Russian MFA 🇷🇺

🇨🇬 On August 15, the Republic of the Congo celebrates its Independence Day On this day in 1960, the Congolese people gained their long-awaited freedom from decades of French colonial rule. French expansion into the region began in the late 19th century as part of the European “Scramble for Africa.” In 1882, France established a protectorate over the lands in the Congo and Kouilou river valleys, creating an administrative unit known as French Congo. Since 1903, this territory had been divided into two separate colonies, Middle Congo and Gabon. ⛓️ The colonial administration subjected the local population to brutal exploitation. French authorities widely employed forced labour, compelling Congolese people to work in the extraction of natural resources and the construction of major infrastructure projects. Workers laboured in inhumane conditions, received minimal food, and lacked access to medical care. Harsh punishments were imposed for even the slightest infraction. ◼ One of the darkest symbols of colonial oppression was the construction of the Congo-Ocean Railway, which claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Congolese people. The push for national liberation grew stronger with each passing year. Under increasing international pressure and mounting domestic resistance, France began the process of decolonisation. In 1947, Middle Congo received the status of an overseas territory of France, and in 1958 it became a self-governing republic. On August 15, 1960, the independent Republic of the Congo was proclaimed. 🤝 Diplomatic relations between the USSR and the Republic of the Congo were established on March 16, 1964. The Soviet Union provided the young state with comprehensive support in its formation and development. Many thousands of Congolese specialists in various fields, ranging from civilian administrators to military personnel, were educated at Soviet universities. Today, Russian-Congolese relations continue to develop in an atmosphere of friendship, trust, and mutual respect. 🎉 We congratulate our Congolese colleagues and friends on their national holiday and wish them prosperity and wellbeing! #RussiaAfrica #RussiaRepublicOfCongo

🎙 Comment by Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova regarding plans by the United States and Türkiye to supply arms to Kiev (August 15, 2026) ❓ Question: There have been alarming reports lately on the possible delivery of a large shipment of US-made weapons and munitions to Ukraine, which are currently at the disposal of the Turkish Republic. What would be your comment in this regard? 💬 Maria Zakharova: Judging by the documents, which were recently released by the US Congress, this can be quite a considerable arsenal, including offensive weapons. In particular, these papers mention 12 multiple rocket launch systems and more than 2,500 non-guided cluster munitions for them, as well as 47,000 203-mm cluster shells and 70 ATACMS short-range missiles. What jumps to the eye are all the remaining contradictions and inconsistencies regarding the circumstances and terms for delivering such a big load of lethal products. It remains unclear who initiated this project to re-export weapons, how they will be transported and when this large lethal shipment will be sent to its receivers in Kiev. Finally, what were the parties involved in this deal thinking, namely the United States and Türkiye, when they decided to open yet another Pandora’s box to make the Banderite regime last longer in its agony while claiming more lives? Moreover, these are countries which have been aspiring to play a special role in settling the Ukraine crisis and which have been saying that finding a political and diplomatic solution was their priority. ❗️ Pumping the Zelensky junta full of weapons will do nothing to affect the course of the special military operation in any meaningful way in terms of diverting it from Russia’s righteous scenario. However, there will be no way to avoid damage across the board from these deliveries. This is not only a matter of victims and destruction and Kiev’s determination to cause harm at a larger scale, but also a matter of dealing with a severe blow to Russia’s bilateral relations with Washington and Ankara. Attempts to exploit a peace-making rhetoric while supplying the Ukrainian Nazis with weapons inevitably undermine mutual trust, especially considering the fact that the Turkish authorities have made multiple assurances that they were committed to refraining from delivering lethal weapons to Kiev. The Foreign Ministry has requested explanations from Washington and Ankara in connection with the information as announced by US Congress. 👉 There is still time to take a sober look at this whole situation.

