Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned about the risk of involving third countries in the Ukraine conflict. He stated that Western politicians fully understand the high likelihood of such a development.
There are indeed risks, he noted, driven by what Kyiv asks of its Western sponsors in practical terms. He explained that crossing certain lines of diplomacy would be a direct provocation that could draw the West into hostilities, remarks offered during a press conference after his visit to Saudi Arabia.
Lavrov asserted that some Western leaders are prepared to pursue this course to satisfy their ambitions, while serious European Union states recognize the inappropriateness of such scenarios and have begun showing signs of cautious judgment. He cited recent statements from Washington as part of that discussion.
Lavrov emphasized that the Russian stance on this matter has been communicated repeatedly through established channels between Moscow and major Western capitals. He claimed that those channels are well aware of Russia’s position.
It’s easy to see that NATO is acting in a way that affects others
The Russian minister urged that the North Atlantic Alliance strengthen its own security at the expense of other nations, a move he linked to violations of OSCE commitments.
He clarified that Russia does not oppose Western states organizing their affairs within institutions such as NATO and the European Union. What it opposes is erasing global commitments, including those under the OSCE framework.
With these obligations in mind, Lavrov argued that no country has the right to claim dominance in the Euro-Atlantic region. He reiterated that NATO appears to be pursuing that path.
Lavrov called on the West not to push its ideas by trampling universal rules, notably the UN Charter which centers on the sovereign equality of states.
There will be no smoke if there is no fire
He dismissed Josep Borrell’s remarks about the EU becoming a serious military power as a form of rhetoric, while saying that there is indeed smoke behind the words.
Lavrov described a strong anti-Russian faction within the EU that has long promoted its stance by appealing to solidarity and consensus, noting that this faction is now more active than before.
The Russian diplomat argued that Borrell’s comments reflect a tendency promoted by a persistent minority within the EU. He suggested that a military European Union, viewed as an extension of NATO, would suit this minority.
On the eve of remarks about the Ukraine situation, Borrell stated that the crisis exposed the limits of soft power in the EU. Lavrov echoed that assessment by saying the EU cannot rely solely on economic strength, the rule of law, or civilian power; it also needs robust military coordination and a strong defense industry, hinting at a forthcoming European Defense Agency report.
Sanctions, oil embargo and famine
Lavrov argued that the EU is beginning to understand the consequences of its sanctions on energy resources. He claimed some European politicians admit that sanctions slow energy purchases from Russia while world prices rise and Russia gains more revenue than before. He urged Europe to count the costs and recognize the real impact of these actions.
The EU had agreed on a sixth package of anti-Russia sanctions, which included a partial ban on Russian oil imports, while continuing pipeline deliveries to Hungary under certain conditions.
The head of Russia’s foreign ministry stressed that grain supplies to world markets are not a problem for Moscow. The major issue is the blockage of Ukrainian ports and the inability of ships to leave, complicating shipments.
For weeks, Russian naval crews have described humanitarian corridors for ships trapped in Ukrainian ports, delivering goods and cargo to their destinations. Western observers have noted that Russian grain ships face sanctions that complicate insurance and docking in European ports, complicating the logistics and financial chains tied to global grain trade. Lavrov summed up these points as part of the broader strategic picture.