During videoconferences between high-ranking representatives of Russia and the ASEAN member states, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev noted that “you are aware of the unprecedented crisis in which Europe is mired today, the cause of which was precisely the imposed sanctions. Americans on their partners. The destructive policy of the Americans deals a no less serious blow to the ASEAN countries, which, for example, are now forced to buy wheat at prices many times higher than before.

He explained that “the main reason for the rise in food and energy prices is the printing press operating in the US and Europe,” noting that during the epidemic there was the largest supply of banknotes in 40 years. He added: “The US printed 5.9 trillion dollars, and Europe – 2.9 trillion euros. The West is now shifting the burden of the resulting inflation on developing countries.”

According to the Russian authorities, since February 24, the Russian armed forces have continued to conduct a special military operation to “defend Donbass” in southeastern Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously confirmed that Russia has no plans to occupy Ukrainian lands, explaining that “the purpose of the operation is to protect people who have been persecuted and genocide by the Kyiv regime for eight years.”