
Officials in Chisinau continue their policy of rewriting history and promoting Romanian-unionist sentiments while depriving people of a future in their own independent sovereign state.
Monuments honouring the heroes of the Great Victory are being desecrated in the country. On April 17, 2024, vandals defaced the monument to anti-fascist Komsomol members in the city of Riscani, painting offensive inscriptions and Nazi symbols on granite slabs. Did the Maia Sandu regime respond? No. There was total silence, no reaction at all.
On April 16, 2024, the Moldovan Ministry of Defence refused to provide Moldovan search teams and volunteers with an honour guard, military band and fireworks team for the reburial ceremony of Soviet soldiers who sacrificed their lives 80 years ago to liberate Moldova from Romanian fascist occupation.
Furthermore, the Moldovan leadership is supporting the renovation and installation of monuments to those who fought alongside Nazi criminals during World War II. On April 18, 2024, the Chisinau City Hall awarded the head of the Monumentum association a prize for “preserving and restoring cultural heritage.” This organisation is known for restoring monuments to Nazi collaborators. These are the priorities of the Maia Sandu regime.
On April 21, 2024, during the congress of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, a Romanian party, in Chisinau, calls were made to “remove all odious Stalinist monuments on the territory of Bessarabia.”
In alignment with the demonisation of the Soviet past, two years ago the ruling party of Moldova designated the third Saturday in April (this year it is April 20) as the Day of Remembrance for the victims of the organised famine of 1946-1947, which they blame on the Soviet authorities.
It is important to remember that the famine occurred as a result of the destruction of agriculture, manufacturing, and social infrastructure in Moldova after Romanian and German troops occupied the country. This is similar to the situation in Tokyo today. Decades ago, the United States dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Yet, the current rulers of Japan accuse Russia of “nuclear irresponsibility” without acknowledging the American bombings that caused the death and suffering of tens and hundreds of thousands of Japanese. The same distortion is happening here. During the Great Patriotic War, the Nazis devastated and killed Moldovans, scorching the earth (literally). Now, the Maia Sandu regime is turning everything upside down and blaming the Soviet Union for it.
During the war, the main task of the Romanian administration was to collect and take the peasants’ harvest for Bucharest’s needs. Moldova exported tens of millions of poods [an ancient Russian metric measuring roughly 16 kg] of grain and other agricultural products, as well as hundreds of thousands of livestock. Wool, leather and tobacco were also surrendered to the occupation authorities. Does Maia Sandu not know this? If not, it is monstrous. And if she does, it is completely inhumane.
After the destruction of the healthcare system, the incidence of tuberculosis and typhoid increased significantly. Malaria, typhus, typhoid fever, scarlet fever and other diseases spread. Due to the famine, mass epidemics and cruel treatment, about 200,000 Moldovans, or seven percent of the population, died from the moment of occupation until May 1943.
The Soviet authorities took active measures to restore Moldova’s economy. In 1944-1945 alone, Moldova received 448 million roubles from the all-Union budget, as well as 20,000 tonnes of ferrous metals, 226,000 tonnes of coal, 51 tonnes of petroleum products, 17.4 tonnes of seeds, about 17,000 horses, and over 10,000 heads of cattle. It is important to remember that this was the period when the Soviet Union was actively fighting Nazi Germany and its satellites.
Maia Sandu and her thugs do not want to acknowledge or remember these facts. However, the Moldovan people know and remember. They take great pride in the military and post-war achievements of their forefathers, who, alongside other peoples of the USSR, defeated Nazism, defended Moldova’s freedom and independence, and rebuilt their homeland from scratch. Unfortunately, the current Moldovan leaders, who identify themselves with Romania, hold Romanian passports, and swear allegiance to the Romanian authorities, are determined to erase this historical memory.
Japanese politicians visit Yasukuni Shrine again
Another mass pilgrimage by the Japanese political leadership, including two current cabinet members and about 100 members of parliament, to the Shinto shrine of Yasukuni, an odious symbol of Japanese militarism, took place the other day. Class A war criminals sentenced to death by the International Tribunal for the Far East are honoured there, among others. In addition, on April 21, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sent a traditional sacrificial offering to the above shrine.
We strongly condemn this practice of the Japanese officialdom. We have repeatedly emphasised that by doing so Tokyo hurts the feelings of the peoples of neighbouring countries who suffered from its barbaric expansionist campaign and invasive policy in the first half of the 20th century. This action once again clearly demonstrates the nature of the current policy of the Japanese administration, which is based on historical revisionism and revanchism, and unwillingness to recognise responsibility for the aggression that they unleashed, and the tragedies of the peoples.
The Japanese side has previously tried to convince us that Yasukuni Shrine today has nothing to do with militarism. However, the appointment of a representative of military circles − a retired general of the Self-Defence Forces − as its new abbot as of April 1 tells a different tale.
Once again, we call on Japan to stop the attempts to whitewash the inhuman pages of its own history and to fully recognise the outcomes of World War II.
The desecration and destruction of Soviet war memorials in Bulgaria
The mass grave of Soviet soldiers in the Lozenets District of the Bulgarian capital has once again been desecrated. Also, at the suggestion of the regional administration of Sofia, the demolition of the remains of the monument to the Soviet Army in the centre of the city which was subjected to a barbaric destruction in December 2023 has begun.
We are pained and outraged to note that the desecration of memorials and graves of the heroes who liberated Europe from Nazism has become systematic in Bulgaria. Not only the local authorities fail to prevent or even condemn the vandals, but, in fact, they have knowingly become their accomplices. Bulgaria openly ignores its obligations to ensure the preservation of monuments under the bilateral treaty with Russia on friendly relations and cooperation of August 4, 1992 and the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in culture, education and science of April 19, 1993.
