Kathrine Frich
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov addressed fellow G20 foreign ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov addressed fellow G20 foreign ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Lavrov’s Speech at the UN Sparks Tensions
His remarks centered on Ukraine and the role of the West in the ongoing conflict.
He framed NATO and the EU as active participants in what he described as a war against Russia.
Accusations of “Real War” Against Russia
In his speech, Lavrov claimed that Western alliances were no longer neutral actors.
“Another clear example is the crisis in Ukraine provoked by the West, through which NATO and the EU have already declared a real war against my country and they are directly involved in it,” he said.
The words landed heavily in the chamber, echoing past claims but with greater resonance in this international setting.
A Familiar Line With New Weight
Lavrov has accused the West before, but his latest remarks carried more gravity.
Delivered in front of top diplomats from the world’s largest economies, his words highlighted Russia’s effort to reframe the war in Ukraine as a struggle against Western aggression, not a conflict of its own making.
The audience included nations wary of Russia’s invasion and skeptical of its narrative.
Silence on Trump’s Harsh Remarks
Notably, Lavrov did not address U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks earlier in the week.
Trump had openly mocked Russia’s military performance in Ukraine and said he believed Kiev could take back all of its occupied lands.
The absence of any reference to Trump suggested Moscow’s desire to sidestep the U.S. president’s unusually sharp criticism.
Britain’s Swift and Stinging Reply
As Lavrov was preparing to leave, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper launched into her own remarks.
She directly challenged his claims, condemning Moscow’s actions in Ukraine and dismissing his narrative.
“No amount of false fantasy world distortions, disinformation and propaganda from the Russian representative regarding the causes of the war will convince anyone,” Cooper declared.
Russia’s Invasion Still Ongoing After Years
More than three and a half years since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Russian forces still occupy roughly 20% of Ukraine’s territory.
Fighting in the east remains intense, with neither side willing to back down.
Lavrov’s comments served as a reminder that Moscow continues to insist the war was provoked, despite the international consensus that Russia launched it unprovoked.
Europe Pushes for Continued Pressure
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, reinforced the need for international unity against Moscow.
She argued that the world must not grow weary of sanctions or diplomatic efforts.
“There are no signs that Russia’s goal of subjugating Ukraine has changed,” she said, urging nations to stay firm in their opposition.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