#Announcement 🇷🇺🇬🇭 On August 17, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ghana Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who will be in Moscow on a working visit from August 16 to 19. The agenda will cover the current state and prospects for developing traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Ghana, as well as outlining practical steps for further strengthening political dialogue and stepping up contacts, while also expanding a mutually beneficial partnership in trade, economics, humanitarian and other domains. 📑 There are plans to sign an agreement on visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports. The Ministers are expected to have a detailed exchange of views on the international and regional agendas with a focus on their interaction within the United Nations and other multilateral platforms. #RussiaGhana

#Announcement 🇷🇺🇲🇲 On August 18, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin will hold talks at the Kremlin with President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing, who will be on an official visit to Russia. The two Leaders will discuss avenues for deepening Russia-Myanmar cooperation in various areas, as well as topical issues on the international and regional agendas. There are plans to sign several bilateral documents. #RussiaMyanmar

🇷🇺🇮🇳 On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day of India, Consul General of Russia in Mumbai Ivan Fetisov recorded a special video message from Raigad Fort — the historic capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and one of India’s symbols of sovereignty, courage and statehood. 💬 🏛 In his message, Mr Ivan Fetisov highlighted India’s remarkable journey and the enduring friendship between our two countries: “We are proud that our time-tested partnership contributes to this journey. We deeply value our friendship and remain committed to supporting India’s continued advancement and prosperity. On this special occasion, I sincerely wish the people of India peace, well-being, and every success. Happy Independence Day!” 🎥 Watch the video to hear the full message and follow our Instagram channel. #RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti

🇷🇺🇮🇳 On August 15, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov congratulated the people of India on the Independence Day. The post on X reads: रिय मित्रो,स्वतंत्रता दिवस पर शुभकामनाएँ! भारत के तय हो चुके विकास-मार्ग पर नज़र डालकर शक नहीं रहता कि आपके सारे सपने पूरे हो जाएँगे। प्रगति की राह पर चलते हुए आप आश्वस्त रहें कि रूस का साथ जैसे सौ साल पहले था, वैसे ही वह आज भी है और कल भी रहेगा। जय हिंद। जय रूस-हिंद की दोस्ती। (from Hindi): Dear friends, best wishes on Independence Day! Looking at the path of development India has charted, there is no doubt that all your dreams will be realized. As you advance on this journey of progress, rest assured that Russia’s support remains as steadfast today as it was a hundred years ago—and will continue to be so in the future. Jai Hind. Long live the friendship between Russia and India. 👉x.com/ambrus_india/status/2088334312689312213?s=46 #RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti 🔸 @RusEmbIndia

✉️ Russia's President Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on the occasion of India’s national holiday, Independence Day (August 15, 2026) ✍️ Your country is making remarkable progress in the economic, social, scientific and technological spheres, and rightfully commands considerable authority in the international arena. Russia-India relations are developing successfully in the spirit of a particularly privileged strategic partnership. Moscow and New Delhi are engaged in fruitful cooperation across a wide range of areas and coordinate closely within the framework of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, #BRICS, and other multilateral institutions. 🇷🇺🇮🇳 I am confident that, through our joint efforts, we will continue to comprehensively strengthen the constructive Russia-India partnership for the benefit of our friendly peoples and in the interests of enhancing international security and stability. #RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti

