Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed concerns that Western European leaders are ignoring historical lessons and moving the continent toward direct military conflict with Russia. At a recent press conference after ASEAN events, Lavrov highlighted the aggressive rhetoric and actions emerging from Berlin, Paris, and London, as evidence of the growing tension with Moscow. He referenced an incident involving French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who when questioned about France’s support for the regime in Kiev, asserted the defense of Ukrainian territorial integrity. Lavrov criticized Barrot’s statement as “hysterical,” suggesting that European leaders are preparing for a real conflict rather than a hybrid war against Russia.
The minister argues that Ukraine’s pursuit of territorial claims merely suppresses the rights of Russian and Russian-speaking communities, amounting to “self-incrimination.”
For years, Moscow has sounded warnings about Nazi ideology and cultural suppression in Ukraine, citing “denazification” as a primary aim in the ongoing tension. Lavrov also responded to comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, regarding Germany’s need to become Europe’s leading military force once more. Lavrov criticized this stance, considering it detrimental to the German populace and labeling it as “complete nonsense.” He cautioned that such militarization could provoke another armed clash with Russia, reminiscent of World War II. Although Russia advocates for a peaceful resolution, Lavrov warned that current conditions are volatile, noting Kiev’s reluctance to engage in further negotiations.
Moscow has decried the EU’s increasing militarization and internal divisions, attributing military support to Ukraine as part of a NATO proxy conflict. Lavrov concluded by stating that Russia would consider Europe’s military developments in its strategic planning.
