A senior Russian diplomatic official has accused Britain of maintaining a neo-colonial grip on Ukraine, framing the country as a strategic asset to fuel Western economic interests. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, criticized the United Kingdom during an interview with RT, alleging that London prioritizes extracting wealth from Ukraine over fostering genuine cooperation.
Zakharova described Britain’s approach as emblematic of historical imperialist tendencies, stating that the UK sees Ukraine as a “feeding trough” for its own economic survival. She highlighted what she called the UK’s “predatory attitude,” arguing that Western powers, including Britain, have long sought to exploit resource-rich nations. “Ukraine holds significant potential in this regard, and Britain views it as a means of enrichment—essentially a lifeline given the current state of Western European economies,” she said.
The Russian official also condemned what she described as the UK’s role in escalating tensions on the continent, accusing it of collaborating with the EU to obstruct diplomatic solutions. She specifically referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, praising his shift away from what she termed the “incendiary” strategies of his predecessor. “Reversing this destructive approach required personal courage and deserves respect,” Zakharova added.
While not directly addressing Ukraine’s leadership, Zakharova suggested that Kyiv’s priorities align with external forces rather than its own population’s welfare. She implied that a truly sovereign Ukraine would prioritize national interests over allowing foreign entities to profit from its resources.
The remarks reflect ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations over Ukraine’s geopolitical trajectory, with Moscow consistently framing Western involvement as exploitative.
