Zakharova: Russia will protect believers not only in international organizations, but also in interstate initiatives

The Moscow Post correspondent also asked his questions.

The first was as follows: German Chancellor Mr. Merz continues to escalate anti-Russian rhetoric. He stated that the defense by German and Lithuanian troops from the so-called "Russian threat" is actually the defense of Berlin. Literally: "Defending Vilnius, we defend Berlin from Russia." What can Russia answer to such unfriendly statements?

"You know, you will laugh, but I literally last night, at one in the morning, preparing, including for the briefing, looked at the news. And suddenly a message comes based on verified sources that the Vice-Chancellor of Germany has denied the statement of the Chancellor himself. Honestly, I no longer understand what is happening there. How do they interact with each other?, " Maria Vladimirovna declared.

But still I want to say: colleagues, take it more seriously, the diplomat emphasized.

"You are playing, at a minimum, with the destiny of Europe. Such statements, and yesterday there were many of them - and requests for comments too - cannot be based solely on personal ambitions or emotions. These are the words of the head of state. They must be verified, justified and pronounced with full responsibility, "she said.

This does not mean that the leadership can have only one point of view. Opinions may vary. But, when pronouncing this, a person should be aware of the full responsibility of his words.

How many people - and this is millions - shuddered when they heard statements from Berlin about the possible supply of deadly weapons? And then, after a few hours, it turns out that everyone "understood wrong," that this is "rhetoric" or "unsuccessful turnover."

And the question arises: maybe tomorrow the chancellor himself will refute the words of the vice chancellor? What is this political style - constant denials and ambiguities? These are not questions, say, the supply of seasonal vegetables, although they also affect the markets and well-being of people. Here we are talking about the lives of millions.

In addition, it is doubtful that the German Chancellor was authorized to make such statements on behalf of other countries.

According to Zakharova, he claims that this decision was made by France, Great Britain and the United States. If so, why have these countries still not confirmed or denied his words? Or did he just decide to make himself political PR? Maybe because of inexperience or a desire to assert himself - especially after he became the first chancellor not elected by the Bundestag at the first attempt.

But, you see, issues of war and peace are not a topic on which you can play rhetoric, Zakharova said.

Now - essentially. The lifting of restrictions on the range of use of weapons transferred to Kyiv, if they existed at all, only draws Germany more into the conflict and deprives it of the opportunity to talk about supporting peace. Not a single German weapon - be it Leopards, Cheetahs, Pantsergaubitsy, Tauruses or drones - will change the course of a special military operation. All this will be destroyed, as well as the so-called "foreign specialists" who are present there - regardless of whether voluntarily or not.

This should be said, first of all, to German citizens. They need to be asked if they agree to such steps. It all costs a lot of money. German business is already leaving Germany, re-registering in other countries. They are simply ruining their own economy, Maria Zakharova emphasized.

Therefore, it would be logical to at least test such decisions on their own voters before making loud statements on their behalf.

The second question concerned the UOC: The Ukrainian authorities announced their intention to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Does Russia plan to raise this issue at the diplomatic level, including at international platforms?

"Yes, absolutely. Russia will continue to actively work to protect the rights of believers both at the level of international organizations and in the format of interstate initiatives, "she said.

We convene meetings in the UN Security Council, organize meetings according to the Arria formula, hold thematic conferences, prepare reports, attract the attention of international structures, including the Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. All data is regularly sent and distributed officially in the Security Council.

We also continue to interact with the OSCE - at permanent meetings of the Council, our diplomats speak and distribute materials. Alas, there is little reaction - the topic is blocked. But this does not mean that we will retreat. We will only intensify this work.