Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sharply escalated his rhetoric toward Europe, claiming that European countries are waging war against Russia by providing weapons to Ukraine, which are being used in combat against Russian forces. He also revealed that Moscow and Washington are preparing further talks on disputed issues.
Lavrov’s assertion that Europe is “waging war against Russia” is a political statement by Russia’s top diplomat and not an official declaration of war by Russia against European countries.
Lavrov: “I have no doubt this is war”
Lavrov delivered these remarks on the sidelines of the Valdai International Discussion Club meeting.
He argued that European countries are supplying Ukraine with weapons, which the Ukrainian army is using to attack Russian troops and targets.
Based on this, Lavrov interpreted the situation as a war waged by Europe against Russia.
Lavrov used similarly harsh rhetoric days earlier, when he accused European states of blocking former US President Donald Trump’s path to peace negotiations.
It is important to stress that this is Moscow’s position. The delivery of military aid to Ukraine by itself does not automatically amount to a formal declaration of war against Russia.
Moscow preparing new talks with Washington
Alongside Lavrov’s tough message to Europe came news of renewed Russia-US contacts.
Lavrov announced that talks between Russia and the United States on contentious issues will be held in the near future.
He said this was agreed with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Experts from both sides are still to determine the exact time and location for the meeting.
Contacts between Moscow and Washington have intensified in recent weeks. Aktualizovane.sk previously reported that the US will invite Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit in Miami and that a partial ceasefire is under discussion.
Russia and US talking, but war continues
So far, the ongoing dialogue between Washington and Moscow has not led to any major breakthrough in the war in Ukraine.
Lavrov has repeatedly stated that Russia does not seek just a short-term pause in fighting, but a broader agreement that, according to Moscow, would address the root causes of the conflict.
Ukraine and its partners have a different view on the terms of any possible peace agreement.
The gap between diplomatic negotiations and battlefield developments remains substantial.
Kyiv targeted by attacks again
As Lavrov was making his statements, Russian attacks on Ukraine continued.
Kyiv and other regions reported hits by drones and missiles. Ukrainian authorities noted damage to buildings and infrastructure, while air defense reportedly intercepted some of the attacks.
The security situation in the capital worsened to the extent that the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv decided to temporarily switch to remote instruction.
Lavrov’s statements thus come at a time when Moscow is simultaneously renewing contacts with Washington even as daily military operations continue.
Moscow sends mixed signals
Russia is currently following two parallel lines.
On one hand, Lavrov is using increasingly tough language toward Europe and claiming the continent is at war with Russia.
On the other, he is announcing further negotiations with the United States.
The outcome of these contacts remains unknown. The fact that talks are happening does not necessarily mean that an agreement to end the war is near.
Source: Pravda
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
