🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the first Ministerial Conference of the International Organisation for the Russian Language (Moscow, March 11, 2026)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: We are holding the first Ministerial Conference of the International Organisation for the Russian Language (#IORL). Allow me to declare it open. <...>
Indeed, the Russian language – rich, powerful and multifaceted – is our precious shared heritage, as the President of Russia has rightly noted. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, including in the digital domain, where it ranks second after English in terms of the number of websites and social media channels.
Russian is an official or working language of a number of international organisations, including the United Nations. It plays a major constructive role in bringing together the peoples of the Eurasian space and in deepening creative, scientific and academic exchanges.
Strengthening the positions of the Russian language in the world is, without exaggeration, a guarantee of preserving the planet’s cultural and civilisational diversity and an important contribution to the formation of a more just multipolar world order.
In this context, I would like once again, on behalf of the Russian Federation, to express sincere appreciation to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who in December 2021 put forward the initiative to establish an organisation dedicated to promoting the Russian language.
The relevant treaty, signed in October 2023 by the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, entered into force at the end of 2024. This is undoubtedly a landmark event for our countries and, naturally, for all those who know, value and cherish the language of Alexander Pushkin and Leo Tolstoy, as well as the great Russian culture built upon it.
We see the International Organisation for the Russian Language as an independent multilateral entity. Its core objectives include: enhancing international cooperation in support of the Russian language based on the principles of friendship, trust, good-neighbourliness and interethnic harmony, as well as fostering dialogue among scholars and writers around the world.
🤝 At the same time, the Organisation is open to all interested states, both in Eurasia and on other continents. I would stress that this was particularly emphasised when President Tokayev first proposed the initiative.
In my view, it is important that the International Organisation for the Russian Language combine, in its work, the traditional and well-established instruments of multilateral cooperation with modern approaches capable of engaging the younger generation in our countries.
Among the priorities on the agenda are promoting the Organisation’s international standing and helping to establish its external partnerships.
A special role in these efforts will be played by the Secretariat of the International Organisation for the Russian Language. Today, we are to approve the leadership of the Secretariat.
I trust that all of us will provide it with the full support it requires.
<...>
Nearly two and a half years have passed since the treaty was signed, and I would like to acknowledge the extensive work carried out during this period by experts from our countries, including those from the ministries of education, science, innovation, and foreign affairs.
Today we are submitting for your consideration draft documents agreed upon by the experts, which will create the legal foundation for the Organisation’s practical work to begin as early as this April.
<...>
The Foreign Ministry will actively support the Secretariat’s work, while understanding that over time the primary role of the Russian Federation in this organisation will gradually transition to the Russian Ministry of Education and Science.
Today we had a very fruitful session: we established the organisation’s structure and fulfilled our heads of state’s instructions.
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💬 Sergey Lavrov: We are holding the first Ministerial Conference of the International Organisation for the Russian Language (#IORL). Allow me to declare it open. <...>
Indeed, the Russian language – rich, powerful and multifaceted – is our precious shared heritage, as the President of Russia has rightly noted. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, including in the digital domain, where it ranks second after English in terms of the number of websites and social media channels.
Russian is an official or working language of a number of international organisations, including the United Nations. It plays a major constructive role in bringing together the peoples of the Eurasian space and in deepening creative, scientific and academic exchanges.
Strengthening the positions of the Russian language in the world is, without exaggeration, a guarantee of preserving the planet’s cultural and civilisational diversity and an important contribution to the formation of a more just multipolar world order.
In this context, I would like once again, on behalf of the Russian Federation, to express sincere appreciation to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who in December 2021 put forward the initiative to establish an organisation dedicated to promoting the Russian language.
The relevant treaty, signed in October 2023 by the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, entered into force at the end of 2024. This is undoubtedly a landmark event for our countries and, naturally, for all those who know, value and cherish the language of Alexander Pushkin and Leo Tolstoy, as well as the great Russian culture built upon it.
We see the International Organisation for the Russian Language as an independent multilateral entity. Its core objectives include: enhancing international cooperation in support of the Russian language based on the principles of friendship, trust, good-neighbourliness and interethnic harmony, as well as fostering dialogue among scholars and writers around the world.
