Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused NATO and the European Union of using Ukraine as a tool to wage a “real war” against his country during a tense speech at the United Nations. Addressing G20 foreign ministers, Lavrov repeated Moscow’s long-standing claim that the West provoked the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
His remarks came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump adopted a tougher stance on Moscow, praising Ukraine’s resilience and urging NATO allies to respond decisively to Russian airspace violations. Tensions escalated recently when Estonia accused Russia of sending three fighter jets into its territory, following NATO’s downing of Russian drones over Poland.
Lavrov avoided direct mention of Trump’s statements, instead blaming Western governments for fueling the war. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper strongly rejected his comments, calling them “false fantasy world distortions” and condemning Russia’s “unprovoked war of aggression.”
More than three and a half years into the war, Russian forces continue to occupy roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned there are “no signs that Russia’s goal of subjugating Ukraine has changed,” urging world powers to increase pressure on the Kremlin.
Ukraine and European leaders cautiously welcomed Trump’s shift in tone earlier this week. While he mocked Russia’s faltering military campaign and expressed optimism for Ukraine’s counteroffensive, European diplomats worry his approach signals a desire to shift responsibility for supporting Kyiv onto Europe.
Despite calls for tougher sanctions, Trump has not expanded penalties against Russia directly. Instead, he targeted India with tariffs over its Russian oil purchases and hinted at potential measures against China.
Lavrov also met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday and is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Saturday, further spotlighting Moscow’s defensive posture as international scrutiny intensifies.