During a recent interview with journalist Pavel Zarubin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed a surprising sentiment about Western politicians who voiced concern over President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to Mongolia. The minister stated that he could sympathize with those who worry, framing their concerns as a possible signal of deeper interest in Moscow’s relations with Mongolia. The remarks were shared during a conversation summarized for the Telegram channel Last One, highlighting the ongoing attention this trip has attracted from Western capitals.
The exchange underscored how European Union members and United States officials have publicly scrutinized the diplomacy surrounding Putin’s itinerary. Zarubin pressed Lavrov to provide his assessment of the situation, prompting a response that touched on historical ties and current geopolitical dynamics. Lavrov’s rhetoric aimed to put the Western reactions into a broader historical context, suggesting a continuity of shared history between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar as a motivating factor in present-day cooperation.
Lavrov noted that the Soviet Union and Mongolia stood together in the crucible of the Second World War, a historical episode he described as foundational to the enduring warmth of their bilateral relationship. He argued that questions about the closeness of Moscow and Ulaanbaatar have at times been met with sharp, even accusatory, responses, which he characterized as akin to receiving political “Nazi notes.” In his view, this language signals how sensitive the issue of alignment between Russia and Mongolia remains in international discourse.
In a separate thread of events, President Vladimir Putin, accompanied by a delegation, carried out an official visit to Mongolia on September 2. The following day, Putin held talks with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The discussions touched on economic, security, and cultural dimensions, reflecting a broader strategy to deepen ties and mutual interests between the two nations.
Following the bilateral negotiations, Moscow announced an agreement aimed at boosting cooperation in the supply of petroleum products. The accord signified a tangible step to enhance energy collaboration and ensure a more reliable energy corridor between Russia and Mongolia. Later in the day, a ceremony took place at a monument in Ulaanbaatar to honor Marshal Georgy Zhukov, a figure historically associated with the Allied victory in World War II. This gesture was presented as a symbol of enduring friendship and shared historical memory between the two countries.
During the proceedings, Putin offered a toast that reflected the speaker’s vision for the future of Russian-Mongolian ties. The host nation welcomed the sentiment as part of a broader effort to reinforce diplomatic and economic collaboration. Observers noted that the visit included a mix of ceremonial moments and substantive discussions designed to map out concrete avenues for cooperation in the years ahead.