Russian MFA 🇷🇺

⚡️ Russian Foreign Ministry's statement on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran We welcome the agreement reached on ending the military conflict between the US and Iran, as formalised by the Presidents of the two countries – Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian – in a remote format. We note the firm mutual commitment demonstrated by Washington and Tehran to strictly comply with the terms of the signed Memorandum of Understanding. We commend the energetic and effective efforts of Pakistani and Qatari mediators aimed at resolving the existing differences through negotiations. In the sensitive and responsible period ahead, during which a comprehensive agreement is to be developed, 👉 it is extremely important that all parties involved in the armed confrontation clearly follow the Iran-US understandings reached and avoid any new dangerous escalation of tensions in the region, including in Lebanon. ☝️ We expect the establishment of peace to contribute to restoring trust in relations between the countries on both sides of the Persian Gulf. The resumption of safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, as it had been carried out until February 28, will help reduce volatility on global energy and food markets, which primarily affects the interests of the most vulnerable countries. Iran’s reaffirmation of its unwavering commitment to its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is the best response to any attacks and unfounded accusations against Tehran by those seeking to call into question its legitimate rights to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. From the very beginning of the unprovoked US-Israeli aggression against Iran, Russia gave it an objective and uncompromising assessment. Throughout the conflict, Russia maintained a responsible and principled position at the UN and other international platforms, and did everything in its power to reduce confrontation and facilitate a political settlement. 🤝 We express our readiness to continue providing substantial diplomatic support to efforts aimed at the sustainable and long-term stabilisation of the situation in the Middle East. On May 30, we conveyed to our Arab and Iranian partners in the region the updated version of Russia’s Concept for Collective Security in the Persian Gulf Area, which provides for a phased movement towards unblocking conflict situations, the principle of equal and indivisible security, the development of confidence-building measures, and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz on the basis of international law. ❗️ We expect this initiative to stimulate a substantive discussion of ideas and proposals aimed at forming a new post-conflict architecture of interstate relations in this strategically important region of the world.

🇷🇺 🤝 🇧🇳 🇰🇭 🇮🇩 🇱🇦 🇲🇾 🇲🇲 🇵🇭 🇸🇬 🇹🇭 🇹🇱 🇻🇳 Joint photo session of the Heads of delegations participating in the anniversary #RussiaASEAN Summit. 📍 June 18, 2026, Kazan

🇷🇺The Russian delegation is participating as an observer in the 11th session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO Headquarters, 17-18 June 2026). 🔹The Russian Federation carefully safeguards intangible cultural heritage and contributes to maintaining a constructive international dialogue on this topic. 🔹The Russian cultural practices included on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity are the following: - “Cultural Space and Oral Culture of the Semeiskie"; - “Olonkho, Yakut heroic epos”. #UNESCO #Russia #UNESCORussia #culture #культура

🇷🇺🇹🇷 President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye Hakan Fidan held a meeting ahead of the #RussiaASEAN Summit (Kazan, June 17, 2026). 💬 Vladimir Putin: I am very pleased to see you. Welcome to Russia. I know that you have had a whole series of meetings and useful contacts in Moscow – not only with your colleague, Sergey Lavrov, but also with representatives of various agencies. 🤝 Relations between our countries are developing on an upward trajectory, and we are very pleased about this. Our contacts have long ceased to be purely formal. They are genuinely friendly and are being filled with more and more substance – largely, above all, thanks to the position taken by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Please convey my very best wishes to him. We are always pleased to welcome him to our country. I am glad to have this opportunity to meet with you on the sidelines of today’s event and discuss current issues of interest to both our countries. Read in full #RussiaTurkiye