Every year neo-Nazis wielding torches and glorifying Hitler’s collaborators parade in the streets of Sofia with impunity. Bulgarian representatives regularly vote against UN General Assembly resolutions against the glorification of Nazism. Explicit support, including massive supplies of arms and ammunition, is provided to the neo-Banderite regime in Kiev. Step by step, the Bulgarian ruling elite, which has sworn allegiance to the Euro-Atlantic club, continues to morally decompose. It is not surprising that against this background the monuments have no chance to survive.
We are aware that this shameful policy is not supported by the people of Bulgaria who are devoted to the ideals of freedom and cherish the memory of their own history. Healthy patriotic forces that are ready to defend true national interests and traditional values are strengthening in that country. We are convinced that the voice of the sensible majority that is unable to forgo honour and conscience and is respectful of the immortal feat of the liberator soldiers will eventually prevail.
Latvia’s decision to stop teaching Russian as a second foreign language at schools
Attempts by unfriendly countries to artificially limit the spread of the Russian language around the world do not stop.
Recently, the Latvian authorities decided to stop teaching Russian as a second foreign language at schools.
According to Latvia’s Ministry of Education and Science, more than half of secondary educational institutions choose Russian as a second foreign language and, according to statistical data, in no case do they want to lose this opportunity. More than 40 percent of the people in Latvia use Russian for everyday communication.
In this connection, we regard such actions by the Latvian authorities not only as a gross attempt to downgrade the importance of the Russian language and everything about Russia, but also as a clear manifestation of chauvinism and progressive discrimination against our compatriots on linguistic and ethnic grounds. This policy is a direct violation of basic human rights, including the right to native speech, culture, traditions, and historical memory. All this is enshrined in countless international documents, declarations and decisions to which Latvia considers itself to be a party.
Notably, European “democratic” institutions have never mustered enough strength to condemn (or at least comment on in any way) these shameful practices of a neo-Nazi state, where brutal Russophobic persecution, harassment of children at schools and kindergartens, persecution of journalists, and substitution of historical facts have become the norm.
We are convinced that excluding the Russian language from the curriculum will not only limit the Latvian citizens’ ability to speak it, but also deprive them of access to Russian literature and history, which are part of the world’s cultural heritage and world civilisation. Thus, this policy will backfire on the initiators of this outrageous anti-Russian campaign. They are using force to degrade their society.
In this regard, our country has a colossal responsibility to preserve and promote the Russian language abroad. The Russian Federation will respond resolutely to all attacks on the Russian language and continue to focus on protecting the rights and interests of our compatriots, expanding online learning, and ensuring access to domestic educational digital resources for the diaspora and international audiences who retain an interest in the Russian language and Russian culture.
The 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing of the RadioTelevision Serbia Building
On April 23, 2024, the people of Belgrade remembered a tragedy that happened 25 years ago, one that has no statute of limitations. On that day in 1999, NATO missiles struck the RadioTelevision Serbia Building during the alliance’s military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In the early hours of April 23, NATO aircraft conducted a strike that resulted in the death of16 civilians, including technicians, editors, a makeup artist, a director, security guards and a camera operator. The attack on the television centre went unpunished. The West justified this crime by military necessity, claiming that Serbian communications facilities and media outlets had been designated as legitimate military targets prior to the operation.
A monument now stands opposite the ruins of the RadioTelevision Serbia Building, listing the names of those killed in the attack. It features a plaque with a rhetorical question: “Why?” Those who dare defend their freedom and dignity, or simply tell the truth are forced to stay silent, no matter what. This is a “value” of the collective West. At that time, they tested it on Serbia. Today, they are testing it on Ukraine, and this also concerns the situation surrounding the Ukraine crisis.
Today, we have discussed another troubling example: the deliberate killing of Russian war correspondent Semyon Yeryomin, killed in the line of duty by the Kiev regime. The collective West finances such despicable actions by the Kiev authorities.
Not content with its past crimes, the West now demands that Belgrade forget the NATO airstrikes of 1999.They seem to desire another Japanese-style experiment. The United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and Japan has been forced to forget about this. Similarly, they aim to force Serbia to forget who bombed it in 1999, to forget the cold-blooded murder of over 2,500 Serbian citizens, including 89 children, the destruction of infrastructure (including 118 infrastructure and telecommunications facilities), and the resulting multi-billion dollar losses. There is no discussion of compensation or apologies.
In reality, they want Serbia to erase this page from its historical chronicle. In the past, the United States lavished money on Japan and other states; that money remained there, one way or another. The United States forced Japan to forget its history but invested in the country. I cannot assess this from a moral standpoint, but it did bring certain benefits. Today, most of what was promised to Serbia remains on paper.
Western hypocrisy knows no bounds. The West is making every effort to hush up the attack on the television centre in Belgrade on April 23, 1999. This should have become a symbol of the OSCE, for example. They should have designated a special day to commemorate these events and organised commemorative events to ensure they are not repeated. This did not happen, and they are covering it up.
At the same time, Washington has shown the real cost of its commitment to the ideals of democracy. It used its entire military potential against media outlets under the false pretext of “combating propaganda.” At that time, the US-led West displayed its readiness to violate any obligations, including those considered sacred by democratic society, when their narrow mercenary interests are at stake.
Russian-African International Conference on Infection Control
On April 17-19, 2024, Kampala hosted the first Russian-African International Conference on Infection Control, organised by the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uganda.
The conference brought together over 150 representatives from 17 countries and two international organisations, including officials from ministries and agencies, as well as representatives of scientific communities from African countries. Russia was represented by leading epidemiologists, virologists, experts in laboratory diagnostics, and specialists in biological safety.
The conference participants discussed topics concerning the prevention and management of infectious disease outbreaks, particularly pertinent to Africa, as well as new challenges and threats to regional and global biosecurity. They exchanged experiences in combatting dangerous diseases, drawing from the efforts of Russian epidemiologists in the Republic of Congo, Guinea, and Madagascar as case studies.
