The spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that "the trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has openly declared his candidacy for the upcoming elections, indicates a crisis in liberal ideology." In an interview with Radio Sputnik, she noted that "this is what is called a crisis of liberalism," pointing out that "when the system, which is supposed to be based on ideas of freedom and equality, restricts freedom of expression and rights, it ultimately leads to self-denial and consumes its principles."