🇷🇺 President of Russia Vladimir Putin's remarks at a formal reception in honour of the Heads of delegations taking part in the #RussiaASEAN Summit (Kazan, June 17, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: Our Summit is dedicated to the 35th anniversary of relations between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It has brought together Leaders, Heads of government, senior politicians and statesmen from all 11 ASEAN countries. 🇧🇳 🇰🇭 🇮🇩 🇱🇦 🇲🇾 🇲🇲 🇵🇭 🇸🇬 🇹🇭 🇹🇱 🇻🇳 Such a representative line-up of participants is convincing proof of the mutual desire of Russia and the countries of Southeast Asia to strengthen our partnership, take it to a new, more advanced level, and expand mutually beneficial ties and contacts in every area – politics and security, the economy, trade and investment, culture and humanitarian cooperation. ☝️ We believe that our current Summit, as well as the documents prepared for approval following its results – the Kazan Declaration and the Joint Plan of Action – will fully contribute to achieving this comprehensive goal. I am confident that we can look to the future with optimism, as Russia-ASEAN cooperation rests on strong bonds of friendship and mutual assistance, as well as the positive experience of partnership accumulated over many years. At one time, the Soviet Union helped many peoples of Southeast Asia free themselves from the legacy of the colonial era, supported the development of their statehood and economic foundations, and helped strengthen their defence capabilities. Tens of thousands of students from Southeast Asia graduated from our higher education facilities. The knowledge and professions they gained – as engineers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, economists and many others – have brought, and continue to bring, practical benefit to the citizens of your countries. 🤝 Today, Russia and ASEAN countries continue to jointly develop and multiply the good traditions of mutually beneficial cooperation, while working to deepen our partnership. Importantly, we stand together for the formation of a fair #MultipolarWorld and uphold the principles of the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in internal affairs. Both Russia and ASEAN nations share common moral values, respect each other’s national identity and recognise the cultural and civilisational diversity of the world. All our states follow their own development models and do not impose their views on anyone. ✊ This, without doubt, is our strength. Russia is ready to continue active joint work with ASEAN member states to strengthen our strategic partnership – in the interests of security, well-being and prosperity of our countries and peoples, as well as the Eurasian region as a whole. 🥂 I would like to wish all of us success in this constructive work and propose a toast: to the health of the heads of delegations and all those present; to the further strengthening of the Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership; to the development and prosperity of our countries; to the happiness and well-being of our peoples; and to the success of the anniversary Summit. Read in full #RussiaASEAN

🇷🇺🇲🇾 President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim held a meeting ahead of the #RussiaASEAN Summit (Kazan, June 17, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: I am very pleased to welcome you to Russia for the Summit marking the 35th anniversary of our country’s relations with ASEAN. The first meeting between the Leaders of our countries in this format took place in Malaysia in 2005. Last year, your country chaired ASEAN, and we certainly value Malaysia’s support for the development of Russia’s strategic partnership with the Association. Our countries also coordinate their actions in other international formats, including the #UN, #BRICS and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. 🤝 Malaysia is Russia’s long-standing and reliable partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Our interaction has invariably been built on the principles of mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests. In 2027, we will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. We approach this date with extensive positive experience of mutually beneficial cooperation and a strong foundation for its further expansion. Political dialogue has noticeably intensified. In May 2025, we met during your official visit. In August 2025, the Supreme Ruler of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim, paid the first state visit to Russia in the history of our bilateral relations. In 2026, Sultan Ibrahim visited St Petersburg, and quite recently, in May, he came to Moscow for the celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Taking this opportunity, I ask you to convey my best wishes to him. ☝️ Regular contacts are maintained between ministries and agencies, as well as through parliamentary channels. Practical cooperation is handled by the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation. Last year, trade between our countries grew by 12.9%. This is a good result. We also attach great importance to joint work in education, science, technology, as well as the development of tourism and humanitarian ties. Today’s conversation gives us a good opportunity to discuss priority issues on the broad agenda of Russia-Malaysia relations. Read in full #RussiaMalaysia

🇷🇺🇧🇳 President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah held a meeting ahead of the #RussiaASEAN Summit (Kazan, June 17, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: I am very grateful to you for making the journey to join us once again. Tomorrow, we will take part together in the Summit marking the 35th anniversary of Russia-ASEAN relations. 2026 also marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries, established on October 1, 1991. Over the past years, our interstate ties have developed steadily, based on friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, and are now at a high level. This is reflected in our political contacts, as well as consistent efforts to expand mutual trade and cooperation in key sectors, above all energy. Trade is showing positive dynamics and has approached the $1 billion mark. I believe we could also consider establishing a bilateral intergovernmental commission, which would allow us to conduct systematic work to develop fuel and energy cooperation, as well as interaction in other areas. ☝️ There is great potential in tourism and humanitarian exchanges, facilitated by the two-week visa-free regime. Your Majesty, we value Brunei’s ability to maintain a balanced position in international affairs, including on the very complex and dramatic issues the world is facing today. This is undoubtedly your great personal achievement as one of the world’s most experienced heads of state. 🤝 It was Russia and Brunei that stood at the origins of the idea of forming a region-wide security architecture. Today, the Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership is an important stabilising factor in the Asia-Pacific region. During the Summit, together with our colleagues, we will be able to exchange views in detail on ways to strengthen peace and security in the region under current international conditions. Read in full #RussiaBrunei

