Moscow – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed a range of international issues, including the conflict in Ukraine, perceived Western deception, and relations with the United States, in an extensive interview with RT television channel on . The interview, conducted by Rick Sanchez, comes ahead of Russia’s Diplomatic Workers’ Day, celebrated on .
Lavrov’s comments on the Ukraine crisis centered on accusations against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he described as prioritizing personal survival over a peaceful resolution. He thinks about nothing except for his own survival,
Lavrov stated, suggesting Zelensky is actively obstructing peace efforts. The minister’s remarks indicate a continued impasse in negotiations, with Russia placing the onus for the stalled process squarely on the Ukrainian leadership.
The interview also touched upon the sensitive topic of individuals linked to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Lavrov framed the issue not as one of specific individuals, but as indicative of a broader culture of deception
prevalent among Western leaders. He suggested a lack of accountability and a disregard for honesty characterize decision-making processes in many Western governments.
Regarding relations with the United States, Lavrov offered a nuanced assessment of the administration of former President Donald Trump. While acknowledging moments of apparent understanding regarding Russia’s position on the conflict in Ukraine, he emphasized that sanctions remained in place and pressure continued to be applied to countries maintaining economic ties with Russia. He cautioned against wishful thinking
regarding a swift improvement in relations with Washington, even under a new administration.
The interview recalled a previous interaction between Russia and the United States, specifically a meeting in Anchorage. President Vladimir Putin, according to Lavrov, was surprised
by the outcome of those talks. He noted that Russia had supported a U.S. Proposal for a comprehensive settlement of the Ukrainian crisis following the Anchorage meeting.
Lavrov also outlined Russia’s vision for a tolerable future Ukraine. According to the Foreign Minister, Russia is prepared to accept Ukraine’s continued existence as a state, but only under the conditions of neutrality and a benevolent stance towards Russia. This suggests a continued demand for security guarantees and a rejection of Ukraine’s aspirations for closer integration with Western institutions.
The timing of the interview, just days before Diplomatic Workers’ Day, underscores the importance Russia places on its diplomatic corps and its continued efforts to articulate its foreign policy objectives. The wide-ranging nature of the discussion – encompassing Ukraine, Western integrity, and US relations – highlights the complex geopolitical challenges facing Russia on multiple fronts.
The Russian Foreign Ministry shared news of the interview on its social media channels, including X (formerly Twitter), signaling its intent to disseminate Lavrov’s message to a broader audience. The interview provides a valuable insight into the Kremlin’s current thinking on key international issues and its assessment of the prospects for resolving ongoing conflicts and improving strained relationships.
The interview with RT offers a platform for Russia to directly address international concerns and present its perspective on events shaping the global landscape. It remains to be seen how Lavrov’s comments will be received by Western governments and whether they will contribute to any meaningful progress in de-escalating tensions or finding diplomatic solutions to the challenges discussed.
