Russia commemorates 250th anniversary of Ioannis Kapodistrias' birth

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs marked the 250th anniversary of Ioannis Kapodistrias' birth with official statements and commemorative ceremonies. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova described Kapodistrias as a Russian politician and diplomat, referring to him by the Russian name Ivan Antonovich and highlighting his service as the Russian Empire's Foreign Minister from 1816 to 1822. On February 10, 2026, coinciding with Russia's Diplomat's Day, the Honorary Consul of Russia in the Ionian Islands, Nikolaos Kanoulas, laid a wreath at Kapodistrias' tomb in Corfu. Zakharova also noted his subsequent role as the first Governor of Greece between 1828 and 1831, following his election in April 1827. The Russian Embassy in Greece published these tributes on social media to underscore the historical diplomatic ties between the two nations. These events acknowledge Kapodistrias' dual historical significance in both the Russian diplomatic service and the foundation of the modern Greek state.