🤝 At the same time, the Organisation is open to all interested states, both in Eurasia and on other continents. I would stress that this was particularly emphasised when President Tokayev first proposed the initiative.
In my view, it is important that the International Organisation for the Russian Language combine, in its work, the traditional and well-established instruments of multilateral cooperation with modern approaches capable of engaging the younger generation in our countries.
Among the priorities on the agenda are promoting the Organisation’s international standing and helping to establish its external partnerships.
A special role in these efforts will be played by the Secretariat of the International Organisation for the Russian Language. Today, we are to approve the leadership of the Secretariat.
I trust that all of us will provide it with the full support it requires.
<...>
Nearly two and a half years have passed since the treaty was signed, and I would like to acknowledge the extensive work carried out during this period by experts from our countries, including those from the ministries of education, science, innovation, and foreign affairs.
Today we are submitting for your consideration draft documents agreed upon by the experts, which will create the legal foundation for the Organisation’s practical work to begin as early as this April.
<...>
The Foreign Ministry will actively support the Secretariat’s work, while understanding that over time the primary role of the Russian Federation in this organisation will gradually transition to the Russian Ministry of Education and Science.
Today we had a very fruitful session: we established the organisation’s structure and fulfilled our heads of state’s instructions.
Read in full
⚡️ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's statement on the attack on the civilian commercial vessel Arctic Metagaz (March 11, 2026)
💬 Maria Zakharova: On March 3 at 04:25 a.m. local time, the LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz, flying the Russian flag and crewed by 30 Russian sailors, carrying 100,000 cubic metres of liquefied natural gas, was attacked by maritime and aerial drones in neutral waters in the central Mediterranean Sea, 168 nautical miles south-east of the coast of Malta.
The vessel lost propulsion and electrical power, resulting in a fire and gas explosion on board. In this critical situation, the crew demonstrated exceptional courage and composure. All sailors managed to evacuate the burning vessel in a lifeboat. Thanks to the crew’s professional and coordinated actions, no casualties were reported.
Ships in the area with Russian crews joined the search-and-rescue operation, one of which located the drifting lifeboat. Later that evening, at 20:30 local time, all crew members were rescued by a tanker that came to their aid and was to transport them to the nearest Russian port.
At the same time, false reports appeared in Western media claiming that the vessel had “caught fire on its own and sank as a result of the blaze”.
During the fire aboard the Arctic Metagaz, two crew members sustained serious burns, making their urgent evacuation necessary.
❌ Malta’s maritime authorities refused to assist in this evacuation.
Assistance was provided by the maritime rescue service of Libya, which dispatched a high-speed boat that transported the injured to a coastal hospital in the port of Benghazi.
With the active assistance of the Russian Embassy in Libya, the sailors received professional medical care and treatment for four days. After their condition stabilized and doctors confirmed they were fit for air travel, on March 10 the two injured crew members of the Arctic Metagaz were transported to Russia by a special flight and admitted to hospital.
❗️ The attack on a civilian commercial vessel in the Mediterranean Sea constitutes a gross violation of international law. It was a deliberate strike against a civilian target, potentially resulting in severe consequences, including loss of life and environmental damage. In other words, an act of terrorism and a war crime.
It is notable that this attack occurred in close proximity to the shores of an EU member state, yet no European country has so far condemned it.
💬 Maria Zakharova: On March 3 at 04:25 a.m. local time, the LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz, flying the Russian flag and crewed by 30 Russian sailors, carrying 100,000 cubic metres of liquefied natural gas, was attacked by maritime and aerial drones in neutral waters in the central Mediterranean Sea, 168 nautical miles south-east of the coast of Malta.
The vessel lost propulsion and electrical power, resulting in a fire and gas explosion on board. In this critical situation, the crew demonstrated exceptional courage and composure. All sailors managed to evacuate the burning vessel in a lifeboat. Thanks to the crew’s professional and coordinated actions, no casualties were reported.
Ships in the area with Russian crews joined the search-and-rescue operation, one of which located the drifting lifeboat. Later that evening, at 20:30 local time, all crew members were rescued by a tanker that came to their aid and was to transport them to the nearest Russian port.
At the same time, false reports appeared in Western media claiming that the vessel had “caught fire on its own and sank as a result of the blaze”.
