Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, accused Europe on Saturday in a speech at the United Nations of doing "everything" to prevent peace talks regarding the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv. He emphasized that Russia will achieve its goals in Ukraine.
Russia's Stance on Tensions
In this speech, Lavrov stated: "Europe is doing everything it can to disrupt the talks that the previous U.S. administration was interested in." He added: "The objectives of the special military operation will be achieved, threats to Russia's security will be eliminated, and calm will return to the region. This will happen under any circumstances."
These remarks were made as German Foreign Minister, Johan Wadephol, met with Lavrov for the first time since the war began. These discussions come amid heightened tensions between Berlin and Moscow, with Germany accusing Russia of orchestrating a failed drone attack on Leipzig airport.
Consequences of the Foreign Ministers' Meeting
A German diplomat reported that Wadephol called for the Russian Federation to abandon the dangerous path of escalating tensions towards Germany, Europe, and NATO. He clearly stated that incidents like the recent attack in Leipzig or other hybrid attacks will not weaken Germany's resolve to support Ukraine.
Lavrov last met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in January 2022, less than a month before Russia's attack on Ukraine. Germany is considered one of Kyiv's main allies. Lavrov, one of Russia's veteran foreign ministers, recently accused Germany of "wanting war again" and is recognized as one of Russia's anti-Western officials.
European countries, including Germany, have recently warned about the increasing subversive activities of Russia on their soil. Direct flights between Russia and Germany have been halted since the attack.
According to the German diplomat, the issue of Ukraine dominated this closed media meeting. He said: "The German Foreign Minister condemned Russia's ongoing and increasing aggression against the civilian population of Ukraine. This effort to increase pressure will not change the unacceptable situation for Russia: every month, tens of thousands of Russian soldiers are killed in a futile war, while the Russian economy is continuously collapsing."
The meeting on Saturday was initiated by Berlin and lasted about 20 minutes, according to Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Lavrov also stated at the United Nations that Moscow is ready to help stabilize the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf region, as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues. He emphasized: "We need trust in relations between Gulf countries, Arab countries, and Iran. We need a stable regional structure." Lavrov told the leaders present at the UN General Assembly: "Russia, along with other responsible countries, is ready to constructively contribute to stabilizing this strategic region."
Read more: UN General Assembly: World leaders gather in New York