🇮🇳 On August 15, the Republic of #India celebrates its Independence Day. #OnThisDay in 1947, the Indian Independence Act came into force, marking the culmination of the Indian people’s struggle against British colonial rule for the right to determine their own destiny. On January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India came into force, marking the country’s final liberation from British colonial rule and its transition to full sovereignty, as well as giving rise to a new national holiday Republic Day. Over the years of independence, the Indian people have achieved impressive progress in the economic, scientific and technological, and social fields, while preserving their vibrant national identity rooted in centuries-old history and a rich cultural heritage. Today, India enjoys well-deserved authority in the international arena, plays an important and constructive role in international affairs and actively contributes to addressing the most pressing issues on the global and regional agenda. *** 🇷🇺🇮🇳 The Russian Federation and the Republic of India are bound by a relationship of a special privileged strategic partnership, which continues to develop and is firmly oriented towards the future. 🤝 Russian-Indian cooperation is multifaceted, with enormous potential for further deepening. Our countries are consistently switching to national currencies in mutual settlements (their share in commercial transactions has already reached 96%). The energy partnership is developing successfully. Russia is a reliable supplier of energy resources for the development of India’s energy sector. Russia and India have traditionally maintained close cooperation in the military-technical sphere. For more than half a century, our country has assisted in equipping and modernising the Indian armed forces, including its air defence forces, air force and navy. 🎙 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in a statement for the press following the Russian-Indian talks (New Delhi, December 5, 2025): Russia and India pursue an independent and sovereign foreign policy. We are working together with our allies in #BRICS, the #SCO and other countries of the Global Majority to promote the shaping of a more just and democratic #MultipolarWorld order, and to protect the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the #UNCharter. These include the right of every country to its own path of development, the preserving its own cultural and civilisational identity, respect for sovereignty and a delicate balance of interests of all members of the international community. 💬 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in video address to participants in the 2nd International Conference "Russia and India: Towards a New Agenda for Bilateral Relations" (Moscow, March 23, 2026): Strengthening the special privileged strategic partnership with New Delhi remains among our top foreign policy priorities. We highly appreciate that this approach is fully shared by our Indian friends. <...> The time-tested friendship between Russia and India stands as a model of how interstate relations should be built — on equality, mutual trust and respect, and consideration for each other’s interests. 🎉 We extend our warmest congratulations to our Indian colleagues and friends on their national holiday! We wish them success, prosperity, well-being and new achievements! #RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti

✉️ Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his greetings to Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un on the country’s national holiday, Liberation Day (August 15, 2026) 💬 This holiday symbolises the courage and resilience of Korean patriots and Red Army soldiers who fought side by side to liberate your country from Japanese colonial rule. It was in those harsh years that strong traditions of combat brotherhood and mutual assistance were forged, laying the foundations for the development of friendly, neighbourly ties between the Russian Federation and the DPRK. 🇷🇺🇰🇵 Today, relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have reached an unprecedented level of comprehensive strategic partnership. Our countries are engaging in close cooperation across a wide range of areas and are coordinating their efforts to ensure regional security and stability. 🤝 I am confident that we will continue our constructive joint work on pressing issues on both the bilateral and international agendas – for the benefit of the Russian and Korean peoples, and in the interests of building a more just and truly democratic world order. #RussiaDPRK