During the fire aboard the Arctic Metagaz, two crew members sustained serious burns, making their urgent evacuation necessary.
❌ Malta’s maritime authorities refused to assist in this evacuation.
Assistance was provided by the maritime rescue service of Libya, which dispatched a high-speed boat that transported the injured to a coastal hospital in the port of Benghazi.
With the active assistance of the Russian Embassy in Libya, the sailors received professional medical care and treatment for four days. After their condition stabilized and doctors confirmed they were fit for air travel, on March 10 the two injured crew members of the Arctic Metagaz were transported to Russia by a special flight and admitted to hospital.
❗️ The attack on a civilian commercial vessel in the Mediterranean Sea constitutes a gross violation of international law. It was a deliberate strike against a civilian target, potentially resulting in severe consequences, including loss of life and environmental damage. In other words, an act of terrorism and a war crime.
It is notable that this attack occurred in close proximity to the shores of an EU member state, yet no European country has so far condemned it.
🗓 On March 11, Moscow hosted the first Ministerial Conference of the International Organisation for the Russian Language (#IORL), established under the relevant Agreement signed by the presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The conference was opened by Russia's Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov.
✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to participants in the Ministerial Conference, whose attendants included heads of educational and foreign policy agencies of the member states.
✍️ The participants signed documents required for the IORL to start its operations and establish its Secretariat, and elected its Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General.
Participants held an in-depth exchange of views on issues related to the organisation’s activities and promising focus areas.
The conference was opened by Russia's Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov.
✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to participants in the Ministerial Conference, whose attendants included heads of educational and foreign policy agencies of the member states.
✍️ The participants signed documents required for the IORL to start its operations and establish its Secretariat, and elected its Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General.
Participants held an in-depth exchange of views on issues related to the organisation’s activities and promising focus areas.
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⚡️ Russia’s EMERCOM:
✈️ An Il-76 aircraft of Russia’s EMERCOM will deliver humanitarian aid for the Iranian people.
On the instruction of Russia's President Vladimir Putin and by order of EMERCOM Head Alexander Kurenkov, the aircraft will transport over 13 tonnes of medicines to the Republic of Azerbaijan, where they will be delivered to authorized representatives of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
#RussiaHelps
✈️ An Il-76 aircraft of Russia’s EMERCOM will deliver humanitarian aid for the Iranian people.
On the instruction of Russia's President Vladimir Putin and by order of EMERCOM Head Alexander Kurenkov, the aircraft will transport over 13 tonnes of medicines to the Republic of Azerbaijan, where they will be delivered to authorized representatives of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
#RussiaHelps
⚡️ Russia's Investigative Committee:
On March 12, evidence collected by the Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has been deemed sufficient by the court to convict 19 defendants in the case of the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue on March 22, 2024.
Members of the terrorist organisation “Wilayah Khorasan”, as well as their accomplices and those who supplied weapons to the terrorists and were affiliated with the terrorist movement of Batal-Hadzhi Belkhoroev were found guilty – depending on their respective roles – of committing crimes under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
The investigation and the court established that preparations for the Crocus City Hall attack began several months before it was carried out. Some defendants arrived in Russia from abroad, where they had undergone initial training. Others already present in Russia were tasked with obtaining the means and tools necessary to carry out the crime.
▪️ As a result of the terrorist act, 149 people were killed, one person remains missing, and 609 citizens sustained injuries of varying severity. The total damage caused by the attack amounted to approximately 6 billion rubles.
After committing the crime, the perpetrators attempted to flee to Ukraine, but were detained in the Bryansk region and brought to Moscow. Some accomplices were instructed by the organisers to leave Russia, but were detained while attempting to cross the border.
❗️ It has been reliably established that this heinous crime was planned and carried out in the interests of the current leadership of Ukraine, with the aim of destabilizing the political situation in Russia.
By the court’s verdict, 19 defendants were sentenced – depending on their roles – to terms of imprisonment ranging from 19 years and 11 months to life, as well as fines of up to 2.7 million rubles.
Preliminary investigation continues with regard to two organisers and four members of the terrorist organisation. They have been placed on the international wanted list and arrested in absentia. Measures are underway to establish their whereabouts, with investigators and operational services actively cooperating with law enforcement agencies of other states.