🇷🇺🇵🇭 President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a meeting ahead of the #RussiaASEAN Summit (Kazan, June 17, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: Welcome to Russia, to Kazan. As far as I know, this is your first visit to Russia. The Philippines is chairing ASEAN in 2026, and we are especially pleased that during your term of office ASEAN marks the 35th anniversary of our country’s relations with the Association. The anniversary Summit is an important milestone in the development of Russia’s strategic partnership with ASEAN. ☝️ Tomorrow, you and I will co-chair the Summit’s Plenary Session and sum up its outcomes at a joint press conference. First of all, however, I would like once again to congratulate you, Mr President, and the entire Filipino people on Independence Day, which you celebrated on June 12. It is symbolic that Russia also marks its national holiday – Russia Day – on June 12. This is a pleasant coincidence. Moreover, this month marks 50 years of diplomatic relations with the Philippines. In this connection, as we were just talking to each other, we all recalled the visit of your father, Ferdinand Marcos, to Moscow in 1976, which resulted in the adoption of a joint communiqué on the establishment of interstate relations. I would like to note that, back then, amid the realities of the Cold War, this required political will on the part of the Philippine leadership. Such a balanced and pragmatic approach to international relations is in demand today as well. 🤝 It is clear that we have reached this milestone with a solid accumulated capital of mutually beneficial cooperation, based on good traditions, mutual respect and consideration for each other’s legitimate interests. In 2025, our trade exceeded half a billion dollars. This is, of course, far from the limit: there are opportunities to increase supplies of both agricultural products and energy resources. Effective mechanisms of practical cooperation are in place, including the Joint Russia-Philippines Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. Mr President, today we have a good opportunity to assess the current state of Russia-Philippines cooperation. Read in full #RussiaPhilippines

🎙️ Interview by Ambassador of the Russian Federation to #ASEAN Evgeny Zagaynov on the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership and its future prospects in the context of the 35th anniversary of relations, RIA Novosti (June 17, 2026). Key points: 🔹️ The 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations provides a good opportunity to take stock of the path we have travelled together and to identify new benchmarks for the further development of the Strategic Partnership. Shared interests and common approaches to international affairs have laid a solid foundation for practical cooperation. 🔹️ Over the past three and a half decades, the ASEAN-Russia agenda has significantly evolved and now covers a wide range of areas — from energy and food security to digital transformation, scientific, technological and innovative development. 🔹️ The ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan on June 18 will serve as the main platform for discussing key tasks of engagement with ASEAN and is designed to give fresh impetus to further expanding cooperation, as well as reaffirm the shared commitment to promoting a just multipolar world based on the principles of equality and mutual respect. 🔹️ Amid global economic transformations, Russia and ASEAN are interested in “a more substantive and pragmatic dialogue.” The prospects for engagement go beyond increasing trade volumes and include industrial cooperation, establishment of joint production facilities, technology exchange and investment ties. 🔹️ Cooperation in the field of civilian nuclear energy is one of the promising areas of ASEAN-Russia interaction, given Southeast Asia’s growing focus on energy security and the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Russia is ready to share its expertise and technologies to contribute to sustainable development and strengthen the region’s energy security. 🔹️ Russia and ASEAN continue to advance joint efforts in countering terrorism and transnational crime. Combating crimes committed with the use of ICTs is becoming increasingly embedded in the regional agenda, while the cross-border nature of such threats requires international coordination and information exchange. 🔹️ Russia views Southeast Asia as a friendly space for positive co-development and is ready for constructive engagement with all ASEAN Member States. It actively contributes to maintaining the regional security architecture, with the principle of ASEAN centrality remaining its foundation. 🔹️ Russia advocates promoting a unifying agenda and building an architecture of equal and indivisible security with the participation of all Eurasian states and organizations ready for cooperation. ASEAN undoubtedly has an important role to play in this process. 🔗 Read the full interview