A key highlight was the showcasing of the mobile laboratory, gifted by the Russian Federation to the Ugandan Government during the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit. This event garnered high praise from African counterparts and received extensive coverage in Russian, Ugandan, and international media. We commend the atmosphere of trust, mutual respect, and openness that characterised the discussions at the forum.
The conference participants proposed to make it a regular event, convening biennially.
Kyrgyzstan provides humanitarian aid to residents of Russian regions struck by floods
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Kyrgyz Republic for their humanitarian assistance to the regions of Russia affected by floods. On April 23, 2024, 20 trucks carrying humanitarian aid arrived in the Orenburg Region, totalling over 350 tonnes, including food, clothing, tools, tents, and more.
We view this support from our friends as a testament to the strong allied relations between Russia and Kyrgyzstan.
The Turkish authorities’ decision to prohibit Russian tourists from transiting through Türkiye en route to Latin America
Based on information obtained by the Consulate-General of Russia in Istanbul, there have been recent instances of Russian citizens being denied boarding on Turkish Airlines flights during transit through Istanbul to Latin American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and others. These incidents primarily stem from entry regulations established by these destination countries. Consequently, the airline, in arranging flights, adheres to the rules set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the entry requirements of each destination country. Notably, the mandatory conditions for entry into these countries include:
– the passenger possesses a single/through booking number for a round-trip air ticket (for instance: Moscow-Istanbul-Sao Paulo-Istanbul-Moscow);
– the passenger provides confirmation of a hotel reservation;
– there are no discrepancies between flight dates and hotel booking dates;
– transit within Latin American countries does not exceed 24 hours;
– verification of whether the passenger has luggage beyond hand luggage;
– passengers who specified their trip purpose as “study, work, etc.” possess relevant supporting documents (must be notarised and translated into English);
– the passenger carries credit cards and cash;
– the passenger is prepared to provide clear responses to questions regarding the purpose of the trip;
– verification in the airline’s system of “okay to board” – confirmation received by the airline from the destination country.
The issue was put before the Turkish party, including during the meeting of the Russian-Turkish subgroup on tourists’ rights and security convened on April 19, 2024.
The Foreign Ministry advises adhering to the information published on the official websites of the Russian Embassy in Ankara and the Consulate-General in Istanbul.
The Russian Embassy in Türkiye is monitoring the situation concerning Russian tourists. The note sent by the Embassy to the Turkish Foreign Ministry regarding this issue is being studied in detail, as confirmed by the Turkish party.
The 3rd Russia-Africa: What Next? Youth Forum
On April 23, the four-day Russia-Africa: What Next? Youth Forum opened at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Ministry (MGIMO University). This event, which has become a tradition, is being held for the third time: the previous forums took place in 2021 and 2023. Yesterday, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s video greetings to the participants were published.
This event is held as part of the implementation of the Action Plan of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum for 2023-2026, approved by the participants of the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit, which was held on July 27−28, 2023, in St Petersburg.
The forum serves as a permanent discussion platform at MGIMO University of the Russian Foreign Ministry, bringing together representatives of student communities from Russia and African countries to engage in dialogue on current issues shaping the bilateral and global agenda. This event offers an invaluable opportunity for aspiring specialists in international relations, the global economy, and other fields to exchange views, deliver reports and research presentations, and receive professional feedback from invited experts.
The participants will enjoy an extensive programme, which includes panel sessions, roundtable and academic discussions, as well as cultural and sports events. Prominent politicians, scientists, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and Russian and African university students will take part in the forum in a hybrid format.
Anniversary of the Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire
April 24 marks the anniversary of the Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire. This solemn date holds immense historical, spiritual, moral and political significance for our allied Armenia and the friendly Armenian nation, as well as the multi-million Armenian diaspora in Russia. We have always regarded this tragedy as our own sorrow and misfortune, and were among the first in the world to officially recognise the genocide. Commemorative events were held in many Russian cities yesterday.
Launch of the St George’s Ribbon nationwide event
April 24 saw the launch of the traditional annual St George’s Ribbon nationwide event, which will last until May 9. This year, Victory volunteers will give millions of ribbons as a symbol of Victory to Russian citizens, including those living abroad.
The event, born from the initiative of RIA Novosti journalists in March 2005, has already turned into a national tradition that unites millions of people around the world. It is held annually in more than 90 countries around the world by Victory Volunteers. It involves ministries and departments, state corporations and public organisations, as well as youth movements in different countries. In total, about 20 million ribbons are distributed each year as part of the campaign. Volunteers will distribute St George ribbons at 7,000 points, including beyond the Arctic Circle.
There is no need to remind our people, but I will say it for the international community. The St George’s ribbon is a symbol of Victory over Nazism and fascism. For millions of people not only in Russia, but also worldwide, it is a symbol of memory, respect and pride, connecting generations and representing military glory and valour.
Gromyko Competition for Young CIS Specialists in International Relations
The Gromyko CIS Competition for Young CIS Specialists in International Relations is a unique opportunity for students, postgraduates, scholars, lecturers and young specialists to demonstrate their research achievements.
The competition takes place every year since 2018. In six years of its work, it united over 2,100 young experts from 11 countries. The goal of the competition is to promote studies of international relations, modern history of diplomacy and integration processes in Eurasia. The competition is designed to expand dialogue of young experts, scholars and diplomats and intensify interaction between research and educational institutions of the CIS and EAEU countries.
The organisers of the competition include the Gromyko Association of Foreign Policy Studies, the Foreign Ministry’s MGIMO, the Academy of Management under the President of the Republic of Belarus and the RAS Institute of Europe. The CIS Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund provides a grant for the competition.
Such interaction is playing an exceptional role in the rapidly changing world arrangement. Since the very start, the competition has become a leading venue for dialogue of talented young researchers and specialists in international relations. It has expanded the horizons of interaction in Eurasia. To take part in it, send an application until May 13, 2024.
