Russian Foreign Ministry Says Asian Nations Resisting Western Pressure Over Energy Ties With Russia

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Asian countries are resisting Western pressure to curtail their energy cooperation with Russia, according to a report by the Russian state news agency TASS.

Zakharova was quoted as saying that recent developments in February and March 2026 had validated the position of those who "argued that energy cooperation should not become a battleground for political disputes or contests."

The spokeswoman's remarks, as reported by TASS, suggest that Moscow views continued energy trade with Asian partners as evidence that Western efforts to isolate Russia's energy sector internationally have not succeeded in some regions.

TASS did not provide further details on the specific countries or events referenced by Zakharova, nor did it specify the venue or occasion of her remarks.

The report comes amid ongoing Western sanctions targeting Russian energy exports following Moscow's actions in Ukraine, with the United States and European allies having sought to reduce reliance on Russian oil and gas among their own populations and allied nations.

Independent confirmation of Zakharova's characterization of Asian countries' stance was not immediately available, and the claims reflect the position of Russian officials as conveyed through state media.