Lavrov challenges Macron over legality of using profits from seized Russian assets
"We would like to ask our French colleagues to point to the specific legal document that allows one to use profits from something they have effectively stolen," the Russian top diplomat said
Kiev's relinquishment of elimination of everything Russian crucial for settlement — Lavrov
The Russian foreign minister reiterated that promoting awareness and understanding of the root causes of the conflict by any state would constitute "the best contribution to creating conditions for a just settlement"
Lavrov called Mertz's approaches to Russia distinctive, hostile so far
Therefore, there is a need for a new agreement among Europeans, within Europe, the EU, and NATO, where France and the United Kingdom will step in to offer a nuclear umbrella for Europe as two nuclear powers, the top Russian diplomat said
Rare-earth metals not discussed at meeting in Riyadh — Lavrov
According to Sergey Lavrov, the sides discussed the need to remove artificial obstacles for development of mutually beneficial economic and other ties
Foreign majors need to study Russian laws before returning to market — experts
The market has changed in many aspects over the last three years from the legal standpoint, CEO of Telecom Daily Denis Kuskov agrees
Russia concerned about Israeli steps contradicting agreements with Hamas, Lebanon — Lavrov
In this regard, the foreign minister pointed out that Russia and Qatar consider it important to put the Israeli-Palestinian settlement on the track of maintaining the principles approved by the UN Security Council
Major regional war brewing as Kurds, others unaccepting of new Syrian government — Lavrov
"This is not just about the Kurds, who, under the [former US President Joe] Biden administration, nurtured separatist ideas for many years, which is categorically unacceptable for all countries in the region, as it could lead to a major war," the top Russian diplomat emphasized
Europeans should stop lying that Russia is allegedly blocking Ukraine talks — Lavrov
The Russian foreign minister described Europe's policy on Ukraine as "hopelessly outdated and failed"
Syria not to be territory where external players solve problems — Lavrov
"We want all external players, the Arabs, the West, China, Russia, and Iran, to contribute to the stabilization of the situation in Syria," the top Russian diplomat said
Russian, US diplomats to meet in Istanbul on Feb 27 to discuss embassies' work — Lavrov
"We have announced that our diplomats and high-level experts will meet to address the systemic problems," the top Russian diplomat noted
Europe is urging Kiev to continue fighting — Lavrov
The top Russian diplomat noted that the "either-with-us-or-against-us" mentality has characterized Europe throughout its "preparations for disrupting Ukraine's ties with Russia" and in the context of other conflicts
Protesters hold rally against rare-earths deal near US embassy in Kiev — news agency
The rally is aimed at delaying the signing of the agreement until the conflict with Russia is over, as well as including security guarantees for Kiev in the document
Russia-Bissau talks to be held on February 26 in Moscow — Kremlin
"There will be a welcoming ceremony, a restricted conversation, then Russia-Bissau talks, and then the two presidents will have a separate working lunch"
Belarusian parliament’s lower house ratifies security pact with Russia
The State Duma and the Federation Council (Russian parliament’s lower and upper houses) ratified the document on February 18 and 26 correspondingly
Russia guarantees security of Belarus in case of external aggression — MFA
According to Yevgeny Ivanov, the document is of great importance for securing Russian foreign policy interests, as well as the robust defense and security of the Union State
Lavrov did not convey any messages from US, says top Iranian diplomat
Abbas Araghchi pointed out that despite having endured US sanctions for years, Tehran "has outlined its own path of advancement, paying no attention to any restrictions"
Top Ukrainian military commander says UK ready to persist supporting Kiev
According to Alexander Syrsky, the sides also discussed Ukraine's needs for weapons, military equipment, ammunition, money, and personnel training
Press review: White House limits Kiev’s allies as Europe faces challenges without US nukes
Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, February 26th
Russia’s foreign trade surplus up 7.79% in 2024 to $150 bln — Customs Service
Russian exports to African countries increased by 14.62% to $24.3 bln, while imports added 2.94% to $3.5 bln
Sales of wine from Latin America, South Africa in Russia nearly double in 2024
Chile surpassed France in the top five exporters of still wine in the reporting period, while South Africa was ranked sixth in terms of imports, which are still growing, outpacing Germany, Abkhazia, and France