🎙 Opening remarks by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during talks with Foreign Minister of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Choe Son Hui (Moscow, July 20, 2026)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: We are pleased to welcome you. President of Russia Vladimir Putin particularly emphasised this yesterday during his meeting with you at the Kremlin.
Two years have passed since the Summit in Pyongyang in June 2024, and the decisions approved there by our Leaders are being consistently implemented. As Foreign Ministries, we are contributing to this process, including through the third round of our strategic dialogue.
Importantly, the trust-based dialogue between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the State Affairs of the DPRK Comrade Kim Jong-un continues. In this context, I would particularly note their participation in the celebrations in Beijing on September 3, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory over militarist Japan.
Last year, we also jointly commemorated other landmark anniversaries, including the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation and the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea. These historic events laid the foundation for our allied relations, which endure to this day.
⚔️ This was demonstrated most vividly in the Kursk Region, where soldiers of the Korean People’s Army fought shoulder to shoulder with our troops for Russian land as if it were their own, sacrificing their lives to bring closer its liberation from Ukrainian neo-Nazis and foreign mercenaries.
On April 26 this year, a memorial complex and museum dedicated to the combat feats of the heroes of the overseas military operation were inaugurated in Pyongyang. On the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov attended the ceremony. Korean People’s Army servicemen who distinguished themselves in battle received state decorations.
The magnificent memorial complex has become a symbol of friendship and unity between our peoples, forever preserving the memory of the heroism of the Korean People’s Army.
Our people will never forget the unparalleled feats, exceptional courage and selflessness displayed by Korean servicemen who fought alongside us in the same trenches against a common enemy.
Another testament to the strength of our alliance, founded on mutual trust, was the participation of Korean People’s Army servicemen in the Victory Day Parade on Red Square on May 9.
☝️ Comrade Minister, our task today is to see what additional impetus we can give to our cooperation through bilateral channels, as well as when it comes to regional and international security.
🇷🇺🇰🇵 #RussiaDPRK
💬 Sergey Lavrov: We are pleased to welcome you. President of Russia Vladimir Putin particularly emphasised this yesterday during his meeting with you at the Kremlin.
Two years have passed since the Summit in Pyongyang in June 2024, and the decisions approved there by our Leaders are being consistently implemented. As Foreign Ministries, we are contributing to this process, including through the third round of our strategic dialogue.
Importantly, the trust-based dialogue between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the State Affairs of the DPRK Comrade Kim Jong-un continues. In this context, I would particularly note their participation in the celebrations in Beijing on September 3, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory over militarist Japan.
Last year, we also jointly commemorated other landmark anniversaries, including the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation and the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea. These historic events laid the foundation for our allied relations, which endure to this day.
⚔️ This was demonstrated most vividly in the Kursk Region, where soldiers of the Korean People’s Army fought shoulder to shoulder with our troops for Russian land as if it were their own, sacrificing their lives to bring closer its liberation from Ukrainian neo-Nazis and foreign mercenaries.
On April 26 this year, a memorial complex and museum dedicated to the combat feats of the heroes of the overseas military operation were inaugurated in Pyongyang. On the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov attended the ceremony. Korean People’s Army servicemen who distinguished themselves in battle received state decorations.
The magnificent memorial complex has become a symbol of friendship and unity between our peoples, forever preserving the memory of the heroism of the Korean People’s Army.
Our people will never forget the unparalleled feats, exceptional courage and selflessness displayed by Korean servicemen who fought alongside us in the same trenches against a common enemy.
Another testament to the strength of our alliance, founded on mutual trust, was the participation of Korean People’s Army servicemen in the Victory Day Parade on Red Square on May 9.
☝️ Comrade Minister, our task today is to see what additional impetus we can give to our cooperation through bilateral channels, as well as when it comes to regional and international security.
🇷🇺
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🇷🇺🇰🇵 On July 20, Moscow hosted talks between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Choe Son-hui during the third round of the Russian-Korean strategic dialogue.
👉 Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks
A detailed discussion regarding key issues on the bilateral agenda was held. The Ministers focused on the implementation of agreements reached between President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un in June 2024.
The Sides reaffirmed their firm commitment to further developing the full spectrum of bilateral relations in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which elevated the traditionally friendly Russia–DPRK relationship to an entirely new level of alliance.
While discussing key international issues, the Sides agreed that the irresponsible conduct of the United States and its allies, including the expansion of provocative military activities around the Korean Peninsula, has been the primary cause of the deteriorating security situation in Northeast Asia and beyond. In these circumstances, the comprehensive strengthening of relations between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea contributes to regional and international security and to the emergence of a new, more equitable multipolar world order based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and due consideration for each other’s interests.
