Russia sharply denounced the Trump administration in America, labeling it as pursuing a "neocolonial" agenda to perpetuate American supremacy over Global South nations.
In a striking comment, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova averred that the U.S. was applying "politically motivated economic pressure" on states that are defining an independent position in international relations.
She confirmed Moscow's willingness to strengthen relations with such countries to assist in creating a "genuinely multipolar" and fairer world order.
Zakharova's comments follow broad tariff declarations by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at numerous countries. In response to the news, she referred to economic sanctions and limitations as an unfortunate characteristic of the current times, highlighting the fact that such tactics are being pursued by Washington in an effort to hold on to its declining global power.
"Restrictions and sanctions have, regrettably, become a characteristic attribute of the present period of history, affecting nations all around the world," Zakharova said. "Inasmuch as it is unable to acknowledge the loss of its monopoly in a new multipolar international system, Washington insists on carrying out a neocolonial policy using politically motivated economic sanctions against those who opt for an independent foreign policy on the international arena."
She also condemned Trump's new tariff strategy targeting U.S. allies in the Global South as a "direct encroachment on national sovereignty" and an aggressive "interference in their internal affairs.
Zakharova continued, "We are convinced strongly that there cannot be any tariff wars or sanctions to stop the natural course of history. We have a tremendous amount of partners, like-minded states, and allies among the Global South countries and, first and foremost, in BRICS, who take this view." She reaffirmed Russia's dedication to opposing unilateral sanctions and strengthening cooperation with its international partners.
Her mention of BRICS brings to light the group's recent expansion—what originally was a bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa now expanded to add Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE in 2024 and with Indonesia joining in 2025.
Zakharova further cautioned that these American policies threaten to destabilize economic stability across the world. "They lead to a deceleration of economic growth, disintegration of supply chains, and segmentation of the world economy," she asserted. "Instead of defending the laws of free trade that have long been asserted by Western countries, now there is protectionism and capricious tariff restrictions based on political interests."
Earlier this week, Donald Trump announced that India would receive a "substantial" tariff increase over its ongoing purchase of Russian oil. He stated that most of this oil was being resold at high profit levels on the world market.
India countered firmly, reminding Washington that the U.S. had backed its move to buy cut-price Russian crude when the war in Ukraine began. New Delhi also rebutted the European Union's condemnation of Indian refineries for their participation in crude exports.
The Indian External Affairs Ministry justified its import of energy as a necessity in light of prevailing international circumstances. It charged Western critics with being hypocritical, mentioning that many of them still deal with Russia even when such transactions are not essential to their economies.
"Their business is not even an essential necessity," the ministry said, noting that Western countries are doing business with Russia while criticizing others for doing the same for different reasons.
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