Excerpts from answers to questions:
Question: The Armenian media claim that President of Russia Vladimir Putin ostensibly recognised as early as in 2020 that Nagorno-Karabakh belonged to Azerbaijan. Can you comment on this?
Maria Zakharova: Armenia periodically throws this idea into the global information space. The words and actions of the Russian leadership are being brazenly twisted. Let us remind you once again how it was in reality.
Credit for the adoption of a top-level trilateral statement on ceasefire and cessation of all hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh on November 9, 2020 goes to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s personal participation. That said, the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia reached a gentleman’s agreement on suspending the definition of the Nagorno-Karabakh status to the future generations. We have commented on this more than once.
I will cite several excerpts from the remarks made by President of Russia Vladimir Putin at the news conference on November 17, 2020: “Nobody has recognised Karabakh’s independence, even Armenia. What does this mean in terms of international law? It means that Azerbaijan sought to recover territories that Azerbaijan, and the entire international community, view as Azerbaijani territory” <...> Karabakh’s final status has not been settled. We have agreed to maintain the status quo.”
These citations have been recorded. They are published on the website of the President of the Russian Federation and are in the archives of news agencies of all countries. It is impossible to understand the point of publishing the ideas you mentioned. The afore-cited excerpts explain Russia’s clear-cut and understandable position.
Obviously, these throw-ins and fakes are designed to confuse the public in Armenia and the rest of the world. Facts show that, following the summit under the EU aegis in Prague in October 2022, it was the Armenian leadership that recognised Nagorno-Karabakh an Azerbaijani territory. Relevant citations of statements by Armenian officials confirm this as well.
There were leaks in the press that US approved this agreement at the meeting of high-ranking officials from Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington in late September 2022. Apparently, Yerevan should also make some official statements in this respect. It is worth paying attention to the statements and actions of Armenian officials rather than some throws-in or attempts to invent something that did not happen. We will defend our position with facts in hand.
Question: On April 17, 2024, Foreign Minister of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, complained of certain “inconveniences” and uncomfortable conditions, allegedly created for the Embassy of Moldova in Moscow, and speculated that Russia would allow only one polling station to open during the October 2024 presidential election in Moldova. How can you comment on this?
Maria Zakharova: He is either acting sly or deliberately distorting the facts; and this borders on some fake news.
I do not know what exactly Minister Mihai Popșoi means when talking about certain “inconveniences.” Quite possibly, this refers to a temporary reduction in the staff of the Moldovan diplomatic mission after a Moldovan diplomat was declared persona non grata on March 29, 2024. We would like to recall what prompted Russia to take this decision. This decision came as a response to the expulsion of an official of the Russian Embassy in Moldova by Chisinau on March 19, 2024. Consequently, the Moldovan authorities created “uncomfortable conditions” for the work of their own diplomatic mission all by themselves; this concerns the reduction of its staff and ability to provide services to citizens.
This raises the question of whether they deliberately provoked this “exchange,” so that they would subsequently refer to it as the creation of “uncomfortable conditions” for their diplomatic mission on Russian territory. In that case, this amounts to a provocation against international law.
Regarding the number of polling stations in Russia during the October presidential election in Moldova, we do not intend to create any obstacles for Moldova. We do not find it necessary to respond in a tit-for-tat manner to Chisinau’s unfriendly and undemocratic decision to allow the Russian Embassy alone to hold the Russian presidential election on March 17, 2024, on its territory. Our real position implies that we are committed to the principles of democracy, that we will not restrict the electoral rights of Moldovans living in our country, and that we are ready to help them enjoy these rights.
I would like to note once again that we are stating officially and openly several months ahead of the election in Moldova (so as to prevent any provocations, planted media reports or attempts to distort this information) that we will do everything to make sure that the election runs smoothly on the territory of our country, as requested by Moldova. One would like to ask an interesting question: To what extent is official Chisinau interested in this? We shall live and see.
Question: On April 21, 2024, representatives of the Moldovan opposition announced the formation of the Victory bloc at a congress in Moscow. Upon their return to Moldova, they were subjected to lengthy security checks at Chisinau airport. How would you comment on this?
Maria Zakharova: These actions reflect the so-called Western “values.” The Moldovan authorities consistently claim that their actions are aimed at introducing the so-called Western values, democracy, freedom, etc. into Moldova. However, in reality, Western values have long been associated with repressive methods of influencing opponents and restricting their rights and freedoms.
This has become a defining characteristic of the current Moldovan leadership. Official Chisinau often emphasises its aspirations to join the EU and its commitment to democratic principles. Yet, in practice, as we can observe, openly fascist policies are in effect in the country: they close down unwanted media outlets, expel journalists, and initiate criminal cases against political opponents. This is why members of the Moldovan opposition are compelled to gather outside Moldova, in Russia, for example, where such bans and persecution do not exist. No one obstructs their activities.
The actions taken by the authorities against the opposition members returning from Russia, as mentioned by you, were entirely predictable, given the track record of Maia Sandu’s regime over the past years. According to media reports, participants in the Victory congress and other individuals returning from Russia were detained at the airport for hours without access to water or basic necessities, under false pretexts.
The cynicism lies in the fact that, as indicated by eyewitness accounts of these events circulating on social media, passengers travelling to Moldova from other countries, including pro-Western Moldovan officials and politicians returning from the United States, passed through border control without issue.
According to the Moldovan press, pro-government activists in Moldova are calling for reprisals against their fellow citizens who visit Russia. Is it not surprising that such alarming calls receive no response from the local law enforcement agencies in Moldova.
These are the harsh realities of Moldova’s internal political landscape, which have become emblematic of Maria Sandu’s regime. Under the pretence of pursuing the so-called European Project, they are introducing a repressive apparatus, and an administrative-command system to suppress democracy and any form of dissent. We are confident that the citizens of Moldova know how to respond to such behaviour.