✍️ Article "50 Years Since Soweto: Russian Ambassador's Reflections on Youth Day and Educational Ties" by Roman Ambarov, Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Published on IOL on June 16, 2026 On the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, Russian Ambassador Roman Ambarov celebrated South Africa’s Youth Day by highlighting the deep roots of bilateral solidarity. He emphasized the Soviet Union’s pivotal political, military and educational support for exiled youth during the anti-apartheid struggle, which serves as the foundation for modern relations. Today, this alliance has evolved into a sophisticated academic partnership. Russia sponsors hundreds of university scholarships annually for South African students in engineering, medicine, and technology. Bilateral cooperation also spans high-tech sectors, including space exploration, satellite telemetry, and peaceful nuclear technology. Geopolitically, the Ambassador framed this relationship as a strategic partnership within the expanded BRICS+ framework. By prioritizing mutual sovereignty over Western foreign policy models, Russia and South Africa champion a multipolar global order driven by the aspirations of the Global South. Read in full #AmbassadorAmbarov #SowetoUprising

🇷🇺🇰🇭 Welcome to Russia! The Cambodian delegation led by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom, arrived in Kazan to participate in the #ASEANRussia Commemorative Summit. #RussiaCambodia

🇷🇺🇧🇾 Ambassador of Russia to Belarus Boris Gryzlov: 💬 A terrible tragedy in Russia's Bryansk Region. Today, Ukrainian Nazis attacked a passenger bus with drones as it was carrying a group of Belarusian children to Gelendzhik for vacation. I want to emphasise that this inhumane act of terrorism was committed by Ukrainian militants deliberately and consciously. They targeted a passenger bus. It was simply impossible not to see it, impossible to mistake it for military equipment. They knew exactly what they were doing. This is the true face of the Kiev regime. They are war criminals – from the person who operated the drone to the entire top leadership. We will identify the names of everyone involved in this outrageous act of terrorism against innocent children and civilians. They will not escape retribution. #KievRegimeCrimes

⚡️ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's statement on the attack by Ukrainian militants on a bus carrying Belarusian children in Russia’s Bryansk Region 🔉 Audio statement by Maria Zakharova (in Russian) On June 17, the Nazi regime in Kiev committed yet another monstrous crime. On the A-240 highway in the Pochep District of Russia’s Bryansk Region, Ukrainian drones equipped with shrapnel attacked a civilian bus carrying children from sports schools in the Belarusian cities of Gomel and Rechitsa to Gelendzhik for vacation. There were 44 people on board, including 28 children. The woman accompanying the minors was killed. Eight people, including six young athletes, were injured. All those injured were promptly taken to the Bryansk Regional Hospital, where they are receiving medical assistance. One man and two children are in serious condition. The remaining passengers will be returned home shortly. Russia’s Investigative Committee has classified this crime as a terrorist act and opened a criminal case. Work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of this crime and identify those involved. We are confident that all perpetrators will be brought to justice. We express our deep condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured. We are in direct contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus and the Embassy of the of Belarus in Moscow. We stand in solidarity with our Belarusian friends and are ready to provide them with the necessary assistance. ❗️ We strongly condemn this vile crime by the Zelensky regime, which, despite its hypocritical claims of allegedly being committed to protecting children, deliberately puts them in danger and, without hesitation – as was the case in Starobelsk – makes them the target of planned AFU strikes. We call on international structures, national governments and the global public to give an honest assessment of the Zelensky regime’s criminal acts and strongly condemn this terrorist attack. Silence will mean approval of this crime and encouragement for Kiev terrorists to commit new bloody atrocities. #KievRegimeCrimes

⚡️ Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation: A criminal case under Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (act of terrorism) has been opened into the drone attack carried out by Ukrainian militants in Russia’s Bryansk Region against a passenger bus carrying children from the Republic of Belarus. According to the investigation, on June 17, Ukrainian armed groups attacked a double-decker bus belonging to Children’s and Youth Sports School No.2 of the city of Rechitsa (Belarus) with a strike UAV on the A240 highway in Russia's Bryansk Region. The vehicle was traveling from the Republic of Belarus along the Gomel – Gelendzhik route. There were 44 passengers on board, including 28 child athletes. All of them were heading for vacation. According to preliminary information, a woman, a Belarusian citizen, was killed. Seven people, including five children, were injured and hospitalised. Information on the victims is being clarified. Russia’s Investigative Committee is establishing the details of the crime and identifying the specific individuals involved. #KievRegimeCrimes

