Zakharova: "Truth and justice on the side of Russia and its people"

On Wednesday, May 18, a traditional briefing was held by the representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova, who commented on a number of issues on the current world agenda. The first question of the correspondent of The Moscow Post concerned the work of the Foreign Ministry itself in the difficult conditions of rampant Russophobia in Europe.

"Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at the 30th Assembly of the Foreign Defense Policy Council, noted that in the current situation there is a serious restructuring of the thinking of many of our comrades in all spheres of Russian life. How does this affect the work of the central office of your ministry, as well as embassies and consulates general?, "- asked the correspondent of The Moscow Post.

"Like our whole country, the Foreign Ministry team has rallied even more," Maria Zakharova said confidently.

Diplomats will not be left without work

The awareness of the historical and fateful nature of the changes betrayed a decisive impetus for employees to fulfill their professional duties more conscientiously. Crisis phenomena are either taken by surprise, or cause a high-pressure state.

'This is our case. There was a concentration of forces to implement the tasks set by the country, "the diplomat emphasized.

An unprovoked surge of Russophobia in the West, illegitimate restrictions and the desire to demonize all Russian and Russian have strengthened the understanding not only among employees, but also among their family members that truth, justice is on the side of Russia and its people.

"You have no idea how our diplomats live, what is being done about them. From provocations and threats to violence, psychological impact and creating conditions for unbearable work. But, know ours! Fantastic human qualities, partnership, professionalism are shown - both ordinary employees and the leadership of foreign institutions, "said the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The diplomat also said that there is a personnel restructuring due to the expulsion of Russian diplomats from unfriendly states. All employees find new directions of their work, which is regularly reported to the head of the department, Sergei Lavrov. Another point is that the strengthening of Russian diplomacy in the eastern direction has accelerated: the direction of Africa and Latin America, the CIS, and so on. The results of the transformation will not be long in coming.

Oil: volumes are lower, revenues are higher

The second question of the correspondent of The Moscow Post concerned the possible introduction of an embargo on Russian oil by the EU.

"Director of the Economic Department Dmitry Birichevsky noted recently that the EU's decision to abandon Russian gas and oil will entail colossal consequences for the European and world economies. Is it possible to assess the impact of this demarche embargo on Russia? What countermeasures can be taken through your department?, "- asked the correspondent of The Moscow Post.

Maria Zakharova recalled that under conditions of external sanctions pressure, the physical volumes of exports of Russian hydrocarbons decreased. But due to rising prices, it is expected that by the end of 2022, revenues from the sale of oil and gas at least do not decrease. The "embargo" the introduction of which is discussed by the EU can even more strongly inflate oil quotes.

"Our natural answer is obvious: a reorientation of Russian oil and gas exports to the East will be required. This entails a number of changes, including in the logistics and economics of projects. Russia is already actively deploying infrastructure for the export of coal, oil and gas to the countries of the Asia-Pacific region.

Energy needs in the world will grow stability, so there is no doubt about the presence of demand for Russian energy resources, "the diplomat emphasized and added that the Russian Foreign Ministry helps Russian companies in successfully finding counterparties, including in the Asia-Pacific region.

Finland will be answered

Finally, the final question of The Moscow Post correspondent concerned Finland's refusal of Rosatom's services for the construction of a nuclear power plant.

"Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that after Sweden and Finland join NATO, the security of these countries will not strengthen. If you look at our economic relations, the government of Prime Minister Sanna Marin is taking other unfriendly steps towards Russia. In particular, in the field of construction of a nuclear power plant with the participation of Rosatom State Corporation. Can Helsinki present a picture of possible economic losses?, "- asked the correspondent of The Moscow Post.

The diplomat noted that Finland already understands its economic losses due to European sanctions and retaliatory measures.

"We consider extremely politicized the decision of the customer of the construction of the nuclear power plant - the Finnish company to stop cooperation with the structures of Rosatom. Obviously, the fate of the commercial project was determined under pressure from the Finnish authorities, who were pressured by customers from abroad. It is no coincidence that the Ministry of Labor and Economy of Finland, which oversees energy issues, welcomed this decision, calling it "consistent and principled," which indicates the presence of some installations of Euro-Atlantic institutions, "said the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Rosatom Corporation in a statement on May 2 expressed disappointment with such actions of Finnish partners. They were adopted on incomprehensible grounds and without discussion with representatives of the Russian side, which is the largest participant in the project with a share of 34% of the shares. At the same time, Rosatom reserves the right to defend its interests in accordance with current contracts and legislation.