Russia’s top diplomat said that the country is in a real war with the West, and in the context of the conflict in Ukraine there is still no way out.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on January 23 that what is happening in Ukraine is no longer a mixed war, but a real war between Moscow and the West.
“When we talk about what’s going on in Ukraine, we’re talking about the fact that this is no longer a mixed war, but a real war the West has long prepared against Russia. , trying to destroy everything Russian: From language to culture – things that have existed in Ukraine for centuries,” he alleged at a press conference after talks with South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.
“Former Ukrainian President Poroshenko and President Volodymyr Zelensky were elected with a pledge to establish peace, but soon after their election they became wartime presidents and held anti-Russian views,” Lavrov said.
Russia’s top diplomat reiterated that Ukraine passed a law banning teaching in the Russian language, banning communications in the Russian language, and accusing Kiev of banning the use of Russian in everyday life.
“Any cultural contact related to the Russian language is prohibited. And all this is supported by the West,” he said.
In addition, Lavrov accused Western countries such as the United States and Britain of crossing all red lines when increasing pressure on countries that cooperate with Russia.
“The US is openly stating that those who cooperate with Russia will regret it. Through threats and pressure, the US and also the UK are crossing all red lines,” he alleged.
Lavrov accused the West of undermining democratic principles in international relations, noting that the US and EU only call for democracy when it suits their interests.
He also noted the problems related to Russian grain and fertilizer exports in the context of the world food crisis and anti-Russian sanctions. He noted that although Western sanctions do not prohibit Moscow’s exports of the above items, they create logistical, financial, and freight problems. Lavrov stressed that Russia is ready for international cooperation to solve these problems, but the West does not appear to be willing to participate.
