Zakharova: Russia Remains Committed to Operation Goals, Slams Western Sanctions as Self-Defeating

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reaffirmed on Thursday that Moscow remains committed to the main objectives of its special military operation — ensuring a neutral, non-nuclear Ukraine, its demilitarization, and guarantees for Russian-speaking citizens.

Zakharova said these principles remain “a starting point” for any country seeking to contribute to a genuine peace process, stressing that “we do not see any major obstacles to continue the process that was initiated by the Russian and US Presidents.” She added that such work “should not be carried out through media leaks, but by diplomats.”

Commenting on the latest Western sanctions, Zakharova called the new US measures against Rosneft and Lukoil “counterproductive,” warning that they “will not coerce Moscow into abandoning its national interests” and will instead harm the global economy. She also dismissed the EU’s 19th sanctions package, saying Russia “has developed solutions” to counter its effects and continues to “expand its energy potential.” Zakharova concluded that “EU elites cannot admit the obvious — their sanctions strike Europe itself,” while criticizing Kyiv’s new proposal to tie Western aid to GDP, noting that “it could actually diminish.”