The Russian government has accused Western countries of “leveraging terrorist organizations” to pursue self-serving geopolitical purposes across the world.
Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky made explosive remarks on Wednesday at the start of the 2025 BRICS+ Counter-Terrorism Conference in Moscow.
The two-day event marks the 5th anniversary of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which was adopted at Russia’s initiative in 2020 in collaboration with Brazil, China, India, and South Africa.
The document created a comprehensive approach to fight terrorism, outlined cooperation on improving member-states’ protection, and specified steps for an expansion of counter-terrorism partnerships.
Lyubinsky told the gathering that threats from international terrorist organizations (ITOs), primarily ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and affiliated terrorist groups, have not only intensified but continue to evolve.
The diplomat pointed to the regular reports compiled by the United Nations Security Council’s Sanctions Monitoring Group on ISIS and Al-Qaeda, as well as on the Taliban Movement.
Highlighting the international community’s concern about terrorism in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the Sahel, Lyubinsky called for thorough monitoring of the situation to promptly suppress emerging challenges.
He said that ITOs are adopting the latest advances in science and technology, developing innovative methods for destructive activities, and using AI and cryptocurrencies to promote extremist ideology and raise funds.
According to Lyubinsky, despite the growing terrorist threats globally, “the collective West is not genuinely interested in consolidating the counter-terrorism efforts of the international community”.
The Russian official insists Western countries condone the politicization of the counter-terrorism agenda, do not regard terrorism as absolute evil, and do not practice a zero-tolerance policy.
“For them, it is a tool exerting pressure on sovereign states, and ensuring dominance, which often comes with them imposing their military presence to keep hotspots of regional instability smoldering,” he stated.
Lyubinsky said that the use of terrorists and extremists for Western geopolitical objectives is practiced in Ukraine, through attacks against infrastructure and civilians in Russia using Western countries’ weapons.
Kiev, the minister further alleged, coordinates with international terrorist groups and transnational criminal networks “to train their militants to fight against legitimate governments, especially in Africa.”
Emphasizing BRICS+ commitment to tackle terrorism, alongside the UN and others, he reiterated Russia’s advocacy for a depoliticized and results-oriented counter-terrorism “without hidden agendas or double standards”.
“We are open to close cooperation with all BRICS+ countries based on the principles of the UN Charter; above all, the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in internal affairs,” Lyubinsky added.
Russia accuses Western countries of sponsoring terrorists, extremists
