Russia Accuses West of Aggression, Warns of Japanese Militarism

In late July 2026, Russian officials Maria Zakharova and Dmitry Peskov made a series of statements accusing Ukraine and the West of aggression, while also warning about what they see as a revival of Japanese militarism. Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, mocked a visit by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Ukraine and claimed the West has a cynical plan for the country. She also labeled anti-Russian comments by a Ukrainian official as Nazism. Meanwhile, Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, said the crisis has united Russian society and helps the country achieve technological sovereignty. He also said Russia needs brilliant solutions to get its point of view across to everyone, and that independence and sovereignty are necessary to interact with the West.