Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, has spoken candidly about what he sees as a critical mistake made by former U.S. President Joe Biden during his administration.
In a recent interview with Channel One, Lavrov explained that Biden’s refusal to listen to Russia’s concerns about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership was a colossal misstep, one that worsened the already tense relations between the U.S. and Russia.
Lavrov specifically pointed out how Biden’s insistence on pushing Ukraine towards NATO not only ignored Russia’s security concerns but also set the stage for the unacceptable threats that Russia now faces.
He stressed that this disregard for Russian interests was a major error, and the subsequent actions of the U.S. administration only escalated the situation.
Lavrov Discusses Black Sea Initiative and Past Grain Deal Talks
During talks with American officials in Riyadh, Lavrov also addressed the ongoing Black Sea initiative, urging the U.S. to avoid any ambiguities in the new agreement.
He reminded the U.S. delegation of the terms from the previous grain deal, which ran from 2022 to 2023, and which Russia had hoped would include the lifting of sanctions on Russian fertilizer and agricultural exports.
Lavrov was clear in his criticism of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who chose not to push for the removal of sanctions but instead sought to find “loopholes.”
Russia’s concerns about the Black Sea situation revolve around ensuring that no ambiguities remain in the terms of the new agreement.
Lavrov emphasized that, given the history of tensions in the region, it is crucial to avoid any uncertainties moving forward.
Lavrov Calls for Direct US Action in Ukraine
One of the key points Lavrov made was regarding the resumption of the Black Sea initiative, which he said could only happen after a direct order from the United States to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Lavrov has previously expressed disappointment with the direct agreements between the U.S. and Ukraine, considering them to have been unproductive and disappointing for Russia.
Lavrov Comments on US Influence Over Ukraine’s Actions
Lavrov further commented on the role of the U.S. in stopping Ukraine’s attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure.
According to Lavrov, only Washington has the power to compel Kyiv to halt its attacks.
He stated that the U.S. fully understands this and has the ability to influence the actions of the Ukrainian government.
Lavrov also mentioned that the U.S. received “signals for guarantees” from Russia regarding the security of the region.
Sergey Lavrov’s Diplomatic Career
Sergey Lavrov has been Russia’s Foreign Minister since 2004, making him one of the longest-serving foreign ministers in Russian history.
Born in Moscow on March 21, 1950, Lavrov has had a distinguished diplomatic career.
He speaks multiple languages, including Russian, Sinhala, Dhivehi, English, and French.
Before becoming foreign minister, he served as Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, where he became known for his assertive defense of Russia’s foreign policy interests.