News & Views

Russia officially declares United States as ‘enemy’ state

Published by
Samuel Bolaji

Against the backdrop of escalating tensions over Ukraine, the Kremlin has made a momentous declaration, officially designating the United States as an “enemy” state for the first time in its history.

This marked departure from previous terminology, such as “unfriendly states” or “opponents,” signals a profound shift in Russia’s perception of its relationship with the US and underscores the deepening hostilities between the two global powers.

The announcement was delivered by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who cited a broader pattern of obstructing interactions between US citizens and Russia as a catalyst for this decision.

“We are now an enemy country for them, just as they are for us,” Peskov told reporters

This stance reflects Russia’s growing frustration with what it perceives as Washington’s interference in its domestic affairs and geopolitical sphere of influence.

The tension between the US and Russia has been steadily escalating, particularly in the aftermath of Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

The conflict in Ukraine has become a focal point of contention, with the US and its Western allies providing extensive support to the Ukrainian government. This support, including military aid and sanctions against Russia, has drawn sharp criticism and condemnation from Moscow, which views it as unwarranted meddling in its internal affairs.

In response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and its broader foreign policy manoeuvres, the US has adopted a firm stance, imposing economic sanctions and diplomatic measures against Russia.

Moreover, Washington has actively supported Ukraine militarily, authorising the provision of lethal weaponry to Ukrainian forces to counter Russian aggression.

Arbiterz reports that the US recently granted Ukraine limited permission to use American-supplied weapons to strike military targets inside Russia.

This latest development represents a new low in diplomatic relations between the US and Russia, with far-reaching implications for global geopolitics.

Also read: How Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Will Impact Africa’s Energy Transition

The Kremlin’s explicit designation of the US as an “enemy” underscores the deep-seated animosity and distrust that characterise the current state of relations between the two nations.

The fallout from this declaration is likely to be significant, potentially leading to further tit-for-tat actions and exacerbating tensions in an already volatile geopolitical environment.

As the US and Russia navigate this increasingly hostile relationship, the international community remains on edge, cognizant of the broader implications for global stability and security.

Samuel Bolaji

Samuel Bolaji, an alumnus/Scholar of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, holds a Master of Letters in Publishing Studies from the University of Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He is an experienced researcher, multimedia journalist, writer, and Editor. Ex-Chief Correspondent, ex-Acting Op-Ed Editor, and ex-Acting Metro Editor at The PUNCH Newspaper, Samuel is currently the Editor at Arbiterz.

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