Maria Vladimirovna Zakharova is a Russian diplomat. Maria is one of the most recognisable public faces of the Russian government.

The captivating Maria is the Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has held this position since 2015. She is the ministry’s official spokesperson.

Background and Early Life

•       Born: 24 December 1975, Moscow.

•       Family: Both parents were diplomats; she spent much of her childhood in Beijing.

•       Education: Graduated from MGIMO (Moscow State Institute of International Relations) in 1998, specializing in international journalism.

Languages: English and Chinese.

Career Highlights

Zakharova has spent her entire career within the Russian Foreign Ministry:

Early roles

•       Editor of Diplomatic Bulletin.

•       Head of media monitoring at the Information and Press Department.

International postings

•       2005–2008: Head of the Press Service at Russia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

Rise to prominence

•       2011–2015: Deputy Director of the Information and Press Department.

•       2015–present: Director of the department and official spokesperson.

She gained wide recognition for her weekly briefings. Her sharp rhetorical style made her stand out. She also played a significant role in shaping Russia’s public messaging on foreign policy.

Personal Life

•       Spouse: Andrei Makarov (married 2005).

•       Children: One daughter.

Public Image and Influence

Zakharova is known for:

•       Highly assertive, often confrontational communication style.

•       Strong presence in Russian and international media.

•       Frequent commentary on relations with the West, NATO, Ukraine, and global diplomacy.

Her statements often generate headlines and, at times, controversy.

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