Russia is actively seeking advice from countries that have faced long-standing economic sanctions in an effort to better combat unilateral restrictions on its own economy. In a recent Valdai Discussion Club event on sanctions against Russia, Dmitry Birichevsky, the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of Economic Cooperation, revealed that Russia is in close contact with countries like Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela, all of which have been under sanctions for years.
According to Birichevsky, these countries share their experience with overcoming economic sanctions through political dialogue, intergovernmental commissions, and cooperation between companies. By working closely with these nations, Russia aims to develop a better understanding of how to navigate the challenges posed by unilateral restrictions and protect its interests on the global stage.
Russia is not alone in its efforts to combat sanctions, as it often collaborates with Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela at the United Nations platform for exposing and challenging illegal sanctions. Birichevsky acknowledged that this process requires time, thorough work, and top-level political decisions but stressed that Russia is committed to continuing this effort.
The example set by countries that have successfully stood against illegal sanctions regimes demonstrates that it is possible to protect national priorities and interests even when faced with a dominant Western influence. While the dissolution of this dominance may take decades, the official emphasized that it will ultimately occur as the world transitions towards a more balanced and equitable system.