Russia expelled an Italian military attache and his aide, giving them three days to leave, in a tit-for-tat response to Italy's earlier expulsion of Russian diplomats. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko highlighted the principle of reciprocity, while Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called Moscow's action an "act of revenge."
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko confirmed that the ambassadors of Britain, Germany, and France have not requested a new meeting with the Russian Foreign Ministry. This follows a June 11 meeting where Russia criticized their countries' policies regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that Germany's nuclear weapons research will be considered in Russia's military strategy, citing concerns over changes in legislation and NATO's strengthening nuclear role.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that the EU is not interested in negotiations regarding Ukraine, citing ongoing internal discussions about representation and a lack of desire to end military and financial support for Kyiv.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko states Russia has never posed a threat to NATO or EU countries, attributing NATO's portrayal of Moscow as an enemy to the alliance's campaign for an adversary.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has accused the European Union of intentionally prolonging the conflict in Ukraine, arguing that EU rhetoric about peace is contradicted by its actions.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said the pressure on Belgrade regarding the buyout of the Russian stake in Serbia's NIS company demonstrates the West's politicization of the energy sector. In an interview with Serbian Politika newspaper, Grushko said the West is applying external pressure on Serbia to reconsider cooperation with Russia, and that final decisions should conform to interests of both countries.
According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, the military neutrality allowed Serbia "to stay away from conflicts, while simultaneously developing cooperation in various formats"
According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, countries such as Serbia could serve as "bridges" or "platforms for dialogue and compromise" within a future Eurasian security architecture
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko accused the West of waging a political, diplomatic, and psychological war against Russia in the Balkans to contain Russian influence. In an interview with Vesti, he stated that Western governments are spreading false narratives about Russia's presence in the region, claiming it would spell the end of the EU. Grushko emphasized that Russia has been present in the Balkans for centuries and will remain, noting that history, geography, traditions, and sympathies cannot be changed.
Russia is working to ensure former Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic, 83, has access to medical care and can see his family while serving a life sentence at The Hague, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said after talks in Banja Luka. Mladic was convicted in 2017 for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, and his appeal was denied in June 2021. His family has complained he is denied proper medical assistance, and his son said in April 2026 that Mladic had a stroke.
