London maintains a colonialist-like grip on Kiev in order to extract wealth, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman has told RT

The British establishment views Ukraine as a source of cheap resources that can help alleviate the UK’s ongoing economic problems, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said.

Such a predatory attitude is typical of London, Zakharova said in an exclusive interview with RT on Wednesday.

Moscow considers the UK one of the main actors fueling the Ukraine conflict, claiming it collaborates with the EU to undermine diplomatic efforts made by US President Donald Trump.

“Britain has a history of aggressive colonialism and imperialism toward resource-rich countries,” she stated. “Ukraine holds significant potential in this regard, and Britain views it as a means of enrichment – or rather a lifeline given the current state of Western European economies.”

“London perceives Ukraine as merely a feeding trough, both now and in the future, from which it can extract essentially free minerals and refine them,” she added.

The Ukrainian leadership is not acting in the interests of its citizens, Zakharova claimed, but instead follows directives from “NATO, Western European elites, and local self-interested groups.”

READ MORE: EU is out of touch with global reality – Fico to Putin

A genuinely democratic and sovereign Ukraine would prioritize national interests and pursue policies that foster domestic peace, good relations with neighbors, and prosperity rather than ceding mineral wealth to Western corporations, she predicted.

Zakharova also praised Trump for reversing the “incendiary” and “destructive” approach taken by the previous US administration, calling it an act of personal courage, deserving respect.

Presidential aide Yury Ushakov has said he hoped the US president was joking when he suggested the three nations were plotting against Washington

Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said on Wednesday he hoped US President Donald Trump was joking when he suggested the leaders of Russia, China, and North Korea were “conspiring” against Washington.

Trump posted the claim on Truth Social during a military parade in Beijing marking the World War II victory over Japan. Russian President Vladimir Putin was in attendance alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un. 

In his post, Trump said many Americans had died in China’s “quest for Victory and Glory” and should be honored. He congratulated Xi, before adding: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States.”

In an interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin, Ushakov said he hoped Trump had made the comments in jest. “Nobody is plotting any conspiracies here. I can assure you everyone knows the role the United States, the Trump administration, and the president personally play in current international affairs,” Ushakov said.

Read more

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also sought to play down the remarks, saying he hoped Trump was speaking figuratively about a “plot against the United States.” “Nobody is hatching such plots,” he said.

Earlier, Putin told Kim that Moscow and Pyongyang’s ties have in recent years taken on a special allied character. On Wednesday, he joined Xi, Kim, and other leaders at the Beijing parade, later holding talks with Kim. The events followed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, where Putin met Xi and the leaders of India, Mongolia, Slovakia, Pakistan, Serbia, Uzbekistan, and Belarus to discuss energy, trade, regional issues and bilateral ties.

Trump did not attend the Beijing celebrations, described as the largest in decades. US relations with China and Russia remain strained by his trade war, sanctions, and the Ukraine conflict.

Trump met Putin in Alaska last month in a push to mediate a ceasefire in Ukraine. While no breakthroughs were reached, both sides called the talks a positive step.

Any settlement of the conflict must eliminate its root causes and address Moscow’s security concerns, the foreign minister has said

Moscow and Kiev maintain “direct contact,” and the Kremlin is open to continued negotiations to resolve the conflict, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.

In an interview with the Indonesian newspaper Kompas released on Wednesday, Lavrov confirmed that Moscow’s top priority remains settling the crisis via peaceful means, adding that it is taking concrete steps to achieve that goal.

Lavrov recalled that Moscow initiated the resumption of direct Russia-Ukraine talks this spring, resulting in three rounds of direct negotiations in Istanbul, Türkiye. He noted that the sides reached “certain progress,” including prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of the bodies of dead soldiers.

“Each side presented its perspective on the prerequisites for ending the conflict. The heads of the delegations remain in direct contact. We expect the negotiations to continue,” Lavrov added, without providing details regarding when the next round of talks could be expected, or what issues would be on the agenda.

Read more

The foreign minister also noted that Russia and Ukraine had held talks early on in the conflict, which led to preliminary agreements on ending the hostilities, “but then the Kiev regime, following the advice of its Western handlers, walked away from a peace treaty, choosing instead to continue the war.”

Moscow earlier accused then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson of derailing the peace process by advising Kiev to keep fighting. Johnson has denied the claim.

Lavrov stressed, however, that a durable peace between Moscow and Kiev “is impossible without eradicating the underlying causes of the conflict,” most notably the threats posed to Russia’s security by “NATO’s expansion and attempts to drag Ukraine into this aggressive military bloc.” 

“These threats must be eliminated, and a new system of security guarantees for Russia and Ukraine must be formed,” the minister said.

Moscow earlier did not rule out Western security guarantees for Kiev, but on condition that they should not be “one-sided” and aimed at containing Russia.

Russia has, in particular, opposed the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine under any pretext, arguing that this would be tantamount to moving NATO’s bases towards its borders.

