Lavrov addresses UN General Assembly on Ukraine, Western policy, and global security

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, touching on Ukraine, the West’s Russophobic and destructive policies, the Middle East and UN reform.

Lavrov stated that in pursuing the utopian goal of containing Russia, the West destroyed the European security system with its own hands and fostered the Russophobic regime in Kiev. He argued that the West increasingly resorts to brute force as it acts unpredictably and recklessly, jeopardizing the life and wellbeing of millions if not billions of people on our planet.

Regarding the UN, Lavrov claimed that the organization's foundations are under threat as the West turns a blind eye to Ukrainian Nazism. He alleged that ruling elites of many European Union countries are infected with the virus of racial superiority and harbor extremist, Russophobic ideas.

On the Middle East, Lavrov stated that Russia believes the time is right to ensure Palestinian statehood based on numerous UN decisions. He also insisted on the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, claiming their detention in a US prison violates all moral and international norms.

Addressing concerns about a potential conflict with Europe, Lavrov reiterated that President Putin has repeatedly stated Russia has no intention of going to war with Europe. He blamed Ukraine for all damage to Black Sea shipping, citing terrorist attacks. Lavrov also noted that Russia maintains confidential channels of communication with several EU and NATO nations to exchange opinions.

Regarding the special military operation, Lavrov stressed that security threats to Russia from Kiev will be eliminated and that Russia will continue its struggle for truth and justice to achieve its goals and restore peaceful life.