Kurdish leadership, Russia exchange views on boosting ties in Erbil meeting

Kurdistan Region Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received Russian Ambassador to Iraq Elbrus Kutrashev in Erbil to exchange views on boosting bilateral relations and recent developments across the region.

The meeting was also attended by Russia’s consul general in the Kurdistan Region, Maxim Rubin, according to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s press service.

رئيس حكومة إقليم كوردستان يستقبل السفير الروسي لدى العراق

استقبل رئيس حكومة إقليم كوردستان مسرور بارزاني، اليوم الاثنين 22 حزيران (يونيو) 2026، السفير الروسي لدى العراق البروس كوتراشيف.
وشهد اللقاء، الذي حضره القنصل العام الروسي لدى إقليم كوردستان مكسيم روبين، تأكيداً مشتركاً… pic.twitter.com/3miBZDlKlK

— Kurdistan Regional Government (@Kurdistan) June 22, 2026

Both sides reaffirmed mutual interest in strengthening and developing relations between the Kurdistan Region and Russia. 

The Russian ambassador noted that the Kurdistan Region holds a special place for the Russian government and leadership, expressing Moscow’s intention to further enhance ties.

The discussions also covered regional developments and recent changes in Iraq and the broader Middle East, the statement said.

By Jeyhun Aghazada