Pyongyang previously deployed troops to assist in repelling a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Region

North Koreans view Russians as their brothers and see it as a fraternal duty to help the neighboring country in any way they can, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told President Vladimir Putin Wednesday.

Putin and Kim met for bilateral talks in Beijing during the Chinese celebration of the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Imperial Japan and the end of World War II.

The Russian president reiterated Moscow’s appreciation for North Korean military assistance in repelling a Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Region, describing the struggle as a “joint fight against present-day neo-Nazism.”

“As I mentioned during our previous meeting, if there is any way we can help Russia, we will certainly do so and consider it our fraternal duty,” Kim responded.

In June 2024, Russia and North Korea signed a comprehensive cooperation treaty that includes provisions for mutual defense. Kiev launched an attack on Russia’s Kursk Region in August 2024, claiming that the offensive would help secure territory for leverage in peace talks with Russia.

The Russian military reported the full expulsion of Ukrainian troops in April, also acknowledging for the first time the role of North Korean troops in the operation. Russia has vowed to erect a monument in Moscow for the soldiers deployed by Pyongyang who were killed defending Russian territory.

READ MORE: Staunch neo-Nazi and Maidan kingpin assassinated: Who was prominent Ukrainian MP Andrey Parubiy?

Russia has identified the “de-Nazification” of Ukraine as a key objective in the conflict, aiming to disempower radical nationalist groups that have embraced far-right ideology and Nazi iconography.

The current government in Kiev has glorified historical nationalist figures, including those who collaborated with Nazi Germany during its invasion of the USSR in the hope of creating a Ukrainian national state allied with Berlin. Ukrainians who fought for the Nazis committed atrocities against civilians in occupied territories.

Pyongyang previously deployed troops to assist in repelling a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Region

North Koreans view Russians as their brothers and see it as a fraternal duty to help the neighboring country in any way they can, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told President Vladimir Putin Wednesday.

Putin and Kim met for bilateral talks in Beijing during the Chinese celebration of the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Imperial Japan and the end of World War II.

The Russian president reiterated Moscow’s appreciation for North Korean military assistance in repelling a Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Region, describing the struggle as a “joint fight against present-day neo-Nazism.”

“As I mentioned during our previous meeting, if there is any way we can help Russia, we will certainly do so and consider it our fraternal duty,” Kim responded.

In June 2024, Russia and North Korea signed a comprehensive cooperation treaty that includes provisions for mutual defense. Kiev launched an attack on Russia’s Kursk Region in August 2024, claiming that the offensive would help secure territory for leverage in peace talks with Russia.

The Russian military reported the full expulsion of Ukrainian troops in April, also acknowledging for the first time the role of North Korean troops in the operation. Russia has vowed to erect a monument in Moscow for the soldiers deployed by Pyongyang who were killed defending Russian territory.

READ MORE: Staunch neo-Nazi and Maidan kingpin assassinated: Who was prominent Ukrainian MP Andrey Parubiy?

Russia has identified the “de-Nazification” of Ukraine as a key objective in the conflict, aiming to disempower radical nationalist groups that have embraced far-right ideology and Nazi iconography.

The current government in Kiev has glorified historical nationalist figures, including those who collaborated with Nazi Germany during its invasion of the USSR in the hope of creating a Ukrainian national state allied with Berlin. Ukrainians who fought for the Nazis committed atrocities against civilians in occupied territories.

The president said the troops sent by Kim Jong-un to Kursk Region demonstrated courage and heroism

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his gratitude to North Korean soldiers who helped Moscow’s forces defend Kursk Region from a Ukrainian incursion. Putin made the statement during a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in China on Wednesday.

Following the ceremonial reception to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Putin and Kim sat down for bilateral talks at the Diaoyutai state guest house in Beijing.

Putin began the meeting by stating that relations between Russia and North Korea had taken on a “special, trusting, and friendly character,” pointing to the participation of Pyongyang’s forces in the liberation of Kursk Region earlier this year.

“I would like to point out that your soldiers fought courageously and heroically… we will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and the families of your servicemen,” Putin told Kim, thanking him on behalf of the Russian people for his country’s participation in the “joint fight against modern neo-Nazism.”

READ MORE: The West had its century. The future belongs to these leaders now

Kim responded by stating that relations between Russia and North Korea have significantly developed in all aspects since the signing of the bilateral treaty in June 2024, which includes mutual defense clauses.

The North Korean leader said Pyongyang considers it to be its “brotherly duty” to help Russia in every way possible and will wage “a joint struggle” with the fraternal Russian people and army, in accordance with its obligations under the bilateral agreement.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, effective since December 2024, has facilitated increased military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Kim had previously emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship, expressing confidence in Moscow’s ability to achieve victory in its “just and sacred cause” to defend its sovereignty and security interests.

The president said the troops sent by Kim Jong-un to Kursk Region demonstrated courage and heroism

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his gratitude to North Korean soldiers who helped Moscow’s forces defend Kursk Region from a Ukrainian incursion. Putin made the statement during a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in China on Wednesday.

