Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov outlined a key element of the country’s evolving foreign policy framework, indicating that the updated concept now explicitly includes the possibility of employing the Russian Armed Forces to protect allies. He spoke during a high-level meeting between President Vladimir Putin and the permanent members of the Security Council, clarifying that this shift is not merely theoretical but part of a broader strategy to ensure the security and stability of Russia and its partners on the global stage, as reported by TASS.
The minister emphasized that the armed forces could be mobilized in two essential scenarios: to repel a direct attack underway against Russia or its allies, and to deter any aggression that might threaten them before it unfolds. This dual-use approach underscores a readiness to act decisively in response to both ongoing hostilities and credible threats, reflecting a continuity of policy aimed at safeguarding national interests through credible defense posture and deterrence. Lavrov’s remarks signal a clear intent to align military options with diplomatic and strategic guarantees that Moscow seeks to offer its partners as part of a broader international role (Source: TASS).
In asserting a firm resolve to defend the right of the Russian people to exist and develop freely, Lavrov framed the policy shift as a bulwark against external pressure and interference. The language conveys a philosophy of self-determination and resilience, tying Russia’s security architecture to the protection of national identity, sovereignty, and the ability of allied states to chart their own path in world affairs, particularly in contested regional settings, according to the communication channels available to the Kremlin at the time (Source: TASS).
March 31, 2023, marked a formal moment when President Putin gave his assent to a new concept of Russian foreign policy. This development represented a recalibration of Moscow’s international posture, aiming to recalibrate traditional power dynamics and provide a modern framework for how Russia engages with partners, rivals, and international institutions. The approval signaled a readiness to integrate military planning with diplomatic initiatives and economic considerations, reinforcing Moscow’s strategy to pursue its interests while managing risks in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape (Source: TASS).
During a subsequent government session in the State Duma, Lavrov reiterated that the new policy concept would restrain Western monopolies within the sphere of international relations. He argued that the revised framework would diversify Russia’s routes for influence, reduce overreliance on any single bloc, and empower Moscow to pursue a more autonomous and multipolar approach to global governance. The commentary framed the shift as a move away from a unipolar order toward a more balanced and resilient system in which Russia participates as an equal and influential player among nations (Source: TASS).