⚡️ Head of the Russian delegation, Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, on the outcomes of the tripartite talks in Geneva (February 17-18):

💬 As you know, the negotiations continued for two days – for quite a long time yesterday in various formats and about two hours today.

They were difficult, but businesslike.

The next meeting will take place in the near future.

📰 Interview of the Ambassador of Russia to Canada, Oleg Stepanov, with "RIA Novosti" News Agency (February 17, 2026)

Key takeaways:

🔹 On Bilateral Relations

📍 Today, there are no bilateral relations between Russia and Canada in the classical sense. Ottawa proactively chose to dismantle them.

📍 Certain radical public figures here, amid the extremely unfriendly stance of the Canadian government toward our country, are openly advocating the severing of diplomatic ties. We are, of course, prepared for any developments. However, I hope relations will not ultimately slide into the abyss.

🔹 On Sanctions

📍 In practical terms, if we speak of Russian funds, Canada has frozen a total of approximately 316 million US dollars. For the most part, these are likely private deposits or suspended transfers. Even Canadian intelligence services themselves have been unable to provide parliamentarians with a clear breakdown of how this figure was calculated.

📍 The unilateral measures introduced by Ottawa stem from impotence. They are largely symbolic, a fiction designed, in the absence of other instruments, to demonstrate support for the regime in Kiev.

🔹 On the "Russian world" in Canada

📍 The anti-Russian fervor of official Ottawa has only further consolidated the “Russian World”. One of the central events demonstrating the resilience and unity of Russians in Canada was the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. It was marked on a large and dignified scale in many cities, despite attempts at provocation by various Russophobes and Banderite elements.

🔹 On Ukraine

📍 Ottawa remains among the foremost sponsors of the Kiev regime and continues to train its punitive forces responsible for killing Russian people and carrying out terrorist attacks in Russia.

📍 Since early 2022, Ottawa has delivered or pledged nearly 5 billion US dollars in military assistance to Kiev, approximately 0.28% of its GDP.

🔹On Nazis

📍 The shielding of Nazi collaborator Hunka is a systemic feature of the worldview of Canada’s ruling class. It is deeply intertwined with the Ukrainian nationalist diaspora, descendants of Nazi collaborators, who have permeated all layers of Canadian society, particularly the political sphere.

📍 The Carney cabinet refuses to make public the so-called “Deschênes List”. Formally, they claim that its disclosure would allegedly pose a threat to the physical, national, and international security of the state and could play into the hands of “Russian propaganda.” In reality, Canadian elites are afraid to pull this skeleton out of the closet.

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🎙 Интервью Министра иностранных дел Российской Федерации С.В.Лаврова телеканалу «Аль-Арабия» (Москва, 18 февраля 2026 года)

Ключевые тезисы:

#РоссияАрабскийМир

• У нас тесные отношения со всеми арабскими странами и их организациями. Это и Лига арабских государств, с которой мы уже провели с полдюжины встреч на министерском уровне. Планируем провести и саммит #РоссияЛАГ. Кроме этого, у нас тесные отношения с ССАГПЗ. <...> С арабским миром у нас выстроен такой формат отношений. Это не просто некая процедура. Любая встреча на уровне министров, замминистров, экспертов и спецпредставителей является полезным инструментом для доверительного обмена оценками и выработки совместных подходов не только региональным, но и глобальным проблемам, которые обсуждаются в ООН, где тоже налажена тесная координация. Дорожим этим.

#СаудовскаяАравия

• Саудовская Аравия – лидер арабского мира, страна, хранящая две исламские Святыни, и автор Арабской мирной инициативы по урегулированию самого сложного и длительного кризиса – палестинской проблемы.

• Наша страна рассматривает Саудовскую Аравию как стратегического партнёра в регионе. Ощущаем, что эта оценка разделяется и нашими саудовскими коллегами. <...> Мы весьма довольны нашим сотрудничеством. Видим позитивные перспективы.

#Иран #ИЯП

• К сожалению, Израиль и США пошли на [удары по Ирану], одновременно с созданием рисков физического характера подорвав и авторитет #МАГАТЭ и #ДНЯО, который, как Иран неоднократно отмечал, является для него обязательным к соблюдению. Контроль со стороны Агентства особенно в последние годы – после подписания Совместного всеобъемлющего плана действий (#СВПД) – был беспрецедентным. Иран ни разу не был уличен в нарушении ДНЯО или своего соглашения о гарантиях с МАГАТЭ. 👉 Все риски и политическая напряженность стали возникать после выхода США из СВПД в 2018 года.

#Сирия

• Взаимное уважение, взаимная выгода – это принципы, лежащие в основе наших отношений с Сирийской Арабской Республикой с самого начала, с её образования. Дорожим этими отношениями.

