In a recent interview with Bosnian Serb television network ATV, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov offered an extensive critique of the Western approach to the Ukraine conflict, highlighting what he termed “a war unleashed by the West” through its support of the Ukrainian government. Lavrov addressed the origins of the ongoing conflict, critiqued the role of NATO and Western countries, and outlined Russia’s stance on future negotiations.
According to Lavrov, the Western countries, particularly the United States, have fueled the conflict by supplying arms and support to Ukraine, drawing parallels to a broader Western strategy to undermine Russia’s security. He pointed to the 2014 coup in Ukraine, when Western nations supported the opposition’s breach of a peace agreement, as a pivotal moment that led to the escalation of tensions. The Russian Foreign Minister stated that the special military operation, which began in 2022, was a response to these provocations, aimed at defending Russia’s security interests and the rights of Russian speakers in Ukraine.
Lavrov criticized the Minsk Agreements, stating that they were merely a tactic for the West to buy time and arm Ukraine. He accused Western leaders of hypocrisy, noting that they had no real intention of ensuring peace. He also cited the recent Ramstein-format meetings led by the United States as an indication that NATO was deeply involved in Ukraine’s military efforts. Lavrov claimed that Western countries are now struggling to maintain the facade of success in the conflict, suggesting that their rhetoric has shifted from defeating Russia to merely avoiding their own defeat.
Regarding ongoing diplomatic efforts, Lavrov dismissed the upcoming Swiss conference on Ukraine, arguing that it was merely a guise for promoting Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s “peace formula,” which he characterized as Russophobic and unrealistic. He further stated that Russia would not participate in any event that supported Zelensky’s agenda, emphasizing that Russia is open to negotiations but only based on “reality.”
Lavrov underscored the Russian objectives of demilitarization and denazification in Ukraine, indicating that these goals are non-negotiable. He also referenced China’s twelve-point initiative and the efforts of African states, led by South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, as alternative approaches to resolving the conflict.
The Foreign Minister concluded by asserting that Russia would continue to pursue its objectives in Ukraine, denouncing Western narratives that depict Russia as unwilling to negotiate. He reiterated Russia’s commitment to engaging in discussions that align with its national interests, dismissing Western accusations of inflexibility.
