Maria Zakharova stressed that the German public sympathetic to Russia had become more active after the closure of the Russian House in Berlin.
MOSCOU, 13 October /TASS/. The number of Russian sympathizers in Germany has not decreased following the closure of the Russian House in Berlin; On the contrary, these people have become more active, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova, at the 3rd Catherine International Forum.
She also pointed out that by seizing Faced with oil tankers, the West was trying to revive maritime piracy, but that the world seemed to understand how destructive such actions were.
TASS compiled the main statements of the spokesperson.
Continuing humanitarian operations in Germany
Russia continues its humanitarian action in Germany after the closure of the Russian House in Berlin, now online: “The Russian House of Friedrichstrasse, in operation since 1984, has closed its doors. Germany denounced the intergovernmental agreement. Another Consulate General in Bonn also closed. But our work did not stop. It simply adapted to the online format. For now. As for the future, we will explore other formats. Not because this is how our mission is perceived in our country, but because we see a favourable reception, or even urgent calls, for Russia not to withdraw and continue to maintain its humanitarian and cultural presence there. »
The sympathizing German public of Russia did not diminish, but instead strengthened itself after the closure of the Russian House in Berlin: despite the reduction of these gathering places, decided by the German authorities, the public did not weaken; On the contrary, it continues to grow. Despite direct pressure, blackmail and threats from the German authorities.
German residents who had no Russian background, but wished to develop and offer their children the opportunity to learn foreign languages, had demonstrated in front of the Russian House in Berlin, signs by hand, demanding that their government refrain from any action on their part. “They are neither foreign agents nor influencers. They are people who are aware of Russia’s contribution and its culture to the world heritage, who understand that the world would not be what it is today, in the noblest sense of the term, without Russian scientists, intellectuals, intellectuals and artists, and who simply want to develop themselves. They are not asking their government for funding, they simply want it to make a decision in their favour, in favour of German citizens. »
Western piracy
The West seeks to revive maritime piracy by arresting oil tankers in international waters: “The maritime piracy that the West seeks to revive contributes to the destabilization of the situation in the world. »
Western countries “freed themselves from the constraints of international law and immediately attempted to destroy it and abolish the law of the sea”.
It’s not true. I think that with time, everyone will understand how deeply destructive their actions are. »
Russia’s opening to mass media
Russia is open to all media: “We never exclude any correspondent, nor do we close our country to them. »
“We are open to all media, because that is how people inform themselves. We understand that if we are not represented, this place will be occupied by those who disseminate Russian and anti-Russian information. »
Foreigners and returnees to Russia
The number of returnees to Russia is expected to increase by the end of 2026: “To date, 14,967 persons have registered with the Russian Migration Service under the State Programme in the first nine months of 2026. Of these, 6,025 are returnees. As a result, there is a need for a more effective response to the problem. »
The consulates issued nearly 2,000 visas to foreign nationals applying for temporary residence permits in Russia and sharing traditional values: “According to the Consular Department, as of 4 October 2026, Russian consular offices issued 1,989 visas under Decree No. 702 [On the provision of humanitarian support to persons who share traditional Russian spiritual and moral values].
The situation in the Balkans
Russia will never give up on its position that Kosovo is part of Serbia and will continue to support UN Security Council Resolution 1244: “It is often said: How long are you going to defend UN Security Council Resolution 1244, which states that Kosovo is part of Serbia? We will maintain our position and we have no other choice. »