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On March 12, evidence collected by the Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has been deemed sufficient by the court to convict 19 defendants in the case of the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue on March 22, 2024.
Members of the terrorist organisation “Wilayah Khorasan”, as well as their accomplices and those who supplied weapons to the terrorists and were affiliated with the terrorist movement of Batal-Hadzhi Belkhoroev were found guilty – depending on their respective roles – of committing crimes under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
The investigation and the court established that preparations for the Crocus City Hall attack began several months before it was carried out. Some defendants arrived in Russia from abroad, where they had undergone initial training. Others already present in Russia were tasked with obtaining the means and tools necessary to carry out the crime.
▪️ As a result of the terrorist act, 149 people were killed, one person remains missing, and 609 citizens sustained injuries of varying severity. The total damage caused by the attack amounted to approximately 6 billion rubles.
After committing the crime, the perpetrators attempted to flee to Ukraine, but were detained in the Bryansk region and brought to Moscow. Some accomplices were instructed by the organisers to leave Russia, but were detained while attempting to cross the border.
❗️ It has been reliably established that this heinous crime was planned and carried out in the interests of the current leadership of Ukraine, with the aim of destabilizing the political situation in Russia.
By the court’s verdict, 19 defendants were sentenced – depending on their roles – to terms of imprisonment ranging from 19 years and 11 months to life, as well as fines of up to 2.7 million rubles.
Preliminary investigation continues with regard to two organisers and four members of the terrorist organisation. They have been placed on the international wanted list and arrested in absentia. Measures are underway to establish their whereabouts, with investigators and operational services actively cooperating with law enforcement agencies of other states.
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🔴 #LIVE: Briefing by Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on topical foreign policy issues
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🎙 Explanation of Vote Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Vassily Nebenzia after UNSC Vote on Bahraini Draft Resolution on Iran's Strikes on Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (New York, March 11, 2026)
💬 Vassily Nebenzia: The Russian Federation abstained in the vote on the draft resolution tabled by Bahrain because it is extremely unbalanced and does not serve the purposes of maintaining international peace and security.
we do understand and regret the situation in which the Middle East countries find themselves today. Moreover, Russia deems unacceptable any strikes on the territory of Arab States in the Persian Gulf, in particular on civilian infrastructure there. <...>
However, it would be impossible and unfair to talk about attacks on countries in the region without regard for the root causes of the current escalation, namely the aggression of the US and Israel against Iran.
⚠️ To our deep regret, the resolution that has just been adopted is framed precisely in such a biased and one-sided tone. It muddles up the cause and effect. If someone who is not well versed in international affairs reads this resolution, they will inevitably get the impression that Tehran, willingly and out of malice, conducted an unprovoked attack on Arab countries.
Nor does the document mention the fact that the authorities in Tehran have repeatedly emphasized that their retaliatory actions are directed not against the countries in the region, but against US military facilities and infrastructure located on their territory, and are legitimate targets within Iran's right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. <...>
The unconditional imperative to protect civilians and infrastructure in the current conflict is also presented in the adopted resolution in a very one-sided manner. Strikes targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable under any circumstances and in any country – be it Iran, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or Israel.
However, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) draft suggests that no one has ever attacked the civilian population of Iran. <...>
☝️ Passing such a resolution will not advance peace in the Middle East. It will only exacerbate the differences between key players in the region.
We are worried that, rushing to condemn Iran, the GCC countries may undo all the latest accomplishments on the path to restoring good-neighborly relations with Tehran, thus pushing away the prospect of creating a common security space for the entire region for many years to come.
Moreover, a positive decision by the Council on this document could be interpreted by bad-faith actors, and primarily by those who started this war, as a “blessing” to proceed with aggression against Iran. We urge all UN members to bear this in mind.
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💬 Vassily Nebenzia: The Russian Federation abstained in the vote on the draft resolution tabled by Bahrain because it is extremely unbalanced and does not serve the purposes of maintaining international peace and security.
we do understand and regret the situation in which the Middle East countries find themselves today. Moreover, Russia deems unacceptable any strikes on the territory of Arab States in the Persian Gulf, in particular on civilian infrastructure there. <...>
However, it would be impossible and unfair to talk about attacks on countries in the region without regard for the root causes of the current escalation, namely the aggression of the US and Israel against Iran.
