Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that Europe is heading toward a “suicidal path” involving a direct armed conflict with Russia, should Ukraine’s government fall.
Rallied Under Nazi Banner
Speaking at a symposium, Lavrov asserted that “Anglo-Saxon powers” are preparing continental Europe for this scenario if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s regime were to fail, according to Digi24
“Today, the Anglo-Saxons aim to weaken Russia using the Kyiv regime, similar to how Hitler rallied Europe under the Nazi banner,” Lavrov said.
He claimed that the West has a “contingency plan” to push Europe into direct conflict with Russia if its current strategy through Ukraine falters.
Lavrov criticized European leaders, arguing they lack a vision for a future in a multipolar world, instead relying on “a hegemon across the ocean” — a reference to the United States.
Deliberately Escalating Tensions
The remarks reflect Moscow’s ongoing claims that Western nations, particularly the U.S. and U.K., are deliberately escalating tensions with Russia by supporting Ukraine.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, NATO and EU nations have ramped up military support for Ukraine, with the U.S. committing over $43 billion in security aid, and European countries supplying advanced weaponry and training for Ukrainian forces.
European leaders maintain that this support is intended to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty, but Russia views it as part of a broader Western campaign against Russian influence.
Lavrov’s statement also comes amid recent escalations on the front lines.
As Ukrainian forces push back in the eastern Donetsk and southern Zaporizhzhia regions, Russia has fortified its defenses, particularly around Crimea, an area it annexed in 2014.
The conflict has caused significant casualties on both sides, with estimates of Russian military losses at approximately 150,000 and Ukrainian losses around 70,000–100,000. Civilian casualties in Ukraine are estimated to be over 9,000, with many more injured, according to U.N. reports.