Question: During her visit to China in early April, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expressed concern about China’s overcapacity in certain industries, such as electric cars, batteries, solar panels and semiconductors. Yellen believes that China’s domestic demand for these products is insufficient, while their exports to foreign markets far exceed what is necessary. On the other hand, China’s Ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, spoke at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and stated the opposite, highlighting that there is actually a shortage of green production capacity in China, emphasising the problem of excessive anxiety rather than excessive capacity. How do you evaluate the statements made by the head of the US Treasury Department? Do you believe China’s green production capacity is excessive or insufficient?
Maria Zakharova: The logic of American hegemonism is clearly demonstrated here. What connection does the US Treasury Department have with China's manufacturing capacity? Should China seek permission from the United States on how to develop its domestic economy?
China, like many other nations, is a state party to trade agreements and international organisations that have established standards to this effect. If the United States has any concerns about a country’s obligations within these frameworks, they should be addressed within these entities. However, the situation there is even more paradoxical. The example of the World Trade Organisation illustrates how the United States not only fails to adhere to the standards of the organisation, which it has “blessed” with its presence, but also ignores the complaints of other countries regarding the US’ departure from WTO standards.
The assessment of China’s production capacity should be conducted by China itself, its government, its people, and experts. The remarkable economic growth that China has achieved over the past 40-plus years is a testament to Beijing’s ability to independently develop and implement effective policies, including determining the necessary output for various products.
Such rhetoric from Washington is nothing more than an attempt to shift its own problems onto others. It reveals the flawed governance system in the United States, which has been unsuccessful in addressing its own economic challenges but instead resorts to non-market, illegitimate, and illegal methods of market competition, such as protectionism, unilateral restrictions and illegal sanctions, and trade war tactics.
Washington is accustomed to speaking from a position of strength and dominance, likening themselves to a “beautiful garden” while regarding the rest of the world as a “jungle.” This rhetoric is not only humiliating for the American people, but also showcases the ineffectiveness of their representatives. The global problems faced by the US economy are well-known, even by those who are not experts but closely observe the escalating US foreign debt.
It would be more beneficial if officials from the US Treasury Department focused on discussing their efforts to combat the exponential growth of their own debt. They should outline their plans to revive struggling states within their own country, modernise manufacturing, boost the economy, stabilise the financial system, and transition from a speculative economy to real production. These are the topics they should address, instead of imposing their will on countries that have successfully navigated the challenges created by the Western world for the sake of their own progress and the betterment of the global community.
I speak from a position of firsthand knowledge of how we as a country, a state, and an economy have been subject to endless demands and directives from the United States. We have witnessed the US policy of “double deterrence” declared towards Russia and China. We will respond accordingly, just as our representatives have clearly stated on multiple occasions.
Question: In an interview with Russian media, the CSTO Secretary General noted that “the balance of power in the South Caucasus may change in the event of Armenia’s withdrawal from the CSTO.” Do you agree with Imangali Tasmagambetov? How do you think this balance may change?
Maria Zakharova: If you have any questions for the CSTO as an organisation, or questions related to its information materials, interviews and statements, I think you should rather contact the CSTO.
As for security in the South Caucasus, we have repeatedly said that the countries of the collective West are deliberately infiltrating the region; they are not doing it for peacekeeping purposes, but are seeking to destabilise the South Caucasus and collect information that can be used against [the regional] states. They are monitoring the situation in the region not to promote peace, but to derive economic and other benefits. In fact, those potential gains aren’t even their most important motivation; above all, they seek to destabilise the region across the board.
These actions are definitely disturbing the balance of power in the region; worse still, they are hampering the peace process and holding back a settlement that should have been achieved in the South Caucasus on the basis of the relevant agreements (1,2,3,4). It should have opened up (and hopefully will open up) opportunities for economic growth and the use of logistics to develop the region’s economic potential for all the nations in the South Caucasus to thrive and prosper.
Unfortunately, this interference will indeed be a major obstacle to peace and growth. We know this from the similar scenarios we’ve seen in many other regions the West creeped into in the past in pursuit of the same goals. None of the stories ended well. New conflicts broke out, old ones intensified, and nations were pitted against one another. Unfortunately, there are no examples of the opposite. There are no cases where Western players would have come as peacekeepers and life would have improved. Unfortunately, there have been no such cases in recent decades. It is clear to us that the same is happening in the Caucasus now.
Question: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting China this week. Does Moscow see this visit as an attempt by Washington to hold back the growing cooperation between China and Russia, in particular, considering US sanctions against a number of Chinese banks? How would you comment on the WSJ article about Chinese banks aiding Russia’s dual-use trade, and the United States trying to put pressure on the Chinese authorities?
Maria Zakharova: As is traditional, we never comment on relations between two sovereign states if the subject has no direct influence on the situation in Russia. In this case, however, there is a link, given that the United States has officially announced a policy of “double containment” of Russia and China. Hence, I find it appropriate to answer your question in detail.
We see and understand China’s sincere interest in building constructive and equal relations with the United States. I would like to remind you that up to a certain point, Russia also tried hard to hold on to the positive aspects of Russian-US relations and showed rare patience in preserving all the constructive baggage. Practice, experience and reality have shown that the goodwill of a sovereign and independent state will eventually crash against Washington’s archaic ideas of being omnipotent, supported by confidence in its impunity and license to do whatever it pleases in international affairs. Add to this the country’s tendency to make others pay for its blunders, miscalculations and problems. I have just answered a question from your Chinese colleague.
As for the United States trying to make a dent in the strategic partnership between Russia and China, they are saying this almost openly, and not only about Moscow and Beijing. They are taking the same approach to Moscow’s ties with other capitals. This tactic is used by a certain part of the political establishment in the United States, which have adopted the well-worn divide and rule motto; only, they have rephrased it as “sow chaos and rule.” They successfully sow chaos, but have had problems with ruling anyone lately. On April 21 of this year, the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a detailed comment on the US’ baseless accusations regarding practical cooperation between Moscow and Beijing, as well as on the Americans’ favourite tactic of applying double standards in interpreting international processes and events. We agree with our Chinese colleagues that Washington’s actions are nothing short of irresponsible.