⚠️ To our deep regret, the resolution that has just been adopted is framed precisely in such a biased and one-sided tone. It muddles up the cause and effect. If someone who is not well versed in international affairs reads this resolution, they will inevitably get the impression that Tehran, willingly and out of malice, conducted an unprovoked attack on Arab countries.
Nor does the document mention the fact that the authorities in Tehran have repeatedly emphasized that their retaliatory actions are directed not against the countries in the region, but against US military facilities and infrastructure located on their territory, and are legitimate targets within Iran's right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. <...>
The unconditional imperative to protect civilians and infrastructure in the current conflict is also presented in the adopted resolution in a very one-sided manner. Strikes targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable under any circumstances and in any country – be it Iran, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or Israel.
However, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) draft suggests that no one has ever attacked the civilian population of Iran. <...>
☝️ Passing such a resolution will not advance peace in the Middle East. It will only exacerbate the differences between key players in the region.
We are worried that, rushing to condemn Iran, the GCC countries may undo all the latest accomplishments on the path to restoring good-neighborly relations with Tehran, thus pushing away the prospect of creating a common security space for the entire region for many years to come.
Moreover, a positive decision by the Council on this document could be interpreted by bad-faith actors, and primarily by those who started this war, as a “blessing” to proceed with aggression against Iran. We urge all UN members to bear this in mind.
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#RussiaIndia
🎙 Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov's interview with RT India (March 12, 2026)
Key outtakes:
• In 2025, Russia and India marked 25 years of our special and strategic partnership. For the entire period of Indian independence, we have been friends. We see our relations with India as one of the stabilising factors on the Eurasian continent – a factor for stability, peace and common security.
• Russia and India are great civilisations and major countries. Our partnership is rooted in long historical ties and a shared understanding of global affairs. This civilisational dimension gives our relations a strong long-term foundation.
• We have consistently advocated for the relaunch of the #Russia-#India-#China trilateral mechanism. We believe this mechanism is indispensable for securing the prosperity and the future of our continent and the world at large. At the same time, there is no "China factor" in our bilateral relations with India.
• The developments around Iran show a blatant violation of international norms and laws and a violent and unprovoked aggression against a sovereign country. Nothing can justify the current actions against Iran. The hostility should stop at the earliest so that we restore stability and predictability in the Middle East.
• India does not require permission from anybody to buy Russian oil. Russian oil cannot be excluded from the global basket. Russian energy will remain part of the global supply.
• We are ready to offer LNG supplies to India. Arrangements and contracts existed several years ago but were disrupted by sanctions. Nevertheless, we remain open to expanding energy cooperation.
• Russia benefits from stability and predictability in energy markets, not from crises. While higher prices may bring short-term revenue, there is no long-term gain for anybody from instability in the Middle East. What we call for is the immediate cessation of hostilities.
• Our pivot towards Asia – and especially towards India – did not start because of the Ukrainian conflict. We made this shift more than 25 years ago, placing India and our Asian partners at the top of our international agenda. Even if relations with the West improve in the future, there will be no going back on our Asian priorities.
• The Rafale purchase continues India's earlier acquisition plans and is not directly comparable with the Su-57. The Su-57 represents fifth-generation capabilities and diversified options. What sets us apart is our readiness to provide complete technology transfer, something others may not offer.
• We expect President Vladimir Putin to attend the #BRICS Summit in India during India’s chairship. BRICS will focus on reform of global governance institutions, combating terrorism, improving trade mechanisms and boosting investments. The long-standing trust between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi remains a strong factor in our relations.
#DruzhbaDosti
🎙 Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov's interview with RT India (March 12, 2026)
Key outtakes:
• In 2025, Russia and India marked 25 years of our special and strategic partnership. For the entire period of Indian independence, we have been friends. We see our relations with India as one of the stabilising factors on the Eurasian continent – a factor for stability, peace and common security.
• Russia and India are great civilisations and major countries. Our partnership is rooted in long historical ties and a shared understanding of global affairs. This civilisational dimension gives our relations a strong long-term foundation.