⚡ Comment by the Permanent Mission of Russia to the EU regarding the EU’s Adoption of New So-Called Anti-Russian Restrictive Measures, 16 June 2026 Against the backdrop of the ongoing discussions on the 21st “package” of sanctions, the European Union decided to fill the “pause” and, on 15 June 2026, adopted another set of the so-called “individual”, “human rights” and “hybrid” restrictions against our country. As before, all these restrictive measures imposed by the EU are illegitimate and unilateral in nature. The European Union added to its sanctions lists Russian and foreign companies, businessmen, journalists, writers, publicists, public figures, representatives of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary and even the Head of the Crimean Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Tikhon of Simferopol and Crimea. We are certain that the time will come when Europeans will feel ashamed of the irresponsible actions and cynical decisions that are currently being undertaken against our country by the leaders of their states and the leadership of EU institutions. By doing so, Brussels has once again clearly demonstrated the true value of its so-called “democracy” and “European values”. The European Union is determined to do everything in its power to support the terrorist and corrupt regime in Kiev, while persecuting Russian citizens for their culture, freedom of speech and for their faith. ❗Russia firmly condemns any illegitimate unilateral coercive measures. This approach finds support across the world. The Russian side will, undoubtedly, take effective retaliatory measures.

✉️ President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to the participants and guests of the Russia – ASEAN Business Forum (June 17, 2026) ✍️ I welcome you on the occasion of the opening of the Russia-ASEAN Business Forum. The current forum, which has brought together leading representatives of the business communities of our country and #ASEAN member states in Kazan, the hospitable capital of Tatarstan, is of special importance. 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of Russia-ASEAN relations. Over these years, we have accumulated solid experience in multifaceted cooperation, established sustainable ties – including between the ASEAN Business Advisory Council and the Russia-ASEAN Business Council – and laid a good foundation for the future. Today, new tasks stand before us. Among them are the active introduction of digital products based on artificial intelligence and the development of sustainable digital platforms. Significant opportunities are opening up in energy and food security, the exchange of advanced technologies, cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy, transport and logistics. Importantly, our partners in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Eurasian Economic Union and other associations, whose representatives are present at the forum, are working in the same areas. I am confident that the decisions of the Russia-ASEAN Summit will provide opportunities to further promote mutually beneficial trade, investment and industrial cooperation, expand direct dialogue between business communities and thereby contribute to the socioeconomic development of our states. 🤝 I wish you success in implementing your plans and all the best. VLADIMIR PUTIN

🇷🇺🇮🇷📞 On June 17, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi had a telephone conversation at the initiative of the Iranian Side. The Iranian Foreign Minister briefed his Russian counterpart on preparations for signing a memorandum of understanding designed to formalise the cessation of the conflict in the Middle East and launch talks on a comprehensive agreement between Iran and the US. Sergey Lavrov expressed support for the understandings on de-escalating tensions in the region, reached thanks to the effective mediation of Pakistan and Qatar. ☝️ The importance of their strict observance by all parties involved in the armed confrontation without exception, including Israel, was emphasised. Russia’s unwavering readiness to assist efforts to resolve the Iranian crisis, drawing on its unique experience and expertise, was reaffirmed. #RussiaIran

⚡️ Rosatom State Corporation: 🇷🇺🇮🇳 On June 15, at the construction site of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (#NPP) in India, with the participation of the general designer and contractor – the Engineering Division of Rosatom State Corporation – the reactor pressure vessel has been installed in the design position at power Unit 5. The operation was performed using the Open Top method, whereby the equipment was installed into the reactor building with a heavy-duty crane not until the dome being erected. This method was earlier practiced by the Russian-Indian team during the second stage of the Kudankulam NPP construction. The equipment was manufactured at Atommash plant of the Rosatom Machine Building Division in Volgodonsk (the Rostov region). The total weight of the reactor vessel is approximately 300 tons. It was delivered to the Kudankulam NPP construction site in 2025. Following the installation of the reactor vessel, work will begin to install the main equipment of the reactor plant: steam generators, main circulation pumps, main circulation pipeline units, pressure compensator, and emergency core cooling system tanks. 💬 ASE JSC Director of Projects in India Mikhail Novikov:

A recipe for the success of the Kudankulam NPP project is the long-standing and efficient cooperation between India and Russia. While Indian specialists are constructing and commissioning four power units based on the Russian design, with two more power units generating electricity for over 10 years. All the above-mentioned facts demonstrate the excellent teamwork aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