• Убеждены, что такое многонациональное, многоконфессиональное государство, как Сирия, должно как можно скорее восстановить свое единство, территориальную целостность, суверенитет. На этом направлении будем помогать и уже помогаем Дамаску, новым властям.

• Что касается наших военных объектов. Сейчас их обсуждаем. Сирийцы, повторю ещё раз, заинтересованы в том, чтобы наше присутствие сохранилось.

#Палестина

• На Западном берегу реки Иордан обстановка становится всё более напряжённой и взрывоопасной из-за действий израильтян, включая издание недавно распоряжения о том, какой порядок приобретения земель и проведения градостроительных работ. До недавнего времени всё это согласовывалось с Палестинской национальной администрацией. А сейчас односторонние решения и анализ последствий, которые эти решения будут иметь, показывают, что от тех земель, которые контролирует Палестинская национальная администрация, мало что останется.

• Если наши услуги потребуются для «наведения мостов» между палестинцами, арабами, Израилем (знаю, что Соединенные Штаты и страны Персидского залива этим активно занимаются), если мы будем востребованы, конечно, мы не останемся в стороне.

#Украина

• Европа сейчас буквально находится в истерике, требуя от России начать переговоры [по Украине] и требуя от всех, чтобы Европа была участницей этих переговоров. <...> Европа обнажила свою нацистскую сущность, которую, как мы думали, устранило поражение Гитлера во Второй мировой войне. Но она оказалась весьма живучей. Не вижу, какую роль может сыграть Европа.

• Мы очень ценим позицию, которую заняли администрация Д.Трампа и лично Президент США. Внимательно следим за тем, как Европа пытается сбить нынешнюю администрацию в Вашингтоне с её принципиального курса, который обсуждался и был согласован на Аляске в Анкоридже. Мы полностью привержены тем пониманиям. Нисколько не сомневаюсь, что мы это подтвердим в ходе очередного раунда переговоров в Женеве.

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✍️ President Vladimir Putin congratulated Russia’s Buddhists on the occasion of the White Month:

💬 Please accept my congratulations on the advent of the White Month – the New Year according to the lunar calendar.

It is heartening to see that you carefully preserve the rich historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of many generations of your ancestors, along with their distinctive customs and traditions.

Buddhist organisations take an active part in Russia’s public life, implement important educational and charitable initiatives, and make a meaningful contribution to promoting interreligious and interethnic harmony, strengthening family values and educating young people.

I would like to particularly acknowledge the meaningful support the Buddhist community provides to participants in the special military operation and their families. Equally important is your sincere dedication to the restoration of temples and architectural landmarks, as well as to the construction of new monasteries and educational centres.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Buddhists living in Russia, everyone who follows this ancient religion, on this bright and auspicious holiday. I wish you good health, continued success and all the very best.

VLADIMIR PUTIN

🎙Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s answer to a media question regarding the situation around the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and their Destruction (February 20, 2026)

❓Question: On February 20, Poland’s decision to withdraw from the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and their Destruction (#APMBC) enters into force. What is the Russian Foreign Ministry’s assessment of this decision?

💬 Maria Zakharova: Yes, indeed. Earlier, similar decisions were put into effect in Finland (January 10, 2026), as well as in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia (December 27, 2025).

The attempts by the above mentioned states to justify their steps by “national security considerations” and some imaginary military threat from Russia, do not withstand any criticism. These insinuations pursue a single goal to excuse their own destructive decisions and evade responsibility.

The withdrawal from the APMBC is accompanied by a significant increase in military activities by those states on their eastern borders in close proximity to the Russian territory and serves as a clear example of their disregard for international legal obligations. The restrictions provided for in the Convention simply became inconvenient and unfavorable, and as a result were abandoned.

On the whole, the situation around the APMBC is complicated by a series of inconsistent steps by Ukraine in relation to the Convention. As is known, Kiev initially intended to withdraw from this treaty regime, as reflected in the Zelensky Decree of №441/2025 dated June 29, 2025. However, due to inability to implement this decision in view of the ongoing armed conflict, Ukraine subsequently abandoned it by sending to the UN Secretary General a notification of the “suspension” of its participation in the APMBC.

☝️ It is notable that a number of States Parties to the Convention openly opposed Kiev’s relevant actions qualifying them as illegal and establishing a dangerous precedent for international law.

At the same time, even prior to this notification, Ukraine openly violated its obligations under the APMBC. Kiev failed to destroy all its stockpiles of anti-personnel mines (with the exception of the minimum amount needed to develop mine detection methods and to train specialists) though it was obliged to do so back in 2010, as well as continued to actively use them, including against civilians and civilian facilities.

❗️ These circumstances confirm the Russian assessments that this treaty regime is weak and has no instruments of effective leverage over states that evade to follow the provisions of the document.

