Camilla Jessen
Russia’s top diplomat lashes out at Western peace efforts, accusing European leaders of trying to preserve Ukraine’s government under the pretense of diplomacy.
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On April 14, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov lashed out at European leaders, accusing them of using peace efforts in Ukraine as a smokescreen to support what he described as a hostile and anti-Russian regime in Kyiv.
In an interview with Kommersant, Lavrov dismissed Western peace proposals as disingenuous, singling out French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer.
According to Lavrov, these efforts aim to preserve a government that he claimed is both “Nazi” and “openly Russophobic.”
“These so-called peace initiatives from the Macrons and the Starmers are really about ensuring that at least some part of Ukrainian territory remains under the control of this regime,” Lavrov said.
He also questioned the West’s commitment to democratic principles in Ukraine, claiming that discussions about holding elections are being sidelined.
“The Americans have recently called for elections, but Europe, I believe, will do everything possible to maintain the current power structure,” he added.
Lavrov went on to suggest that even if a leadership change were to occur, it would likely be superficial.
He argued that Western powers might seek a new leader—one “less dependent on certain substances”—but insisted that the core of the government would remain unchanged.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the ongoing war in an interview with CBS, stating that when faced with aggression, neutrality is not an option.
“There is a clear aggressor and a clear victim,” Zelenskyy said, reinforcing Ukraine’s stance amid continued international debate.