Russia says Moscow 'successfully adapting' to sanctions through new global partnerships

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Monday that Moscow is "successfully adapting" to Western sanctions by developing new economic mechanisms and strengthening cooperation with non-Western partners.

Speaking to Tass news agency, Zakharova said Russia’s foreign policy and economic diplomacy now focus on building “reliable conditions” for collaboration with countries of the “global majority.”

“The geopolitical context is changing dynamically, but Russia has learned to develop antidotes to this poison,” she said. “Large-scale sanctions aimed at isolating our country financially and technologically have not achieved their goals.”

Zakharova said the government is prioritizing alternative financial systems, trade in national currencies, and closer coordination with BRICS members and other partners.

She also rejected Western claims of economic decline, insisting that the EU faces its own sanctions-related challenges.

She described BRICS as a “non-confrontational platform” promoting equality and mutual benefit, adding that no member country intends to leave the group despite Western criticism.

The market value of Russia's two largest oil producers, Rosneft and Lukoil, fell by $5.2 billion after the US imposed new sanctions against the companies and their subsidiaries.

Rosneft shares fell 3% to 389.85 rubles ($4.19), their lowest since May 2023, while Lukoil’s stock plunged 7.2% in two days.

Analysts said the sanctions, the first since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, could further weaken Russia’s energy sector and limit cooperation with foreign partners.