LAVROV - We cannot engage in crystal-ball gazing - SUB

SUBTITLES
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’ answers to media questions following the high-level plenary meeting of the 2nd International Conference on Eurasian Security, Minsk, October 31, 2024.
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Question: At a meeting with Mark Rutte, Vladimir Zelensky called for the redeployment of troops to Ukraine. It is no secret that weapons and officers from NATO countries are already present there. On one hand, the West appears to be “greedy” and reluctant to finance Ukraine as it once did. On the other hand, we constantly hear about attempts to further escalate the situation. To what extent do you believe Washington is prepared to go?

Sergey Lavrov: Just as I cannot peer into others’ finances, I cannot peer into others’ minds. Each statement made by Vladimir Zelensky only serves to highlight his inadequacies, both as a politician, which he attempts to portray himself as, and simply as an individual. It is lamentable.

As for his sponsors, we are observing the discussions taking place, where sensible politicians are calling for a focus on their own domestic issues, which are numerous in the US and particularly in Europe. Instead, EU leaders are attempting to align everyone under the slogan: “We will defend Ukraine to the last.” By this, they mean, of course, the last Ukrainian.

I do not believe that the involvement of foreign armed forces in the Ukrainian conflict holds significant importance at this juncture. It is widely understood that they are already engaged there. Without instructors who effectively direct missile systems against targets within the Russian Federation, the Ukrainian army would be unable to continue fighting. How the West, including London, will persist in exerting its influence over this regime is of no particular interest to me. We are clear about our objectives. We will achieve them, one way or another.

Question: It has been reported in the US media that a confidential aspect of “Zelensky’s plan” involves a request for the supply of Tomahawk missiles. What is your stance on the ongoing escalation by the Kiev regime? And how would Moscow respond if Washington agreed to supply these missiles to Ukraine?

Sergey Lavrov: We cannot engage in crystal-ball gazing, and certainly not in the kind of substances that Mr Zelensky might indulge in from time to time. It is clear that his demand for Tomahawks has knocked Washington for a loop. I reckon they understand perfectly well who they are dealing with. I am confident that for the sake of ensuring the security of the United States and the American people, they will “slap Zelensky on the hands” if he persists in his attempts to embroil the United States in a conflict with Russia.