ℹ️ The Kudankulam NPP Project is implemented as part of the Intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the area of NPP construction in India, concluded on November 20, 1988, and the Addenda thereto of June 21, 1998. Kudankulam NPP power units Nos. 1&2 were connected to the national grid of India in 2013 and 2016, respectively. They are the most powerful ones in India. They have generated during their operation (by April 2026) over 127 billion kWh of electricity. After all six units have been put into operation, the Kudankulam NPP will cover a significant share of the electricity demands in Tamil Nadu, a 72 mln. state, as well as other states where the output will be distributed in accordance with the “South Grids of India” guidelines. #RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti

⚡️ Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation on the Introduction of Personal Restrictions Against Canadian Citizens (June 16, 2026) In response to the Canadian government’s sweeping anti-Russian sanctions, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, which has unreservedly continued the anti-Russian course pursued by the previous Justin Trudeau administration and maintains moral, financial, and military-technical support for the neo-Nazi authorities in Kiev. 👉 103 Canadian citizens are PERMANENTLY BANNED FROM ENTRY INTO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION. The activities of these 103 citizens — primarily performed in the Parliament of Canada — are aimed at discrediting Russia’s constitutional order and foreign policy, as well as advancing efforts to unlawfully confiscate sovereign Russian state assets. Russia has traditionally held the people of Canada in high regard, but rejects the hostile policy pursued by the current political elite, which has chosen a path of denying Russia’s rights and interests and has, without justification, systematically and completely destroyed bilateral relations with our country. The Russian side will continue to respond appropriately to Ottawa’s provocative actions, whether they involve direct encouragement of the Kiev regime to carry out terrorist acts or interference in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation. The list of Canadian citizens now permanently barred from entering Russia includes members of the Senate of Canada, members of the House of Commons, ministers’ parliamentary secretaries and secretaries of state, members of Parliament without portfolio, and other Canadian public figures. 📄 The full list of Canadian citizens permanently prohibited from entering the Russian Federation The practice of expanding Russia’s stop list to include citizens of Canada and other unfriendly Western countries who are directly involved in anti-Russian activities will continue.

🎙 Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov’s remarks and answers to media questions at a joint press conference following talks with Foreign Minister of Turkiye Hakan Fidan following talks (Moscow, June 16, 2026) 💬 Sergey Lavrov: We held substantive and productive talks. We outlined additional practical steps required to implement the principled agreements reached by our Presidents on developing bilateral ties and strengthening coordination on regional and international issues. We had a constructive discussion of current global and regional issues, including the situation in the Black Sea region. Attempts by the Kiev regime to stage provocations involving vessels carrying grain to Turkiye, as well as tankers, are a cause for concern, as are the constant threats of terrorist attacks against the TurkStream and Blue Stream gas pipelines. We agreed to work closely together on ensuring security in the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus, the Middle East and North Africa. We are concerned by the problems that have arisen in the Middle East in connection with the Iran-Israel conflict. The situation has already expanded beyond the Strait of Hormuz. The problems of Lebanon and Palestine have not disappeared. Israeli leaders have made it clear that there will be no Palestinian State. This would be a direct violation of UN decisions. ❌ Russia and Turkiye cannot accept this. We will insist on the implementation of what has been agreed many times over. *** Key points from the Q&A: • Europe does not react to the Zelensky regime’s policy of rehabilitating Nazi criminals, including the reburial of criminals and collaborators convicted by the Nuremberg Tribunal, and declares that Kiev is somehow defending European values. 👉 This is a confession. A self-exposure. • The EU is building all its security-enhancement structures against Russia. From the point of view of safeguarding our interests, Ukraine’s accession to the EU will undoubtedly be used by those who want to militarise it. • As regards the EU’s internal problems, perhaps Ukraine’s accession would not be such a bad thing: the bloc would simply fall apart. If they want to forget about the economy altogether, then Zelensky is exactly the person they should invite in. • The duplicity for which the Western world has always been known has not gone anywhere: double standards; a “rules-based order” instead of international law; and the logic of “I can do whatever I want, while everyone else must ask me for permission”. • Russia stands for respect for the UN Charter, for international law, and against any voluntarism in the sphere of sanctions. 🇷🇺🇹🇷 #RussiaTurkiye Read in full