Russia Remembers Great Diplomat Gorchakov
Moscow — Russia has commemorated Alexander Gorchakov, one of the most influential figures in the country’s diplomatic history, on the anniversary of his birth. Born on June 15, 1798, Gorchakov is regarded as a major Russian diplomat and statesman of the 19th century and an important figure in European political history.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry remembered Gorchakov as a key figure in restoring Russia’s international prestige after the Crimean War. His diplomatic efforts are credited with helping Russia recover its power and influence after a period of weakness and with restoring its rights in the Black Sea region.
Gorchakov’s diplomatic career lasted 65 years. For 26 of those years, he served continuously as Russia’s Foreign Minister. In that role, he not only helped restore Russia’s international standing but also reformed the diplomatic service, making it more effective.
Gorchakov was fluent in German, French, English and Italian, and also knew Latin. After being appointed Foreign Minister in 1856, he set the goal of restoring Russia’s position in the international arena and regaining its rights in the Black Sea and Bessarabia. He sought to achieve these objectives “without money and without shedding a single drop of Russian blood.”
His diplomatic skill was particularly important during the Franco-Prussian War. Russian accounts highlight that Gorchakov’s policy helped prevent Austria from entering the war, creating favorable conditions for Prussia’s decisive victory. After securing Prussian support, Russia declared that it would no longer comply with the restrictive provisions of the Treaty of Paris.
The London Convention of 1871 paved the way for Russia to restore its naval rights in the Black Sea. This is considered one of Gorchakov’s major diplomatic achievements.
“They say Russia is angry. No, Russia is not angry. Russia is focusing.”
This famous phrase, attributed to Gorchakov, continues to be cited as a symbol of Russian diplomatic thinking. It reflects an approach that gives priority to strategic patience, long-term preparation and national interest rather than impulsive reaction.
Gorchakov is also remembered as a diplomat who helped create favorable international conditions for domestic reforms in Russia. His efforts are said to have provided the external stability needed for economic and institutional development.
He received Russia’s highest honors, including the title of Serene Highness and the rank of State Chancellor. Gorchakov is also known in history as the last Chancellor of the Russian Empire. After his death, the title remained vacant for a long time and was eventually abolished.
Gorchakov was buried at the Holy Trinity Sergius Primorskaya Male Hermitage. In Russia’s diplomatic history, his name remains associated with restraint, strategic intelligence and diplomacy firmly rooted in national interest.
