Russian state media outlets have abruptly ceased using the term “Anglo-Saxons” to refer to Americans following Kremlin orders to moderate their language, The Moscow Times has reported.

The Amsterdam-based publication, citing anonymous sources, stated that state media received new editorial guidelines in mid-February following the inauguration of US President Donald Trump and renewed diplomatic engagements between Russia and the United States over the war in Ukraine.

The term “Anglo-Saxons” has frequently been used by Russian state media, as well as by senior officials such as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, to describe the English-speaking world, primarily the United States and the United Kingdom. The phrase, often employed in a derogatory manner alongside terms such as “the collective West,” became more prevalent following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

However, after recent discussions between Moscow and Washington, the term has largely disappeared from major state television broadcasts and publications. According to The Moscow Times, the directive to state-run outlets was swiftly implemented, with figures such as political strategist Yevgeny Minchenko publicly rejecting the notion that “Anglo-Saxons” were responsible for Russia’s difficulties.

Other prominent commentators, including Dmitry Kiselyov, who previously threatened the US with nuclear strikes, have adjusted their rhetoric. Instead of condemning Washington, Kiselyov recently referred to Russia, China and the United States as the “Big Three” global powers, dismissing the European Union and Nato as politically insignificant.

Similarly, Vladimir Solovyov, a well-known Kremlin media figure, has shifted from repeatedly criticising the US to praising Trump’s geopolitical ambitions, including his potential territorial claims.

The shift extends beyond television, with pro-war bloggers on Telegram also moderating their language regarding the United States. The Moscow Times noted that the influential Telegram channel Rybar, which has 1.3mn subscribers, ceased using the term entirely following reports of discussions between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in February.