Following the ceremonial reception to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Putin and Kim sat down for bilateral talks at the Diaoyutai state guest house in Beijing.

Putin began the meeting by stating that relations between Russia and North Korea had taken on a “special, trusting, and friendly character,” pointing to the participation of Pyongyang’s forces in the liberation of Kursk Region earlier this year.

“I would like to point out that your soldiers fought courageously and heroically… we will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and the families of your servicemen,” Putin told Kim, thanking him on behalf of the Russian people for his country’s participation in the “joint fight against modern neo-Nazism.”

READ MORE: The West had its century. The future belongs to these leaders now

Kim responded by stating that relations between Russia and North Korea have significantly developed in all aspects since the signing of the bilateral treaty in June 2024, which includes mutual defense clauses.

The North Korean leader said Pyongyang considers it to be its “brotherly duty” to help Russia in every way possible and will wage “a joint struggle” with the fraternal Russian people and army, in accordance with its obligations under the bilateral agreement.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, effective since December 2024, has facilitated increased military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Kim had previously emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship, expressing confidence in Moscow’s ability to achieve victory in its “just and sacred cause” to defend its sovereignty and security interests.

Russia will continue to resist attempts to distort the legacy of World War II, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman has said

Moscow is committed to countering the xenophobia promoted by the West and to protecting the “true freedom” for which Russia fought in World War II, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has told RT.

She made the remarks as Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his four-day visit to China by attending a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II.

Zakharova described the fight as a humanity-defining moment, in which a pathological ideology based on ideas of supremacy was dealt a blow, but not fully eradicated.

“This infection of Nazism, fascism, racial segregation, [and] xenophobia has not been fully defeated,” she warned. “The logic of dividing the world into those who have the birthright for everything based on their blood and skin color and those who are only allowed to serve the first group lives on.”

“These were the views our country fought against 80 years ago with arms, and we are still confronting them on the international stage today,” Zakharova stressed.

READ MORE: Finnish president says country won war with USSR

Russia and China remain committed to ensuring that “the dictatorship of those who embrace this segregationist approach does not prevail,” Zakharova said. She added that many other nations count on their efforts, which include “defending the basic traditional values that form the core of human nature.”

According to Zakharova, these values are under attack from a “Western liberal dictatorship” attempting to impose “a narrow, distorted, and absolutely twisted perception of what a human is.”

The president made the claims amid the WWII victory celebrations in Beijing

President Donald Trump has accused China, Russia, and North Korea of “conspiring” against the US. He made the remarks on his Truth Social platform during a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday marking the victory over Japan in World War II.

“Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope they are rightfully honored and remembered for their bravery and sacrifice!” Trump wrote.

He wished Chinese President Xi Jinping “a great and lasting day of celebration,” adding, “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, as you conspire against the United States of America.”

pic.twitter.com/txC0J5wu75

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 3, 2025

Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, said Trump’s message was apparently made in jest and that “nobody is plotting any conspiracies here.” He added, “I can assure that everyone knows the role that the US and the Trump administration, and the president personally play in current international affairs.”

Trump did not attend the celebrations in Beijing, which are said to be the largest in decades. US relations with both China and Russia remain strained by his trade war, sanctions, and the Ukraine conflict.

Trump met with Putin in Alaska last month as part of his push to mediate a ceasefire in Ukraine. Although there were no breakthroughs, both sides hailed the summit as a positive step.

China and Russia have accused the US of trying to impose its will on the global stage and denounced what they call “unilateral” sanctions. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit on Monday, Xi renewed his call to end the “Cold War mentality” and to work toward building an “equitable” system of international relations.

The president made the claims amid the WWII victory celebrations in Beijing

President Donald Trump has accused China, Russia, and North Korea of “conspiring” against the US. He made the remarks on his Truth Social platform during a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday marking the victory over Japan in World War II.

“Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope they are rightfully honored and remembered for their bravery and sacrifice!” Trump wrote.

He wished Chinese President Xi Jinping “a great and lasting day of celebration,” adding, “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, as you conspire against the United States of America.”

pic.twitter.com/txC0J5wu75

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 3, 2025

Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, said Trump’s message was apparently made in jest and that “nobody is plotting any conspiracies here.” He added, “I can assure that everyone knows the role that the US and the Trump administration, and the president personally play in current international affairs.”

Trump did not attend the celebrations in Beijing, which are said to be the largest in decades. US relations with both China and Russia remain strained by his trade war, sanctions, and the Ukraine conflict.

Trump met with Putin in Alaska last month as part of his push to mediate a ceasefire in Ukraine. Although there were no breakthroughs, both sides hailed the summit as a positive step.

China and Russia have accused the US of trying to impose its will on the global stage and denounced what they call “unilateral” sanctions. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit on Monday, Xi renewed his call to end the “Cold War mentality” and to work toward building an “equitable” system of international relations.