LAVROV: RUSSIA WILL ACHIEVE ITS WAR OBJECTIVES AND RESTORE PEACE
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia will continue its military campaign in Ukraine until what Moscow calls the objectives of its “special military operation” are achieved.
«“The objectives of the special military operation will be achieved, the threats to Russia’s security will be eliminated, and peaceful life will be restored,” Lavrov said.»
In a wide-ranging address, Lavrov accused the leadership of several European Union countries of what he described as “extreme Russophobia” and alleged that some European governments tolerate what Moscow characterizes as the glorification of Nazism in Ukraine.
Lavrov also criticized Western countries for voting against a Russian-backed United Nations resolution concerning the glorification of Nazism, arguing that the legacy of World War II and the postwar international order are rooted in the UN Charter.
He warned that, in Moscow’s view, attempts to minimize Nazi Germany’s responsibility for crimes committed during World War II threaten the foundations of the UN-centered international system.
Lavrov also sharply criticized Germany’s growing defense role in Europe, questioning what he described as Berlin’s ambition to once again become a major military power on the continent.
«“Do they understand what this ‘again’ means? Do they understand where this could lead? Have the lessons of the Second World War taught us nothing?” Lavrov asked.»
On Ukraine, Lavrov accused Kyiv of violating fundamental principles concerning human rights, freedom of expression and religious freedom. He specifically claimed that the Russian language has been subjected to restrictions in Ukraine, while accusing the European Union of ignoring these issues.
Moscow has repeatedly presented its military intervention in Ukraine as an effort to protect people in the Donbas and what it calls Novorossiya. Kyiv and its Western allies reject Russia’s justification for the war and have accused Moscow of violating Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law.
Lavrov concluded by saying Russia’s campaign would continue despite what he described as the failure of the current international leadership to take what Moscow considers the correct position on the conflict.
«“Our struggle for truth and justice will be carried through to the end,” Lavrov said. “The objectives of the special military operation will be achieved, the threats to Russia’s security will be eliminated, and peaceful life will be restored.”»