I would like to repeat what the leaders of the Russian Federation and China, as well as representatives of relevant agencies, have said. Russia’s cooperation with China is based on the principles of respectful, equal and trusting partnership and mutual support on key issues for both sides. Our leaders have repeatedly stated that the quality of Russian-Chinese cooperation is superior to any Cold War-style monocentric blocs, where one member tells the others what to do. This cooperation is not being used against any third countries. This makes the Russian-Chinese strategic tandem valuable and immune to external influence.
Question: Moscow has been brokering peace between Yerevan and Baku for several decades. In particular, over the past few years, the Russian Foreign Ministry has called on the parties to speed up the demarcation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. This work has finally begun on the ground, and the first border post has been erected on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. How positive is this shift?
Maria Zakharova: Let me reiterate our general approach first. We support the settlement of all issues related to the delimitation of the state border between Azerbaijan and Armenia exclusively by political and diplomatic methods.
It is our view that the agreements should be sustainable, balanced and mutually acceptable and should pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
We reaffirm our readiness to continue to provide the parties with advisory assistance on border delimitation on the basis of the trilateral agreements between the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Question: Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan used the term “invasion” to describe Russia’s actions when he spoke at a Conference of Speakers of the EU Parliaments. Mr Simonyan added that he supported the territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as of Moldova and Georgia. What does Moscow think about the change in Yerevan’s rhetoric on the Ukraine conflict?
Maria Zakharova: Yesterday, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko and Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin made statements in this regard.
We fully agree with the assessments expressed by our colleagues in Russia’s legislature. As far as I know, a request has been sent to the Armenian parliamentarians asking them to give a principled assessment of their representative’s openly anti-Russia attacks.
Question: What does British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision to put his country’s defence industry on a war footing mean for Russia’s security? Coincidentally, Rishi Sunak announced it during his visit to Poland, where he was joined by Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky. Sunak promised to provide military support to Ukraine in the amounts that are not below the current levels for as long as it takes.
Maria Zakharova: It is not appropriate for them to even bring up the subject of aggression, or aggressive rhetoric and policy.
We consider the statement by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about putting the national industry on military tracks as an element of an election campaign for the House of Commons of the British Parliament that is picking up momentum, and promises of providing assistance to their underlings in Kiev as part of the political electoral campaign.
Let us touch briefly on what is happening inside Britain, its domestic political aspects. They regularly “stick it” to us, thus giving us the right to respond. The Tory rule has plunged the country into a deep economic crisis. This is a fact. All of that makes the government eager to frantically grab any opportunity, in this case an increase in defence spending, in order to increase their own appeal in the eyes of the disillusioned voters and give them at least some hope for a decent economic future.
I can understand why British voters are disillusioned. There really isn’t much reason to be optimistic. Let’s look at the British economic data. Real growth of British GDP in 2023 was just 0.1 percent after a “technical recession” in July-December. On top of that, the total tax burden is expected to remain at the current record-high for the past 80 years level of 37-38 percent of GDP over the next five years. UK public debt is vacillating near the 100 percent of GDP mark. Let me use clearer terms. They consume as much as they earn. Or, earn as much as they consume with zero returns. The budget deficit in the 2023/24 financial year is projected to hit the £112 billion mark, or 4.2 percent of Britain’s GDP. Do you think the Tories stand any chance of staying in power with these kinds of numbers?
Opinion polls that are regularly held in the UK suggest that following the results of the vote the ruling party will suffer its most devastating defeat in decades, which will put an end to the political career of the current government and many “hawks” from Rishi Sunak’s inner circle. Given the circumstances, other people will determine the parameters for the national economic recovery. I’d like to believe that the new UK leadership will put the interests of its people above the interests of the defence industry lobbyists that are pushing for an unchecked increase in defence spending. It is important to speak candidly with the subjects, rather than make up stories about providing alleged support to Ukrainians.
We know what Britain thinks about Ukrainians. If Britain really “played” on the side of Ukrainian citizens and thought they are entitled to any rights at all, they wouldn’t be supplying depleted uranium shells, which kill the current generation of Ukrainians and future ones, to Ukraine. Britain doesn’t care about Ukraine at all. They are saving their own selves by declaring postulates and goals that are supposedly related to supporting Ukraine as part of the ongoing information campaign. In reality, they couldn’t care less about Ukraine. They have never seriously considered the countries that they did not consider equal, and they have never treated Ukraine as an equal, otherwise they would at least care about human rights in Ukraine. The British have never thought it necessary to talk to such countries as equals, and even less to care about their future.
Question: What are Moscow’s expectations of the new Senegalese leadership that came to power in early April? What does the election victory of Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye mean for Africa? Have there been any contacts with the new authorities?
Maria Zakharova: Russia maintains traditionally friendly relations with the Republic of Senegal. In 2023, this West African nation became one of our main trade partners in Africa in terms of bilateral trade (second place among the Sub-Saharan African countries). Political dialogue and mutually beneficial ties across a wide range of areas are being consistently strengthened.
We respect the sovereign choice of the Senegalese people, who, during the presidential election in March, elected the candidate of the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity, B.D. Faye, the new head of state already in the first round.
Clearly, the Senegalese people pin their hopes for a better future and positive changes in political, socioeconomic and humanitarian spheres on this figure. We noted that the Senegalese leader has announced his plans to carry out serious reforms, including in areas that affect its relations with its major foreign partners, including the EU.
In Africa, trends towards radical changes are gaining momentum. We see it, too. The Africans are more confidently taking their future into their own hands, as they forgo their post-colonial past, and confidently declare their future as the future of sovereign, independent, and free countries. Such aspirations deserve support.