Strategic dialogue at the level of foreign ministers of Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was launched in November 2024 in accordance with agreements reached at the Pyongyang summit. In July 2025, Wonsan in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea hosted the second round of this strategic dialogue.
The Sides agreed to continue communicating in this format and to conduct future exchanges between both countries’ foreign ministers at various levels.
#RussiaDPRK
👉 Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks
A detailed discussion regarding key issues on the bilateral agenda was held. The Ministers focused on the implementation of agreements reached between President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un in June 2024.
The Sides reaffirmed their firm commitment to further developing the full spectrum of bilateral relations in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which elevated the traditionally friendly Russia–DPRK relationship to an entirely new level of alliance.
While discussing key international issues, the Sides agreed that the irresponsible conduct of the United States and its allies, including the expansion of provocative military activities around the Korean Peninsula, has been the primary cause of the deteriorating security situation in Northeast Asia and beyond. In these circumstances, the comprehensive strengthening of relations between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea contributes to regional and international security and to the emergence of a new, more equitable multipolar world order based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and due consideration for each other’s interests.
Strategic dialogue at the level of foreign ministers of Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was launched in November 2024 in accordance with agreements reached at the Pyongyang summit. In July 2025, Wonsan in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea hosted the second round of this strategic dialogue.
The Sides agreed to continue communicating in this format and to conduct future exchanges between both countries’ foreign ministers at various levels.
#RussiaDPRK
🇷🇺🇳🇵Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s message of greetings to Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Shisir Khanal (July 20, 2026)
✍️ Dear Mr Khanal,
Please accept my sincere greetings on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
Relations between Russia and Nepal have always been characterised by friendship, mutual respect and due regard for each other’s fundamental interests. We reaffirm our readiness to work together in strengthening bilateral cooperation for the benefit of our nations.
I am confident that Russian‑Nepalese cooperation will continue to contribute to regional and international stability and security.
On this occasion, I wish you and all your colleagues at the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs good health and every success.
Yours sincerely,
SERGEY LAVROV
✍️ Dear Mr Khanal,
Please accept my sincere greetings on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
Relations between Russia and Nepal have always been characterised by friendship, mutual respect and due regard for each other’s fundamental interests. We reaffirm our readiness to work together in strengthening bilateral cooperation for the benefit of our nations.
I am confident that Russian‑Nepalese cooperation will continue to contribute to regional and international stability and security.
On this occasion, I wish you and all your colleagues at the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs good health and every success.
Yours sincerely,
SERGEY LAVROV
🛬 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrives in Manila
On Sergey Lavrov’s participation in upcoming #ASEAN Ministerial Meetings
On Sergey Lavrov’s participation in upcoming #ASEAN Ministerial Meetings
🗓 On July 20, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with Mackey Sall, a candidate for UN Secretary-General.
The candidate presented his campaign platform. Sergey Lavrov outlined Russia’s requirements for contenders for the UN’s top post.
Both Sides reaffirmed their commitment to the UN’s central coordinating role in world affairs.
#UNCharterIsOurRules
The candidate presented his campaign platform. Sergey Lavrov outlined Russia’s requirements for contenders for the UN’s top post.
Both Sides reaffirmed their commitment to the UN’s central coordinating role in world affairs.
#UNCharterIsOurRules
❗️ On July 20, the chargé d’affaires of Italy in Moscow Giovanni Scopa was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry over Italy’s earlier, entirely unfounded demand that the Naval and Air Attaché and the Assistant Naval Attaché of the Russian Embassy leave the country.
In line with the principle of reciprocity, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared Italian Embassy Assistant Defence Attaché Vittorio Parrella and Attaché Davide D’Aprile persona non grata.
They and their family members must leave Russia within three days.
We reiterate that no hostile or provocative action against Russian diplomats will go without an appropriate response.
In line with the principle of reciprocity, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared Italian Embassy Assistant Defence Attaché Vittorio Parrella and Attaché Davide D’Aprile persona non grata.
They and their family members must leave Russia within three days.
We reiterate that no hostile or provocative action against Russian diplomats will go without an appropriate response.
#KievRegimeCrimes
⚡️ Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rodion Miroshnik:
💬 Over the past week, the number of Russian civilians killed or injured in attacks by Ukrainian neo-Nazis rose sharply.
Facing setbacks on the battlefield, Kiev redirected its capabilities toward terrorist attacks on civilian targets in Russia, with more than 1,000 strikes recorded daily. Over 400 civilians were killed or injured during the week.
