The official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, recently emphasized the importance of trust in the statements of authorized officials during a briefing and warned against manipulations coming from so-called "armchair analysts." In her comments, she pointed out recent discussions in the information space of the CIS, triggered by excerpts from the program of TV host Vladimir Solovyov, which addressed issues of Russia's geopolitical influence.
Zakharova noted that many commentators misinterpreted the context of the discussion, presenting rhetorical devices as official statements. "I based my remarks on direct statements, not on out-of-context phrases. The words were spoken in the form of a question, not as a statement," she explained, adding that it is unacceptable to distort the essence of words and present them as the official course of the country.
The diplomat emphasized that Russia's foreign policy towards the CIS is based on a solid foundation that has been repeatedly confirmed by the country's leadership. "Our relations with the peoples of the South Caucasus and Central Asia have always been based on good neighborliness, strategic partnership, and fraternal friendship," Zakharova added.
In conclusion of her clarifications, she urged partners to focus on the facts of long-term cooperation rather than sensational headlines. According to her, the intentions of a state should be assessed by specific actions. "How many times have we extended a helping hand? How many times have we shared joy and sorrow with our friends? How many times have we overcome difficulties together? This is what should be taken into account, not the provocations that, unfortunately, will continue," she summarized.