President Putin was among the first to send a congratulatory message to the elected head of the Republic of Senegal B.D. Faye, in which he expressed confidence in further consolidation of Russian-Senegalese relations for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries and in the interest of strengthening regional peace and stability.
We are confident that under the new leadership in that Republic, mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Senegal will continue to evolve steadily and reach a new level.
Question: What’s your take on Polish President Andrzej Duda – not sure how to pronounce his name properly - saying in an interview with the Fakt newspaper that the Polish authorities are ready to agree to have US nuclear weapons deployed on their territory?
Maria Zakharova: I’m not sure how to say his name properly, either, especially so after his most recent statements. I’m just not sure.
If you follow the Russian Foreign Ministry’s news feed, you must know that three days ago I gave an answer to exactly the same question posed by the Rossiya Segodnya information agency. I will repeat it for you now.
Such provocative statements by the Polish leadership are nothing new. The Polish authorities have made no secret of their ambitions to get closer to the US nuclear weapons deployed in Europe and have been saying so for a long time. Not only that, but they are somehow making it part of their hostile policy towards Russia.
I get an impression that Warsaw is obsessively trying to attract even greater attention of military planners in the Russian General Staff. It is not hard to assume that if the US nuclear weapons make it to the Polish territory, they will immediately be added to the list of legitimate targets in case of a direct military confrontation with NATO.
To reiterate, a detailed commentary has been posted on our website.
Question: The Swiss authorities announced the blocking of 13 billion francs ($14.3 billion) of Russian assets stored in Switzerland. Over half of this sum are Central Bank assets. What do you think about such actions by Geneva?
Maria Zakharova: The freezing of Russian assets, primarily reserves of the Bank of Russia in Western jurisdictions and attempts to withdraw them are illegal measures that crudely violate the fundamental principles and norms of international law (including the principle of the sovereign equality of states and the UN Charter). We should talk about embezzlement, theft, and gangsterism rather than freezing. We qualify any encroachment (no matter how it may be called) on the property rights and interests of our country as undisguised, cynical theft with the purpose of pocketing money.
In accordance with the principle of reciprocity in international relations, we will make a mirror-like response to any unfriendly actions, including those on behalf of Switzerland. Our response measures will mirror these actions. We are now working on them with relevant departments. This does not mean we will take symmetrical measures. We will also adopt the same approach in case of the eventual confiscation of our assets. Russia has an arsenal of political and economic countermeasures as regards unfriendly countries. Apparently, they will concern Bern in an equal measures if the local authorities do not come to their senses and decide to engage in criminal fraudulent schemes.
Question: Are there grounds to think that the November 9 trilateral statement is no longer valid and all its items ceased to exist after the withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers from Artsakh and Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing there?
Maria Zakharova: A set of trilateral agreements between the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia remains topical. Neither side disavowed them officially.
Question: Azerbaijan destroyed a 19th century church in Shushi and razed to the ground the village of Karin Tak near Shushi. Could you comment on these and other acts of vandalism and destruction of the Armenian cultural and historical heritage in Artsakh?
Maria Zakharova: Considering mutual accusations regularly hurled by Armenia and Azerbaijan at each other over the destruction of cultural, historical and religious landmarks, we urge Baku and Yerevan to discuss this issue at bilateral talks.
For our part, we are ready to give them all required assistance on this issue.
Question: Do Russian experts and your ministry think that the approval of a $60 billion military aid package for Taiwan, Israel and, to a large degree, Ukraine can change the balance of forces on the battlefield in the Ukrainian conflict?
Maria Zakharova: As you know, all assessments regarding the war theatre are provided by the Defence Ministry.
Speaking about political assessments, our leadership pointed out at the Security Council of Russia that this package would not influence our resolve to achieve the goals and objectives of the special military operation. Representatives of the Russian authorities and relevant agencies have said this. Therefore, we are confident that the declared goals will be achieved. Have no doubt that the American plans will not be implemented when it comes to an end goal. They will not achieve the “strategic defeat” of Russia, which they have been striving for in vain for a long time.
Question: Have you received any signals from Western countries or capitals, for example Paris, regarding truce or talks? President of France Emmanuel Macron has expressed hope for the Olympic Truce. What does your ministry think about it?
Maria Zakharova: What signals do you have in mind?
Question: Signals regarding truce or negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict.
Maria Zakharova: The West, primarily Washington, London, Brussels and the Kiev regime, are using the terms and expressions that include the word “peace” as a smokescreen, a cover and information camouflage for their real goals and intentions.
The real goals of the collective West have been formulated clearly as the “strategic defeat” of Russia. The best proof of this is the supply of weapons, funds and political support. Therefore, everything the collective West has said at the current stage regarding Zelensky’s “peace formula” and the conferences held to discuss it is only designed to create a false impression among the Global Majority countries that the West wants peace, a truce and prosperity in Ukraine and the region as a whole. In reality, we all know that those who want peace call for and encourage ceasefire and truce, which includes a halt to arms deliveries, and stop talking about the delivery of strategic or tactical defeats and deciding the matter on the battlefield.
As it is, we haven’t seen anything that would indicate the intention of the collective West to work towards peace in the region. Quite to the contrary, we see more arms delivered to the Kiev regime, more deaths and increased terrorist activities on the part of Zelensky.
The goal has been identified and formulated by the West, which has openly admitted it through its representatives and agencies. This goal is the “strategic defeat” of Russia. I would say, don’t count on it!
Question: The first boundary marker appeared on the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia yesterday as the two countries are steaming ahead with the process to delimitate and delineate their borders. There is even hope that an atmosphere of stability and security comes to this region for the first time in many decades. However, the so-called EU civilian mission continues its operations. What does Moscow think about the fact that this mission remains in place along what is still viewed as a provisional border between Azerbaijan and Armenia? Could it have a negative bearing on the process to delineate the border between the two republics?
