'Those instigating the war are not in Moscow' - Zakharova

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused European governments of fuelling the war in Ukraine, arguing that officials in Brussels and several European capitals are responsible for prolonging the conflict while rejecting meaningful dialogue over Russia's security concerns.

Speaking at her weekly briefing in Moscow, Zakharova said European leaders remained unwilling to take Russian interests into account despite continued diplomatic efforts surrounding the war in Ukraine.

“Those instigating the war are not in Moscow, but in Brussels, the Baltic states, Berlin, and Paris,” Zakharova said.

She argued that European governments continued to support Ukraine militarily while maintaining what she described as unrealistic demands toward Russia.

According to Zakharova, EU policymakers have shown no willingness to engage in what she called honest consultations on issues that Moscow considers important.

“The leaders of European institutions are not ready to honestly consult on Russia's interests and continue to make unrealistic demands. Therefore, we do not see any change in the approach of European Union politicians,” she said.

Zakharova also criticised what she described as Europe's growing focus on defence and military spending.

She said European governments were promoting confrontation rather than seeking compromise and warned that increased military investment could have broader consequences for the continent.

“They must understand that with their confrontational rhetoric and their frantic, reckless, and thoughtless lobbying efforts aimed at the militarisation of Europe in line with the interests of the owners of military-industrial and financial companies, they are dragging their countries into disaster,” she said.

Her remarks come as several European governments have expanded defence budgets and increased military assistance to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Warning over British missile deliveries

The Russian official also addressed reports that the United Kingdom could provide Ukraine with additional Storm Shadow cruise missiles.

Zakharova said Russian forces would respond to any such deliveries by targeting assets linked to their deployment.

“Our soldiers will take the necessary measures to strike these legitimate targets,” she said.

She accused London of attempting to deepen the conflict and extend the duration of the war through continued military support for Kyiv.

While discussing diplomatic efforts, Zakharova argued that Ukraine was resisting attempts to restart talks aimed at ending the conflict.

She said Russia and the United States were continuing consultations on possible negotiations while accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of creating obstacles to progress.

“While Russia and the U.S. are continuing their diplomatic efforts to restart negotiations on resolving the Ukrainian crisis, Zelenskyy is trying to obstruct this process, setting unacceptable conditions, and engaging in acts of terror against our people,” she said.

Zakharova did not specify which conditions she was referring to.

The comments come as international efforts to revive peace talks have intensified in recent weeks, although fighting continues along the front lines.

Moldova disputes add to tensions

The Russian spokeswoman also commented on relations with Moldova, following a decision by Moldovan authorities to expel a Russian diplomat on 23 October.

Zakharova said Moscow would respond to the move, although she did not provide details about potential countermeasures.

The latest dispute adds to strained relations between the two countries, which have experienced repeated diplomatic tensions since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

Zakharova's remarks highlight the continuing gulf between Moscow and European governments over responsibility for the conflict and the path toward a potential settlement.

While Russia argues that Western military assistance is prolonging the war, European leaders have maintained that support for Ukraine is necessary to help Kyiv defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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• Russia, Ukraine begin Oleshky ceasefire for aid operation

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