Russia’s Zakharova Wishes China a ‘Boundless’ Year of the Horse, Highlights Dual Festivities in Moscow and Beijing
MOSCOW, February 16, 2026 – As the lunar calendar prepares to turn to the Year of the Horse, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has extended a warm and poetic congratulations to Chinese friends, announcing a unique cultural exchange as both nations prepare to welcome spring together.
In a statement released on Monday, Zakharova wished citizens of China boundless energy and leadership in the year ahead. “From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate everyone on the Spring Festival!” she said. “I wish you boundless energy in the new year, leadership in all that you do, immediate good fortune, and instant success!”
Zakharova highlighted the deep resonance of the horse within Russian culture, noting that its image is “deeply rooted in history and is widely reflected in folk legends, fairy tales, and traditions.”
This year’s celebration marks a significant moment of bilateral cultural synchronization. For the first time, Moscow and Beijing will host large-scale festivities to welcome spring in each other’s cultural traditions.
According to the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Moscow is set to host large-scale celebrations of the Chinese New Year for the third time, transforming the Russian capital with events commemorating the Spring Festival. Simultaneously, Beijing will widely celebrate the Russian Maslenitsa festival, also known as Pancake Week—a traditional Eastern Slavic folk holiday marking the end of winter.
“I invite you to join the celebrations of the Chinese New Year in Moscow and Maslenitsa in Beijing!” Zakharova concluded, signing off with the bilingual greeting: “马年快乐！Happy Year of the Horse!”
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