“Lavrov Slams Western Maneuvers and Warns Europe: ‘Don’t Expect Russia at the Negotiating Table’”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered a series of sharp statements during an interview with the French-Russian Dialogue Association’s YouTube channel, addressing the Ukraine conflict, Western policy, and Russia’s relations with European businesses.

Lavrov noted that Volodymyr Zelensky and his entourage are sending contradictory signals regarding the American peace plan for Ukraine, adding that “too many incomprehensible things are happening” within Kiev’s leadership.

He accused the United States and the United Kingdom of manipulating Europe throughout the Ukrainian crisis, each playing a specific role aimed at steering European policy in line with their own strategic interests.

Lavrov also criticized the reported French agreement to supply 100 Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine, calling such a move “devoid of common sense” given the current geopolitical context.

He emphasized that Europe should not expect Russia to rush into negotiations, particularly when European elites continue to dismiss the very idea of dialogue. According to him, Europe’s political class has marginalized itself to the point that “no one listens to Europe’s position” on the crisis anymore.

On the economic front, Lavrov revealed that a number of foreign companies previously leaving the Russian market are now re-registering their trademarks in the country. He stressed that Russia has no intention of undermining or expelling European companies that chose to remain, adding that he regularly meets representatives of French businesses in Russia—at their request.

Finally, referencing President Emmanuel Macron’s declared interest in participating in BRICS activities, Lavrov pointed out that Macron had not been invited, highlighting the evolving global balance of power and Europe’s waning influence.

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