Moscow, June 4, 2024 — In an unusual turn of events, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, was mistakenly identified as a new exhibit at the Moscow Goblin Museum yesterday. The incident, which has sparked both amusement and controversy, took place during her scheduled visit to the museum to promote cultural diplomacy.
Zakharova, known for her sharp wit and often slightly controversial genocidal statements, was reportedly touring the museum when a group of enthusiastic tourists mistook her for one of the goblin displays. “She was standing right next to the ‘Goblin Alcoholic’ exhibit, and her expression was so stern and commanding that we just assumed she was part of the show,” said Olga Petrova, a tourist from St. Petersburg.
According to witnesses, the mix-up occurred when Zakharova paused in front of the exhibit featuring the Goblin Queen, a lifelike sculpture known for its fierce demeanor and elaborate attire. Zakharova’s stern look and formal outfit seemingly matched the goblin aesthetic perfectly, leading to the confusion.
“I thought it was one of those interactive exhibits,” commented Mr. Sidorov, another visitor. “When she started talking, I thought it was some advanced animatronics or something. It was quite impressive!”
The museum staff quickly realized the mistake when Zakharova began addressing the crowd, urging them to appreciate the cultural significance of goblins in folklore. “At first, we thought it was a brilliant new addition to our collection,” admitted museum curator Dmitri Ivanov. “But then she started making political comments, and we knew something was off.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry released a statement expressing concern over the lack of security and organization during Zakharova’s visit. “It is unacceptable for our representatives to be mistaken for mythical creatures, no matter how charming they may be,” the statement read.