Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Europe is not an impartial observer in the Ukraine conflict but rather a party seeking Russia's defeat, a stance openly avowed by Europeans themselves. He noted that dialogue with Europe cannot proceed as if it were a neutral third party.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia prefers to achieve the goals of its special military operation through diplomacy, emphasizing the need to guarantee security along its western borders and respect for its citizens' rights. He also deemed further Western expansion unacceptable, noting the article was canceled by Politico-Europe.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Europe continues to dream of expansion, intending to absorb Ukraine and Moldova while drawing Armenia into its sphere of influence. He also noted NATO's eastward expansion with Finland and Sweden's accession, and described Ukraine as a potential "striking fist" for a future European military force.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that a new Eurasian security architecture is needed, as the old European model has been destroyed by European leaders. He believes this new architecture should be open to all Eurasian countries and reflect the current multipolar reality. Lavrov's article was initially planned for publication in Politico-Europe but was canceled.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claims Europe aims to "freeze" the Ukraine conflict and deploy Anglo-French military contingents, stating the real goal is to save Zelensky's regime, not negotiate with Russia. His article was canceled by Politico-Europe.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that negotiations with Russia over the past two decades have been a "diplomatic smokescreen" for the West's geopolitical expansion, particularly by NATO and the EU towards Russia's borders. His article, initially intended for Politico-Europe, was canceled by the outlet.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia could lead to nuclear strikes and catastrophic consequences. His article, initially slated for publication in Politico-Europe, was canceled by the outlet's editorial team.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India on June 22-23 for a BRICS National Security Advisers meeting. The visit precedes India's BRICS presidency and aims to discuss global security challenges and prepare for the September BRICS summit.
Germany is reconsidering its UN contributions after failing to secure a Security Council seat. Foreign Minister Wadephul cited the need to save money and a feeling of underrepresentation, suggesting a clearer stance on future UN decisions.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Turkey has confirmed its interest in not only hosting but also actively participating in negotiations regarding Ukraine. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed this with Russian officials, including President Putin, leveraging his past experience as head of Turkey's intelligence service.
Germany is considering reducing its UN contributions after failing to secure a temporary seat on the Security Council. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Germany, a major contributor, deserves a greater say in decisions and will mark its position more clearly in the future.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has severed contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, citing a Euractiv report alleging Kallas compared Israel's treatment of Palestinians to Apartheid South Africa. Kallas responded by emphasizing the EU's commitment to a two-state solution and condemning settlements, but did not directly deny the alleged comparison.
Germany is considering reducing its UN contributions after failing to secure a temporary seat on the Security Council. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul cited a need to save money and a feeling of underrepresentation. Separately, a German footballer was denied entry to Canada over match-fixing allegations, and Germany is set to acquire a stake in a Franco-German arms manufacturer.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the severing of all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Saar accused Kallas of "acting obsessively and with blatant unfairness" after she reportedly compared Israel to South Africa's apartheid regime during a visit to Mexico. Diplomatic relations have been strained since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasizes unwavering support for Ukraine, strong NATO commitments, and the crucial role of Poland in European security. He stresses that illusions of understanding Russia are gone and advocates for "boring normality" in German-Polish relations, acknowledging Germany's historic responsibility.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan expressed cautious optimism about a US-Iran MOU, calling it an "incredibly important" step. He stressed the need for robust verification, addressing wider security concerns like maritime navigation, and rebuilding trust with Iran before economic cooperation. The minister also highlighted the centrality of the Palestinian issue for regional stability.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan. Fidan, in Russia for two days, also held talks with Sergey Lavrov and Sergey Shoigu, discussing Ukraine and Turkey's readiness to host further Russia-Ukraine negotiations.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the Kiev regime deliberately attacked a bus carrying Belarusian children in the Bryansk Region, calling it typical of their style. A woman was killed and eight people, including six children, were hospitalized after a Ukrainian UAV attack on the bus carrying a Belarusian children's football team.
Iranians face ongoing economic hardship due to sanctions and recent military actions, with little hope for immediate improvement. Concerns linger about potential protests and government crackdowns, as a lasting peace agreement remains uncertain.
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung stated that China's efforts to limit Taiwan's international access are now "the new normal." This follows an incident where two Taiwanese delegates were detained in Kenya and denied access to the Our Ocean Conference, reportedly due to Chinese pressure. Kenya defended its actions, citing its "one China" policy, while Taiwan condemned Kenya's interpretation.
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung stated that China's efforts to limit Taiwan's international access are now 'the new normal.' This follows an incident where two Taiwanese delegates were detained in Kenya and denied access to the Our Ocean Conference, reportedly due to Chinese pressure. Kenya defended its actions, citing its 'One China' policy.
A Russian diplomat stated that Ukraine is close to legally banning the Orthodox Church, citing attacks on clergy, seizure of property, and lack of dialogue. The envoy described Ukraine as a prime example of religious rights violations.
Iran and US negotiations on nuclear issues and sanctions relief are set to begin following a memorandum of understanding. This framework has already impacted oil prices, with Brent crude and WTI falling, and has created a complex outlook for Bitcoin, whose future performance is now closely linked to the negotiation's outcome over the next 60 days.
US President Donald Trump invoked the Defence Production Act to bolster weapons stockpiles, amid concerns over strains from the war in Iran and other conflicts. A related MOU aims to end a 109-day war impacting the Strait of Hormuz and energy prices.