• We have consistently advocated for the relaunch of the #Russia-#India-#China trilateral mechanism. We believe this mechanism is indispensable for securing the prosperity and the future of our continent and the world at large. At the same time, there is no "China factor" in our bilateral relations with India.
• The developments around Iran show a blatant violation of international norms and laws and a violent and unprovoked aggression against a sovereign country. Nothing can justify the current actions against Iran. The hostility should stop at the earliest so that we restore stability and predictability in the Middle East.
• India does not require permission from anybody to buy Russian oil. Russian oil cannot be excluded from the global basket. Russian energy will remain part of the global supply.
• We are ready to offer LNG supplies to India. Arrangements and contracts existed several years ago but were disrupted by sanctions. Nevertheless, we remain open to expanding energy cooperation.
• Russia benefits from stability and predictability in energy markets, not from crises. While higher prices may bring short-term revenue, there is no long-term gain for anybody from instability in the Middle East. What we call for is the immediate cessation of hostilities.
• Our pivot towards Asia – and especially towards India – did not start because of the Ukrainian conflict. We made this shift more than 25 years ago, placing India and our Asian partners at the top of our international agenda. Even if relations with the West improve in the future, there will be no going back on our Asian priorities.
• The Rafale purchase continues India's earlier acquisition plans and is not directly comparable with the Su-57. The Su-57 represents fifth-generation capabilities and diversified options. What sets us apart is our readiness to provide complete technology transfer, something others may not offer.
• We expect President Vladimir Putin to attend the #BRICS Summit in India during India’s chairship. BRICS will focus on reform of global governance institutions, combating terrorism, improving trade mechanisms and boosting investments. The long-standing trust between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi remains a strong factor in our relations.
#DruzhbaDosti
🇷🇺🇨🇺📞 On March 12, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Cuba Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla had a telephone conversation.
The Sides reviewed key issues of bilateral cooperation and the international agenda.
Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s principled position regarding the unacceptability of economic and political pressure on Cuba by the US.
Strong support was expressed for the brotherly Cuban people in defending their state sovereignty and their right to choose their own path of development.
The Ministers also discussed the schedule of upcoming Russia-Cuba contacts, including preparations for the 23rd meeting of the Russia-Cuba Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation.
#RussiaCuba
The Sides reviewed key issues of bilateral cooperation and the international agenda.
Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s principled position regarding the unacceptability of economic and political pressure on Cuba by the US.
Strong support was expressed for the brotherly Cuban people in defending their state sovereignty and their right to choose their own path of development.
The Ministers also discussed the schedule of upcoming Russia-Cuba contacts, including preparations for the 23rd meeting of the Russia-Cuba Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation.
#RussiaCuba
🗓 On March 12, during the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky announced the Joint Statement initiated by the Russian side and co-authored by 44 countries participating in the Session that advocate for strengthening the existing international legal system of drug control.
The text of the Joint Statement is open for accession by other delegations.
***
📄 Joint Statement announced during the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
On behalf of:
People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Republic of Angola, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Republic of Belarus, Negara Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Republic of Burundi, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, State of Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, State of Libya, Malaysia, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Republic of Namibia, Republic of Nicaragua, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sultanate of Oman, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, State of Palestine, State of Qatar, Russian Federation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Singapore, Republic of the Sudan, Republic of Tajikistan, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Uzbekistan, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Republic of Yemen, Republic of Zimbabwe.
💬 We reaffirm the central role of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) as the principal policy-making body of the United Nations with prime responsibility for drug control matters. <...>
We believe that the conventions allow for sufficient flexibility for State Parties to take effective measures in the sphere of drug control, including with regard to the penal provisions and particular measures against the abuse of drugs, with due respect for sovereign drug control policies, legislation, national experience and unique circumstances of State Parties.
We underscore the need to respect each country’s sovereign right to implement drug control policies suited to its national situation, in line with the obligations under the three international drug control conventions, without imposing any specific models or approaches.
We emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing and countering the world drug problem, and approaches which work in one country or region may not be effective or applicable to other countries. <...>
We firmly believe that abstinence from illicit drug use should be the ultimate goal of all countries’ efforts to combat the world drug problem. We urge all Member States to set ambitious objectives, including building a society free of drug abuse, and not to limit their efforts to merely reducing harms related to illicit drug use, illicit drug cultivation, production, manufacture and trafficking. <...>
We emphasize that strengthening cross-border law enforcement cooperation is essential for our joint endeavor and recognize the important contribution of the Commission’s subsidiary bodies.
We recognize the fundamental role of effective international cooperation in preventing and combating drug-related crime and, to this end, underline the importance of addressing, tackling and effectively responding to international challenges and barriers, in particular measures that hinder such cooperation and are not consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and obligations under international law. In this regard, we urge States, consistent with their international obligations, to refrain from applying such measures.
We underscore the urgent need to take further ambitious, effective, and decisive actions to promote better implementation of all international drug policy commitments and to ensure a comprehensive review of relevant progress by 2029 within the CND.
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The text of the Joint Statement is open for accession by other delegations.
***
📄 Joint Statement announced during the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
On behalf of:
People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Republic of Angola, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Republic of Belarus, Negara Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Republic of Burundi, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, State of Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, State of Libya, Malaysia, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Republic of Namibia, Republic of Nicaragua, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sultanate of Oman, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, State of Palestine, State of Qatar, Russian Federation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Singapore, Republic of the Sudan, Republic of Tajikistan, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Uzbekistan, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Republic of Yemen, Republic of Zimbabwe.
💬 We reaffirm the central role of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) as the principal policy-making body of the United Nations with prime responsibility for drug control matters. <...>
We believe that the conventions allow for sufficient flexibility for State Parties to take effective measures in the sphere of drug control, including with regard to the penal provisions and particular measures against the abuse of drugs, with due respect for sovereign drug control policies, legislation, national experience and unique circumstances of State Parties.
We underscore the need to respect each country’s sovereign right to implement drug control policies suited to its national situation, in line with the obligations under the three international drug control conventions, without imposing any specific models or approaches.
We emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing and countering the world drug problem, and approaches which work in one country or region may not be effective or applicable to other countries. <...>
We firmly believe that abstinence from illicit drug use should be the ultimate goal of all countries’ efforts to combat the world drug problem. We urge all Member States to set ambitious objectives, including building a society free of drug abuse, and not to limit their efforts to merely reducing harms related to illicit drug use, illicit drug cultivation, production, manufacture and trafficking. <...>
We emphasize that strengthening cross-border law enforcement cooperation is essential for our joint endeavor and recognize the important contribution of the Commission’s subsidiary bodies.
We recognize the fundamental role of effective international cooperation in preventing and combating drug-related crime and, to this end, underline the importance of addressing, tackling and effectively responding to international challenges and barriers, in particular measures that hinder such cooperation and are not consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and obligations under international law. In this regard, we urge States, consistent with their international obligations, to refrain from applying such measures.
We underscore the urgent need to take further ambitious, effective, and decisive actions to promote better implementation of all international drug policy commitments and to ensure a comprehensive review of relevant progress by 2029 within the CND.
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🔴 #LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with the CTBTO Preparatory Commission Executive Secretary Robert Floyd
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🎙 Remarks to the Press by Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Vassily Nebenzia on the Ukrainian Armed Forces Attack on Bryansk (March 11, 2026)
💬 Vassily Nebenzia: On March 10, the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev committed yet another barbaric crime against the civilian population of our country by carrying out a missile strike on Bryansk. A busy business district, located in close proximity to multi-apartment residential buildings, children’s goods stores, a university and other civilian infrastructure, came under deliberate attack. As a result of this strike, seven people were killed and 42 were injured.
The expired head of the regime Zelensky, speaking to the press, described this heinous attack as a “successful operation” and thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine for their service. This is yet another striking example of the sheer cynicism with which the Kiev authorities treat attacks that claim lives of civilians.
The strike was carried out with the use of at least seven long-range British Storm Shadow missiles. It is entirely obvious – and we have repeatedly pointed this out – that such an operation would be technically impossible for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to conduct on their own.
The use of advanced Western weaponry takes place only with the direct involvement of foreign specialists who guide the targeting. In addition, certain NATO countries provide the necessary intelligence data.
