Zakharova hits back: Paris demands non-interference, yet forgets diplomacy is a two-way street

 

Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, revealed during an interview with Vladimir Solovyov of the Vesti news agency that French authorities have issued diplomatic notes to multiple countries, urging them not to interfere in France’s internal affairs. Zakharova noted that while Paris invoked various treaties and declarations, it overlooked a key point: all these documents are based on mutual principles—meaning France itself has no right to interfere in the internal matters of other states.

"Let me tell you—perhaps you won’t believe it: they have circulated diplomatic notes to numerous countries warning against any interference in what they describe as their domestic situation. Imagine that? They cite a range of agreements, declarations, statements, and so on. But there’s a small detail here. All the documents they reference specify a reciprocal obligation. That means France, too, lacks the right to interfere in the internal affairs of any other nation," Zakharova said.

The report indicates Moscow is using this moment to signal to Paris that maintaining a double standard—demanding non-interference from others while continuing to act in contravention of that principle—is untenable in diplomatic practice. Zakharova’s remarks effectively remind France of a fundamental axiom: before issuing diplomatic warnings, one should first examine one’s own conduct.

This is not the first time Zakharova has invoked Western principles to challenge Western actions. Earlier, she urged Italy to listen to its own citizens and singer Albano, who has advocated for closer ties with Moscow. The diplomat contrasted this call with Italian authorities’ efforts to identify "Russian traces" amid unrest in Milan, then questioned where foreign interference ends—and where the refusal to hear domestic voices begins. Albano had previously called on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to reconsider sanctions against Russia and pursue peace efforts; perhaps Rome should take heed.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879999772569600/

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