The Zelensky regime used military resources supplied by its Western sponsors to attack Russia’s civilian population. Residential areas, medical facilities, essential infrastructure and civilian transport came under fire.
The highest numbers of civilian casualties were recorded in the Belgorod, Moscow, Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions, as well as the DPR and LPR. Ukrainian militants deliberately targeted densely populated areas in an effort to inflict maximum damage.
On July 13-19, Ukrainian neo-Nazi attacks resulted in 433 civilian casualties: 69 people, including two children, were killed, while 364 others, including 12 children, were injured.
Over the past seven days, Ukrainian militants fired at least 7,168 munitions at civilian targets on Russian territory.
⚡️ Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rodion Miroshnik:
💬 Over the past week, the number of Russian civilians killed or injured in attacks by Ukrainian neo-Nazis rose sharply.
Facing setbacks on the battlefield, Kiev redirected its capabilities toward terrorist attacks on civilian targets in Russia, with more than 1,000 strikes recorded daily. Over 400 civilians were killed or injured during the week.
The Zelensky regime used military resources supplied by its Western sponsors to attack Russia’s civilian population. Residential areas, medical facilities, essential infrastructure and civilian transport came under fire.
The highest numbers of civilian casualties were recorded in the Belgorod, Moscow, Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions, as well as the DPR and LPR. Ukrainian militants deliberately targeted densely populated areas in an effort to inflict maximum damage.
On July 13-19, Ukrainian neo-Nazi attacks resulted in 433 civilian casualties: 69 people, including two children, were killed, while 364 others, including 12 children, were injured.
Over the past seven days, Ukrainian militants fired at least 7,168 munitions at civilian targets on Russian territory.
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❗️ On July 21, Moldova's Ambassador to Russia Lilian Darii was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry and issued a strong protest over Moldova’s flagrant violations of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations during two incidents involving Russian Embassy staff and vehicles.
On July 19, Moldovan police stopped a Russian Embassy bus in Chisinau, allegedly to inspect documents, and removed its diplomatic licence plates without explanation. The officers used force against Embassy staff and threatened them with detention. The Russian Embassy’s request for a Moldovan Foreign Ministry representative to come to the scene was ignored.
Another incident occurred overnight on July 20-21 at the Leuseni border crossing, where Russian Embassy staff leaving Moldova to deliver official cargo to Russia were groundlessly held for more than four hours.
Ambassador Darii was reminded that, under the Vienna Convention, the receiving state must provide every facility for the performance of a diplomatic mission’s functions, ensure freedom of movement for its staff and permit and protect official communications.
☝️ He was informed that Russia reserves the right to take reciprocal measures.
On July 19, Moldovan police stopped a Russian Embassy bus in Chisinau, allegedly to inspect documents, and removed its diplomatic licence plates without explanation. The officers used force against Embassy staff and threatened them with detention. The Russian Embassy’s request for a Moldovan Foreign Ministry representative to come to the scene was ignored.
Another incident occurred overnight on July 20-21 at the Leuseni border crossing, where Russian Embassy staff leaving Moldova to deliver official cargo to Russia were groundlessly held for more than four hours.
Ambassador Darii was reminded that, under the Vienna Convention, the receiving state must provide every facility for the performance of a diplomatic mission’s functions, ensure freedom of movement for its staff and permit and protect official communications.
☝️ He was informed that Russia reserves the right to take reciprocal measures.
🎙 Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during his talks with Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister of Laos Thongsavanh Phomvihaneon (Manila, July 21, 2026)
💬 We highly value our relations and the regular contacts between our Leaders.
Last year, we marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The 15th anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership is approaching.
President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith attended the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, while Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone took part in the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan this June.
🤝 Our Leaders have set many tasks before us. Today, we will discuss the ways we can contribute to their effective implementation.
#RussiaLaos
💬 We highly value our relations and the regular contacts between our Leaders.
Last year, we marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The 15th anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership is approaching.
President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith attended the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, while Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone took part in the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan this June.
🤝 Our Leaders have set many tasks before us. Today, we will discuss the ways we can contribute to their effective implementation.
#RussiaLaos
🗓 #OTD in 1774, the Treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji between the Russian and Ottoman Empires was signed in the village of Kuchuk Kainarji (Küçük Kaynarca near Silistra, present-day Bulgaria) bringing the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774 to an end.
In the second half of the 18th century, Russia sought access to the Black Sea and worked to strengthen its positions in the Black Sea region and the Caucasus, while the Ottoman Empire sought to curb the growth of Russian influence.