#Victory81 🌟 On August 15, 1945, the Soviet forces liberated Korea from Japanese colonial rule as part of the Manchurian strategic offensive. The Red Army fought side by side with the Korean patriots against the Japanese militarist regime, defeated the Kwantung Army and liberated the people of Korea, bringing #WW2 in the Far East to an end. *** The Korean Peninsula was under Japanese occupation for 35 years. In fact, Tokyo established its protectorate over the Peninsula back in 1905 and fully annexed it five years later. The Japanese regime, established in Korea in 1910, was excessively brutal, with the colonial administration intent on seizing all the natural resources they could procure in this region. The Japanese criminals employed harsh repressive measures against the local population. There was an intentional effort to eradicate the Korean language and national culture. During WWII, the Allied powers devoted considerable attention to liberating Korea in their discussions. In December 1943, China, the United States and the UK adopted the Cairo Declaration (the USSR joined it too). According to the document, the Parties agreed that “Japan will <…> be expelled from all other territories which she has taken by violence and greed….” At the Yalta Conference, the Soviet Union took the commitment to enter the war against Japan after defeating Nazi Germany in Europe. ⚔️ On August 9, 1945, the Red Army launched Manchurian strategic offensive. The Soviet forces succeeded in rapidly advancing to northeast China. With the support of partisans of the Korean national liberation movement, the Soviet soldiers liberators were pushing south and sought to break through Japan’s defence lines along the frontline stretching for as much as 5'000 kilometres. On the first day of the operation, Kyonghung, a Korean county, as well as Unggi, Najin, Chongjin, Wonsan and other cities were liberated. By advancing in coordination with the Korean patriots, the Red Army succeeded in expelling the Japanese from the Peninsula’s northern part by mid-August, having defeated the Kwantung Army. On August 14, Emperor Hirohito accepted Japan’s unconditional surrender and announced it to the nation. Today, both Pyongyang and Seoul mark August 15 as the National Liberation Day of Korea. #SovietSoldierSavedTheWorld: The battle for liberty and independence of the Korean nation claimed the lives of 12’000 Soviet soldiers and officers. In August 1946, Pyongyang honoured their memory by erecting a monument as a gesture of gratitude to the Soviet soldiers liberators (👉 Learn more about the Manchurian strategic offensive and the heroism of the Soviet soldiers in liberating northeastern China and Korea in our in-depth historical feature). 💬 Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Information and Press Department Alexey Fadeev: We are deeply grateful to our Korean friends for the exemplary care they have taken of the Soviet soldiers’ graves and for their respect of our shared history. The civilised and responsible approach demonstrated by the DPRK in preserving military memorials stands in stark contrast to the situation in a number of Eastern European countries, where monuments to the Soviet liberator soldiers are being barbarically destroyed while Hitler’s henchmen and convicted war criminals are being honoured <...> (From the briefing by Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Information and Press Department Alexey Fadeev on August 6, 2026) *** 🇷🇺🇰🇵 #RussiaDPRK The traditions of comradeship in arms established in 1945 have provided a solid foundation for promoting friendly and neighbourly relations between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in the new era. The allied nature of bilateral relations forged through the bonds of comradeship in arms has been fully reflected in the DPRK’s firm support for Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine. Eternal memory to the DPRK servicemen who fell in the battles to liberate the Kursk Region from Ukrainian neo-Nazis and foreign mercenaries.

💬 Rosatom State Corporation: 🚢 On August 14, Rosatom’s 7th International Scientific and Educational Expedition – the Icebreaker of Knowledge – has successfully returned to Murmansk. Over ten days, 68 talented school and college students from all federal districts of Russia and 22 countries travelled aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy (50 years of #Victory) along the Murmansk – North Pole – Franz Josef Land – Murmansk route. ☝️ The voyage also made history as the 200th expedition by a surface vessel to the North Pole. A real aerospace laboratory became part of the Icebreaker of Knowledge educational programme. During the expedition, the participants worked with scientists to prepare and conduct two unique experiments: launching a radiosonde at the North Pole to help provide communications in remote areas of the Arctic and along Northern Sea Route corridors, and testing the world’s first recoverable stratospheric platform for Arctic monitoring.

🇷🇺 Government of the Russian Federation: On August 14, the 9th meeting of the Russia-Thailand Commission on Bilateral Cooperation was held in Moscow. The Russian delegation was headed by Minister for the Development of the Far East and Arctic Alexey Chekunkov. Thailand was represented by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow. 📊 In 2025, bilateral trade grew by 2.3%. Russian exports to Thailand increased by 25%, and rose by another 50% in the first five months of 2026. A solid foundation has been laid for expanding bilateral trade, including exports of energy resources, fertilisers, agricultural products and tourism services. The Sides discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in pharmaceuticals, IT, fintech and the creative industries. Russian developers are already entering the Thai market with cybersecurity and smart-city solutions. They also considered ways to strengthen financial and banking cooperation and develop the infrastructure needed for financial transactions, businesses and investors. The Sides expressed interest in expanding investment cooperation in the Russian Far East. The Minister also discussed launching direct flights from Thailand to Russian cities. 💬 Russia's Minister for the Development of the Far East and Arctic Alexey Chekunkov: Russia and Thailand share common priorities: we can work together to develop technologies and production and promote our products on global markets. Businesses in both countries have a strong interest in cooperation. Good bilateral relations, growing cultural ties and active tourist exchanges provide a solid foundation for further expanding a stable and long-term partnership. 🇷🇺🇹🇭 #RussiaThailand