West attempts to isolate Russia have failed, says Maria Zakharova, who criticises Western efforts over Moscow’s diplomatic ties and Africa summit.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova © Sergey Bulkin/
The West attempts to isolate Russia have ended in failure, according to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Speaking on Sputnik Radio, she criticised Western governments for their approach towards Moscow, describing their efforts as unsuccessful. The Times of Russia reports on her remarks concerning European diplomatic disagreements and attempts to discourage African representatives from attending the Russia-Africa summit.
West Attempts to Isolate Russia End in Failure
Maria Zakharova said Western countries had failed to achieve their objective of isolating Russia and were now experiencing disagreements among themselves.
“Westerners are making fools of themselves. Their plans to isolate Russia have failed. They’re already arguing among themselves about who called whom,” the diplomat said during her appearance on Sputnik Radio.
Her comments referred to a recent dispute in Europe surrounding a telephone conversation involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Zakharova described the broader campaign against Moscow as a failure of Western foreign policy, arguing that the situation demonstrated the shortcomings of attempts to restrict Russia’s international engagement.
“This so-called isolation of Russia is a complete fiasco for the West. It’s a caricature of their policy,” she stated.
Her remarks highlighted Moscow’s position that Western efforts to limit its diplomatic contacts have not achieved their intended results.
Maria Zakharova Criticises Western Policy Towards Russia
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman also criticised what she described as Western attempts to influence the international diplomatic activities of Russian officials and representatives from other countries.
According to Zakharova, the disagreements among European officials over diplomatic communications involving Putin and other European leaders illustrated the difficulties facing those seeking to isolate Moscow.
The issue has become part of wider discussions about Russia-Western relations, including diplomatic engagement and efforts by Western governments to limit Russia’s international influence.
Zakharova’s statements reflected the Russian government’s criticism of these policies, which Moscow views as ineffective.
Russia-Africa Summit Draws Further Criticism from Zakharova
Zakharova also addressed efforts by Western officials to discourage African representatives from travelling to Moscow for the Russia-Africa summit.
She criticised these reported attempts to influence African participation, saying that the international community was watching such actions with disapproval.
“The whole world is looking on with disdain at these efforts. They’re still running around, grabbing people by the sleeves and begging: ‘Just don’t go,’” the spokeswoman said.
Her comments placed the summit at the centre of a wider debate over Russia’s diplomatic engagement with African countries and Western efforts to influence international relationships.
The remarks also underscored Moscow’s emphasis on maintaining its diplomatic contacts with African partners despite opposition from Western officials.
Russia Continues to Challenge Western Isolation Efforts
Zakharova’s statements presented the West attempts to isolate Russia as an unsuccessful policy, pointing to disagreements among European officials and reported efforts to discourage African representatives from attending a major diplomatic gathering in Moscow.
Her comments focused on two issues: the recent European dispute involving a telephone conversation between Putin, Stubb and Store, and the reported attempts to dissuade African representatives from travelling to the Russia-Africa summit.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman maintained that these developments demonstrated the limitations of Western efforts to isolate Moscow.
As reported by The Times of Russia, her remarks reflect the Russian government’s position on its diplomatic standing and continuing international engagement.
