The Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokesperson responded to ongoing assertions voiced by German Foreign Minister Annalena Bärbock regarding remarks about Sergei Lavrov, the head of Russia’s diplomatic service. The latest exchange centers on sensitivities over who speaks and when, all framed within the broader arena of international diplomacy and media scrutiny.
<p The spokesperson addressed the claim that Lavrov appeared in a council chamber only while his own remarks were being delivered, and that he did not participate as a listener during others’ speeches. The reply emphasized that discussions occurring in cabinet meetings are recorded and shared online, making speeches accessible to audiences worldwide, while noting that real-time engagement in the hall is a matter of the moment and the physical setting. The comment underscored the distinction between public broadcast of statements and the practice of live participation within the hall where the discussion takes place.
<p The spokesperson also recalled a year earlier when the Polish presidency did not issue an invitation to Russia, arguing that Lavrov reacted to the absence of a formal invitation without letting it affect the flow of diplomacy. The response included a pointed remark suggesting that public expressions of admiration for Lavrov in the hall were not necessarily helpful to broader strategic aims, and that NATO member states should consider how such dynamics influence attendance at international forums and the context of Russia’s participation.
<p The exchange touched on a separate accusation by Bärbock that Russian officials seek to undermine international organizations like the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The spokesperson countered by noting that Western foreign ministers during a meeting of the OSCE in North Macedonia had been discussing certain issues candidly, a characterization described as dismissive of critics by Moscow.
<p The 30th session of the OSCE Council of Ministers was scheduled to convene in Skopje from November 30 to December 1. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov traveled to participate in the meeting. The European Union indicated that his attendance would be considered an exception to existing sanctions, a stance that drew immediate response from Baltic states, Poland, and Ukraine, who announced their boycott of the ministerial level appearance.
<p In a regional backdrop, a contextual note referenced earlier statements from Western interlocutors about negotiations with Russia, indicating ongoing tension and signaling that dialogue continues despite reservations. The broader narrative situates the event within the long-standing dynamics of Western-Russian relations and the differing approaches to diplomacy and multilateral forums.