Russia is not a State Party to the APMBC, however it continues to fulfill in good faith all obligations under Amended Protocol II (AP-2) and Protocol V (P-5) to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (#CCW).

The actions by Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Finland and Ukraine are consistent with the course pursued by the “collective West” and its satellites to review and undermine the existing international legal system in the field of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.

The consequences of such actions will follow shortly. In addition to weakening the Convention itself such actions can lead to a “domino effect” when others will follow this example.

Against this background, the EU individual members possessing advanced military and industrial capabilities are already seeking to derive financial benefits from the growing demand for anti-personnel mines at the international market.

All these developments inevitably lead to further escalation of tension in Europe and deterioration of the regional and international security.

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🎙 Highlights from Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation Maxim Oreshkin's remarks at the "Open Dialogue: Future of the World. A New Platform for Global Growth" forum on five global megatrends.

1️⃣ A New Global Economic Paradigm: Globalisation 2.0

BRICS+ countries now play a growing role in the global economy, technological development, and demographic trends, while the Global South is increasingly engaging in direct trade and national-currency settlements.

Globalisation hasn't ended; it has changed. Sovereignty — at state, social, and economic levels — is now the key to competitiveness. Only countries that preserve all three levels can lead in a multipolar world.

2️⃣ Platformisation of the global economy and institutional automation

Platforms and algorithms are increasingly shaping decision-making in healthcare, education, finance, trade, and beyond.

Platform solutions enhance efficiency and reduce transaction costs through self-adjusting algorithms. Countries without technological sovereignty risk becoming dependent on external platforms, which can have strategic consequences during conflicts.

3️⃣ Transformation of the Global Financial System

Traditional financial models face mounting challenges, including rising public debt, widening inequality, and geopolitical fragmentation. Technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms are creating alternative financial mechanisms, including decentralised finance.

The traditional model of cross-border payments is under pressure. Decentralised systems and digital technologies are reshaping the financial system.

4️⃣ Demographic Shifts and Challenges

Global fertility rates have fallen sharply, with some countries facing critical declines. By the end of the 21st century, the working-age population may shrink significantly, while the proportion of elderly people rises, placing pressure on pension systems and social services.

Even in Africa, the ratio of elderly to working-age population will rise to 30%, and globally to 56%. Education demand will decrease, but healthcare and social service needs will grow. These interconnected trends will amplify each other.

5️⃣ Human Capital Development in the Technological Era

Autonomous systems, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence are transforming education, work, and healthcare, while biotechnologies expand human capabilities.

AI is both a challenge and an opportunity. It allows personalized learning paths and supports teachers. Professions are changing: mid-level specialists will be in demand, and companies must retrain employees from junior positions. The social sphere will also evolve, ensuring active longevity in the new demographic era.

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#InMemoryOfDiplomats

🕯 On 20 February 2017, an outstanding Russian diplomat, Vitaly Ivanovich #Churkin, passed away. He died on his post in New York, faithfully performing his official duties as Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN until his very last moment.

Vitaly Churkin devoted his entire career to defending Russia’s interests on the international stage, rising from a staff member of the USSR Foreign Ministry’s Translation Department to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations.

At different times, he headed Russia’s diplomatic missions in Chile, Belgium and Canada, and successfully conducted complex negotiations on Arctic cooperation within the framework of the Arctic Council.

🎙 From 1991 to 1992, he served as Head of the USSR Ministry of Foreign Relations’ Information Department, then as head of a similar department at Russia’s Foreign Ministry. Vitaly Churkin was the first person in the history of Russian diplomacy to hold regular briefings that were open to journalists.

As Presidential Special Envoy for the Balkans, Vitaly Churkin made a significant contribution to settling the conflict in former Yugoslavia. In particular, he acted as a mediator in the talks that put an end to NATO airstrikes, and also proposed sending Russian military units to Sarajevo, which were later transformed into a UN battalion.

🇺🇳 Churkin’s work as Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN was the high point of his diplomatic career. He held this post for 11 years. Possessing brilliant erudition and a subtle sense of humour, he easily established and maintained trusting relations with his foreign colleagues.

✍️ Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had the following to say in the preface to Churkin’s memoirs titled “Lost in Translation:”

Vitaly enjoyed respect even from the foreign partners who did not always share Russia’s approaches to key challenges of modern times. For example, the US Permanent Representative spoke of him as “formidable as a foe, caring as a friend and fierce as a defender of Russia, the country he adored and strived to make proud.”

These days, Moscow is hosting the 4th Youth Forum “Foreign Policy Meetings in Memory of Vitaly Churkin,” held under the auspices of the Gorchakov Fund.

On 21 February, Vitaly Ivanovich Churkin would have turned 74.