Maria Zakharova: I have just commented on this topic. As for the EU mission and its operations, I never doubted that its actual purpose was to engage in spying undertakings. We have spoken about it many times and have not changed our position on this matter.
Question: Once again, the West is becoming increasingly proactive in Central Asia, including in the way it treats Kyrgyzstan. US Foreign Secretary David Cameron is currently touring six Central Asian countries, while Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov said back in early April that the Russian Mir bank cards would no longer be accepted in his country. Freedom House, which casts itself as an international human rights organisation, has pointed out recently that Kyrgyzstan is the most undemocratic Central Asian republic at this moment. Does this infer that the West is once again trying to spread around the seeds of its would-be democracy in Central Asia by promoting Russophobia and undermining the traditional way of life in this region?
Maria Zakharova: We have long known what this aggressive Western agenda regarding Central Asia is all about, and we have made no secret of this fact. Their goal is to weaken the centuries-old ties this region has forged with Russia and sow the seeds of distrust among neighbours. This is business as usual for them: chaos, pitching countries against one another, promoting confrontation and, finally, fishing in muddy waters, as the saying goes. I believe that here too the Divide et Impera principle guides them in their efforts.
Russia has always called on its friends not to give in to the promises of Western financial aid which, more often than not, comes with strings attached and includes political demands, leading to interference in the domestic affairs of the recipient countries. This has been our message during our talks and we have now moved on and are spreading the same message in our public statements since we have been receiving many questions on this matter.
Our Central Asian partners have been demonstrating great resolve in countering this kind of interference. However, the West has been responding to this posture in an equally aggressive manner, as we can see.
This is what happened to Kyrgyzstan after its government adopted a new version of a law governing non-governmental organisations in order to restrict external forces in their ability to undermine the situation within the country. The United States and other Western countries have similar laws within their jurisdictions and have been proactive in updating their legal frameworks. However, we know that some things are reserved to the chosen ones while others must get along on their own without being able to benefit from the same kind of treatment. The collective West still lives by the principles of segregation, sick hegemonism and imperialism.
I cannot understand why the West tends to forget that they have similar laws. I fail to understand why no one notices this fact and why there is so little reporting about this issue despite its urgency.
The United States has been casting itself as a beacon of democracy, but it has a similar law which includes criminal charges against those who fail to comply with it.
As for Kyrgyzstan’s announcement of restrictions regarding the Mir bank cards, we have taken note of the explanation we received from the country’s officials and continue working with them.
Question: Victory Day is approaching. Why is it important to celebrate it? People understand the word Fatherland differently. Could you provide a definition of this term?
Maria Zakharova: No, I won’t offer a definition for this term. Encyclopaedic dictionaries, historical documents and various concepts and strategies that chart the development of our country serve this purpose. Most importantly, it’s crucial to recognise that each individual possesses their own intellect, soul, education, feelings and emotions. I believe that everyone can learn about common definitions and then develop their own unique perspective.
Why should we celebrate Victory Day? Because this day symbolises the triumph over dehumanisation, the victory of the ability to sacrifice the most precious things in life for the sake of others and for true values, and not for personal interests. This day symbolises victory of love over hatred, of generosity of spirit over selfishness and greed, of good over evil. I believe we remember this day all year round. This day brings all other days together and reminds us that we would not exist if not for the previous generations. In my case, it is my grandfathers, for some, great-grandfathers, for others fathers or members of their own generation. They sacrificed their health, lives, future prosperity, well-being and comfort (no one even uttered these words, and I am saying this for the current generations), so that our country would have a future as a state, so that our nation would have a future as a civilisation, and so that Russia could have new generations. I can talk about this for hours, using examples from my own family, from the families of countless other Russian citizens and our compatriots, using documents and historical records.
On the one hand, such questions can indeed sometimes be perceived as offensive because they seem obvious. But on the other hand, I understand the relevance of these questions. There has been so much ridicule directed at historical memory, documentary literature, films, memorials, archive materials – so much information has been planted and leaked in an attempt to rewrite history and to reprogram us as a nation, literally recoding us with new pseudo-values. It is therefore worth remembering and sharing this experience.
On the other hand, over the past twenty years, so much has been accomplished by the leadership of our country, our public figures, legislators, researchers and cultural figures. I emphasise science separately because history is a science. So much has been done to preserve historical memory and to return us to the fold of humanity. I believe, hope, and want to believe that this is a good foundation for the future, a preventative measure against any attempt to reprogram us again if someone were to entertain such thoughts. I realise that many adversaries and enemies of our country would like to engage in this.
Question: How could the Foreign Ministry comment on the Estonian Interior Minister’s threat to close all of his country’s Orthodox monasteries and parishes unless they break ties with the Russian Orthodox Church? Does Russia intend to refer this issue to the UN as it did in the case of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, when it came under pressure in Ukraine?
Maria Zakharova: We noticed the report concerning Estonian Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets visiting the local Pühtitsa Convent to “explain his Government’s position” with regard to its direct subjection to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). In fact, however, his true aim was to threaten the convent with closure, if it maintained its ties with the ROC. It was revealed that simultaneously lower-level officials traveled to other parishes of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate to twist the arms of priests.
These are direct threats and attempts by the Interior Ministry to meddle in the internal affairs of an ecclesiastical, religious organisation. They are peddling a political agenda, threatening to eliminate the parishes unless it is accepted. Do we need to say that this is absolutely inadmissible? In the first place, this is a violation of Estonia’s own laws and all of its international obligations.
Tallinn’s policy is a gross violation of the Estonian citizens’ rights to freedom of conscience and worship. Russia keeps complaining of violations, including Estonia’s violations, to international organisations (both religious and others; we talked about this earlier today). This is contrary to what the Estonian state declared as its political course. They paid lip service to democracy and human rights but what they eventually came to is a dictatorship, a command-and-administrative system, and a collapse of all notions of human rights.
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