MOSCOW, December 25, 2025 – Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed Moscow's support on Thursday for emerging efforts by Thailand and Cambodia to resume dialogue aimed at securing a ceasefire and resolving their ongoing border dispute, amid a renewed escalation that has claimed numerous lives.
During her weekly press briefing, Zakharova highlighted encouragement from reports of Bangkok and Phnom Penh's intentions to reactivate bilateral mechanisms for de-escalation. "Encouragement comes from the emerging information about Bangkok and Phnom Penh's intention to resume dialogue within existing bilateral mechanisms to ensure a ceasefire and conflict resolution, including in light of the provisions of the joint declaration signed by the parties on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26 of this year," she stated.
Zakharova described 2025 as a year marked by "the transition to a stage of armed confrontation over territorial disputes inherited from Western colonial policy between Cambodia and Thailand." She emphasized Russia's longstanding partnerships with both nations and its consistent advocacy for peaceful resolutions. "The current situation is of even greater concern because these states have been our traditional partners for many years. We consistently advocate for the resolution of all disputes exclusively through peaceful means, with both sides exercising restraint, primarily to avoid civilian casualties," she added.
The spokeswoman urged the two countries to embody the unity and solidarity typical of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in overcoming contradictions, calling for restraint and diplomatic engagement.
The conflict, rooted in colonial-era border demarcations from the early 20th century—particularly a 1907 French map interpreted differently by both sides—has centered on disputed areas around ancient Khmer temples such as Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom. Tensions escalated dramatically in July 2025 with intense fighting involving artillery, rockets, and Thai airstrikes, resulting in dozens of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. A ceasefire was brokered on July 28, followed by an enhanced joint declaration signed on October 26 in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, establishing mechanisms like an ASEAN Observer Team for verification and demining.
However, the truce unraveled in November after incidents including landmine explosions injuring Thai soldiers, leading Thailand to suspend implementation. Renewed clashes erupted on December 8, spreading across multiple provinces with exchanges of artillery, drones, and airstrikes. Both sides have accused each other of initiating violations.
On Wednesday, December 24, military officials from Thailand and Cambodia commenced talks in Chanthaburi province, Thailand, under the framework of the General Border Committee (GBC). The initial session lasted less than an hour—around 35 minutes according to reports—with negotiations scheduled to continue through Friday, potentially culminating in a ministerial-level agreement on December 27. Thailand has proposed conditions including a genuine ceasefire with monitoring, mine clearance, and commitments against using civilian or ancient sites for military purposes.
Casualty figures vary, with reports indicating a combined death toll reaching at least 95, including significant civilian losses. Thai authorities have reported around 65 deaths on their side, mostly civilians, while Cambodian sources cite at least 30 fatalities. The fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands, with humanitarian concerns mounting over shelter, food, and safety in affected border regions.
International actors, including ASEAN chair Malaysia, the United States, and China, have urged de-escalation. ASEAN foreign ministers met specially on December 22 in Kuala Lumpur, recalling prior agreements and pushing for immediate cessation of hostilities. Russia's statement aligns with broader calls for diplomacy, reflecting Moscow's interest in regional stability involving traditional partners.
As talks proceed amid reports of sporadic clashes, the outcome remains uncertain. Analysts note that while bilateral mechanisms offer a path forward, mutual distrust and nationalist sentiments complicate progress. The dispute underscores lingering postcolonial border issues in Southeast Asia, with potential implications for ASEAN unity.
Zakharova's remarks reiterate Russia's position favoring negotiated settlements without external interference beyond supportive mediation, consistent with its advocacy in other global conflicts.
