OMM Newsroom
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused European governments of fueling the war in Ukraine. She said officials in Brussels and several European capitals were responsible for prolonging the conflict and had rejected serious dialogue on Russia’s security concerns.
Speaking at a weekly briefing in Moscow, Zakharova said that despite diplomatic efforts over the war in Ukraine, European leaders were unwilling to take Russia’s interests into account.
“Those fueling the war are not in Moscow, but in Brussels, the Baltic states, Berlin and Paris,” Zakharova said.
She alleged that European governments continued to provide military support to Ukraine and were making demands against Russia that she described as “unrealistic.” In Zakharova’s view, European Union politicians had not shown they were ready for “sincere consultations” on issues Moscow considers important.
“The leaders of European institutions are not ready to hold sincere consultations on Russia’s interests and continue to make unrealistic demands. That is why we see no change in the approach of European Union politicians,” she said.
Zakharova also criticized the growing focus on defense and military spending in Europe. She said European governments were encouraging confrontation rather than seeking compromise, and warned that increased military investment could have broader consequences for the continent.
“They must understand that they are driving their countries toward disaster through confrontational rhetoric and frantic, ill-considered lobbying efforts aimed at militarizing Europe in the interests of the owners of military-industrial and financial companies,” Zakharova said.
Her remarks come as several European governments increase their defense budgets and expand military assistance to Kyiv following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Warning over British missile supplies
The Russian official also commented on reports that Britain could provide Ukraine with additional Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Zakharova said that if such supplies are made, Russian forces would target facilities associated with their deployment.
“Our soldiers will take the necessary measures to strike these legitimate targets,” she said.
Zakharova accused London of trying to deepen the conflict and prolong the war by continuing its military support for Kyiv.
Speaking about diplomatic efforts, the Russian official alleged that Ukraine was obstructing attempts to resume negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. She said Russia and the United States were continuing consultations on possible talks, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was creating obstacles to progress.
“As Russia and the United States continue diplomatic efforts to resume negotiations on resolving the Ukraine crisis, Zelensky is trying to obstruct this process by putting forward unacceptable conditions and carrying out terrorist attacks against our people,” Zakharova said. She did not specify which conditions she meant.
Fighting along the front line continues despite intensified international efforts in recent weeks to restart peace talks.
Diplomatic dispute with Moldova
Zakharova also addressed relations with Moldova. After Moldovan authorities decided on Oct. 23 to expel a Russian diplomat, she said Moscow would respond but did not give details of possible retaliatory measures.
The latest dispute adds to strained relations between the two countries. The sides have experienced repeated diplomatic tensions since the war in Ukraine began.
Zakharova’s remarks reflect continuing differences between Moscow and European governments over responsibility for the conflict and how it might be resolved. Russia says Western military aid is prolonging the war, while European leaders say support for Ukraine is essential to help Kyiv defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