After Russia rejected an Ottoman ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Poland, the Sublime Porte (the government of the Ottoman Empire) declared war on Russia on September 25, 1768. Hostilities unfolded in Bessarabia, Moldavia and the Caucasus and culminated in a series of major victories by the Russian Army and Navy – at Larga and Kagul, in the Battle of Chesme, and at Turtukai and Kozludzha.
Military setbacks forced the Ottoman Empire to resume negotiations, which ended with the signing of the Treaty of of Kuchuk Kainarji.
This historic document consolidated the brilliant victories of the Russian Army and became one of Russia’s greatest military and political achievements of the era of Catherine the Great.
***
📜 The Treaty consisted of 28 articles and a secret annex. Under its provisions:
👉 The full text of the Treaty (in Russian)
The Treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji fundamentally altered the balance of power in the Black Sea region and the Balkans. Russia strengthened its southern frontiers, secured access to the Black Sea and significantly expanded its political influence in the region.
☝️ The Treaty became an important milestone on the path toward Crimea’s incorporation into the Russian Empire under Catherine II’s Manifesto of April 19, 1783, and the conclusion of the Treaty of Jassy with the Sublime Porte in 1791, which strengthened the security of Russia’s southern frontiers and safeguarded its interests in the Black Sea region, the Caucasus and the Balkans.
In the second half of the 18th century, Russia sought access to the Black Sea and worked to strengthen its positions in the Black Sea region and the Caucasus, while the Ottoman Empire sought to curb the growth of Russian influence.
After Russia rejected an Ottoman ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Poland, the Sublime Porte (the government of the Ottoman Empire) declared war on Russia on September 25, 1768. Hostilities unfolded in Bessarabia, Moldavia and the Caucasus and culminated in a series of major victories by the Russian Army and Navy – at Larga and Kagul, in the Battle of Chesme, and at Turtukai and Kozludzha.
Military setbacks forced the Ottoman Empire to resume negotiations, which ended with the signing of the Treaty of of Kuchuk Kainarji.
This historic document consolidated the brilliant victories of the Russian Army and became one of Russia’s greatest military and political achievements of the era of Catherine the Great.
***
📜 The Treaty consisted of 28 articles and a secret annex. Under its provisions:
• Azov, Kerch, Yenikale and Kinburn, the lands between the Dnepr and Southern Bug rivers, as well as Greater and Lesser Kabarda, became part of Russia;
• the Crimean Khanate and the Tatar territories dependent on it were declared “free and completely independent of any foreign power”;
• Russia acquired the right to maintain a fleet in the Black Sea, while its merchant vessels were granted freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and passage through the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles;
• Moldavia and Wallachia returned under Ottoman rule, but on special terms providing for the restoration of their rights and privileges. Russia also gained the right to make representations to the Ottoman government in defence of the principalities’ interests;
• Russian subjects were granted the right to visit Jerusalem and other holy sites freely, while an Orthodox church could be built in Constantinople under the protection of the Russian diplomatic mission;
• the Ottoman Empire was obliged to pay Russia a substantial indemnity of 7.5 million piastres;
• separate articles provided for an amnesty for the inhabitants of Georgia and Mingrelia and prohibited the Porte from exacting human tribute from them. Russia also obtained the right to establish a permanent diplomatic mission at the Sultan’s court and appoint consuls in Ottoman cities to protect the interests of Russian merchants.
👉 The full text of the Treaty (in Russian)
The Treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji fundamentally altered the balance of power in the Black Sea region and the Balkans. Russia strengthened its southern frontiers, secured access to the Black Sea and significantly expanded its political influence in the region.
☝️ The Treaty became an important milestone on the path toward Crimea’s incorporation into the Russian Empire under Catherine II’s Manifesto of April 19, 1783, and the conclusion of the Treaty of Jassy with the Sublime Porte in 1791, which strengthened the security of Russia’s southern frontiers and safeguarded its interests in the Black Sea region, the Caucasus and the Balkans.
🇷🇺🇱🇦 On July 21, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister of Laos Thongsavanh Phomvihaneon held a meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN ministerial meetings in Manila.
The Sides discussed priority tasks for strengthening the Russia-Laos strategic partnership, including the implementation of agreements reached at the highest level, with an emphasis on expanding trade, investment and humanitarian cooperation.
An in-depth exchange on international affairs confirmed the close alignment of the two countries’ approaches to key global and regional issues.
#RussiaLaos
The Sides discussed priority tasks for strengthening the Russia-Laos strategic partnership, including the implementation of agreements reached at the highest level, with an emphasis on expanding trade, investment and humanitarian cooperation.
An in-depth exchange on international affairs confirmed the close alignment of the two countries’ approaches to key global and regional issues.
#RussiaLaos