Lavrov intensifies rhetoric on war: what he said at G20 summit and the implications for international politics
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov continues to employ rhetoric that escalates tensions surrounding the conflict between Russia and the West.
During the recent G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, he reiterated that NATO and the European Union have effectively ‘declared war’ on Russia through Ukraine and act in this conflict ‘with Ukraine’s hands.’ Lavrov described the war as a ‘crisis in Ukraine,’ claiming it was provoked by the ‘collective West,’ thus positioning Russia as a victim of Western aggression.
These statements align with Russia’s traditional propaganda narrative, as quoted by Russian media.
His remarks came amid statements from U.S.
figures such as Donald Trump, who expressed disappointment in Russia a few days earlier, calling it a ‘paper tiger’ and confidently asserting that Ukraine can regain all occupied territories.
Trump also urged NATO countries to shoot down Russian planes and drones that violate their airspace, increasing tensions among allies.
The growing discord was evident as Poland considers giving its military permission to shoot down Russian drones and aircraft over Belarus and Ukraine, a move Moscow warns could lead to military confrontation and calls it a ‘fantasy to suit Russophobia.’ These developments heighten regional instability and threaten broader conflict, as Russia has already warned that such actions could escalate into open hostilities with NATO.