❗️ As such, the Western sponsors of Zelensky bear full responsibility for the killing of civilians. Instead of giving peace negotiations, facilitated by the United States, a genuine chance, Kiev and London are seeking ways to further escalate tensions.
This tactic is not new. It has been repeatedly employed whenever a real prospect of settlement begins to emerge. It is hardly a coincidence that the timing of this attack coincided with signals from Washington expressing hope that negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement have reached a “turning point” and that achieving peace is entirely possible.
Regrettably, international organizations have once again remained blind and deaf to what has happened. Yesterday, during the daily noon briefing, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General mentioned the issue only in passing and only after being asked a direct question. Even then, he stated that he “hasn’t seen that particular report”, limiting himself to a general remark that “the UN is against” such attacks.
❓ But where is clear and unequivocal condemnation of this crime? Where is the statement from the Secretary-General himself?
The continued silence on this and similar grave incidents raises serious questions about the impartiality and consistency of the Organization’s approach.
👉 We call on the UN Secretariat to abandon the policy of double standards and to provide an appropriate, clear and unequivocal assessment of this heinous attack.
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💬 Vassily Nebenzia: On March 10, the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev committed yet another barbaric crime against the civilian population of our country by carrying out a missile strike on Bryansk. A busy business district, located in close proximity to multi-apartment residential buildings, children’s goods stores, a university and other civilian infrastructure, came under deliberate attack. As a result of this strike, seven people were killed and 42 were injured.
The expired head of the regime Zelensky, speaking to the press, described this heinous attack as a “successful operation” and thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine for their service. This is yet another striking example of the sheer cynicism with which the Kiev authorities treat attacks that claim lives of civilians.
The strike was carried out with the use of at least seven long-range British Storm Shadow missiles. It is entirely obvious – and we have repeatedly pointed this out – that such an operation would be technically impossible for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to conduct on their own.
The use of advanced Western weaponry takes place only with the direct involvement of foreign specialists who guide the targeting. In addition, certain NATO countries provide the necessary intelligence data.
❗️ As such, the Western sponsors of Zelensky bear full responsibility for the killing of civilians. Instead of giving peace negotiations, facilitated by the United States, a genuine chance, Kiev and London are seeking ways to further escalate tensions.
This tactic is not new. It has been repeatedly employed whenever a real prospect of settlement begins to emerge. It is hardly a coincidence that the timing of this attack coincided with signals from Washington expressing hope that negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement have reached a “turning point” and that achieving peace is entirely possible.
Regrettably, international organizations have once again remained blind and deaf to what has happened. Yesterday, during the daily noon briefing, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General mentioned the issue only in passing and only after being asked a direct question. Even then, he stated that he “hasn’t seen that particular report”, limiting himself to a general remark that “the UN is against” such attacks.
❓ But where is clear and unequivocal condemnation of this crime? Where is the statement from the Secretary-General himself?
The continued silence on this and similar grave incidents raises serious questions about the impartiality and consistency of the Organization’s approach.
👉 We call on the UN Secretariat to abandon the policy of double standards and to provide an appropriate, clear and unequivocal assessment of this heinous attack.
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🇷🇺🇮🇷 Embassy of Russia in Iran:
An Il-76 aircraft of Russia’s EMERCOM delivered humanitarian assistance for our Iranian friends.
The humanitarian operation was carried out in accordance with instructions from the President of the Russia Vladimir Putin and on the orders of EMERCOM head Alexander Kurenkov.
The Ministry’s special flight delivered over 13 tonnes of medicines to Azerbaijan, where the cargo was delivered to authorised representatives of the Iranian government and subsequently forwarded to Iran.
📹 Russia's EMERCOM
An Il-76 aircraft of Russia’s EMERCOM delivered humanitarian assistance for our Iranian friends.
The humanitarian operation was carried out in accordance with instructions from the President of the Russia Vladimir Putin and on the orders of EMERCOM head Alexander Kurenkov.
The Ministry’s special flight delivered over 13 tonnes of medicines to Azerbaijan, where the cargo was delivered to authorised representatives of the Iranian government and subsequently forwarded to Iran.
📹 Russia's EMERCOM
🔴 #LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi
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🔴 Russia's MFA Website
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