Russia has strongly denounced U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, calling them a clear sign of “neocolonial” policies aimed at suppressing sovereign choices made by nations in the Global South. The move follows Trump’s declaration to substantially raise tariffs on countries like India for their trade ties with Moscow, especially oil imports.
Responding to this development, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused Washington of attempting to interfere in the internal economic affairs of independent nations.
“Sanctions and restrictions have unfortunately become a defining feature of the current historical period,” Zakharova stated. “Unable to accept the erosion of its dominance in an emerging multipolar international order, Washington continues to pursue a neocolonial agenda.”
Her remarks came just days after Trump threatened punitive measures against countries buying Russian oil, with India being singled out for reselling crude for profits. India, in a sharp rebuttal, reminded the U.S. that these imports were initially encouraged after the Ukraine crisis and noted that Western nations also continue trade with Russia under far less compelling circumstances.
“India’s imports are a necessity compelled by the global market situation,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated, calling out the “double standards” in Western criticisms.
Zakharova stressed that Russia remains committed to fostering a truly multilateral and cooperative world order.
🎙 Russian MFA Spokeswoman Maria #Zakharova:
Washington is unable to accept the erosion of its dominance in an emerging multipolar international order.
❗️ No tariff wars or sanctions can halt the natural course of history. https://t.co/EU2NKETj7y pic.twitter.com/SYJtlpcaib
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) August 4, 2025
“We are supported by a vast number of partners, like-minded states, and allies, particularly among the countries of the Global South and, above all, within BRICS,” she affirmed.
With BRICS’ recent expansion to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia, the bloc is increasingly asserting itself as a counterbalance to Western-centric trade frameworks.
Experts note that the escalating tariff war risks fracturing global supply chains and weakening already fragile economic recovery. Zakharova warned, “There is politically motivated protectionism and voluntaristic build-up of tariff barriers,” undermining the very principles of free trade the West once championed.
As BRICS nations close ranks in response, the conflict underscores a broader shift in global economic governance—one that favors decentralization, regional alliances, and a more inclusive, multipolar world order, no longer dictated by Washington alone.
