Russia: Deployment of NATO Troops in Ukraine Under Any Flag is a Threat

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine under any flag constitutes a threat, emphasizing, "We do not accept this in any way."

In an interview with American bloggers Mario Nawfal, Larry Johnson, and Andrew Napolitano, Lavrov discussed current issues.

Commenting on the process of improving relations between Russia and the United States, Lavrov noted that delegations from both countries held talks last month in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. He recalled that these discussions were attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff.

Lavrov stated, "They expressed that during Donald Trump's term, protecting U.S. national interests was the foundation of American foreign policy. This is indisputable. At the same time, the Americans understand that other countries also have their own national interests. We agree with this view."

Lavrov noted that U.S. and Russian interests would never fully align, saying, "It is impossible for these interests to coincide even by 50%. However, when they do align, responsible politicians should do their best to develop and implement them in practice. When interests do not align or even conflict, responsible countries must do everything possible to prevent these differences from escalating into direct confrontation."

Regarding former U.S. President Donald Trump's plans concerning Greenland, Lavrov remarked, "Ukraine's importance to Russia's security is far greater than Greenland's importance to U.S. security."

Lavrov highlighted Trump's desire to initiate nuclear disarmament talks with Russia and China, stating, "We are open to discussions in any format based on mutual respect, equality, and without the imposition of predetermined solutions. If our Chinese friends are interested in this matter, the decision is theirs."

He also underscored the importance of establishing a strategic stability dialogue between Russia and the United States.

Commenting on the possibility of the U.S. withdrawing from NATO, Lavrov said, "I do not believe the Americans will leave NATO. At the very least, President Donald Trump has never indicated that this could happen."

Regarding Ukraine's potential NATO membership, Lavrov asserted, "Ukraine's accession to NATO would violate both its constitution and its 1991 Declaration of Independence."

"If the Minsk Agreements Had Been Implemented, Ukraine Would Have Remained Within Its 1991 Borders"

Assessing Europe's approach to the Ukraine crisis, Lavrov pointed out that Germany and France undermined the Minsk Agreements, stating, "What the French and Germans have done is shameful."

He continued, "If the Minsk Agreements had been implemented, Ukraine—except for Crimea—would have remained within its 1991 borders. Crimea was never discussed in the Minsk negotiations. Every time they lie, they lose. This process continues."

Referring to French President Emmanuel Macron's claim that "Russian President Vladimir Putin tried to impose his conditions on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the 2022 negotiations in Istanbul," Lavrov responded by noting that Ukraine had already initialed the agreement reached in Istanbul, adding, "This is just another one of Macron's lies."

"The EU is No Longer a Peaceful Economic Project"

Lavrov argued that the European Union (EU) has lost its economic essence, comparing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Adolf Hitler and calling her "Führer Ursula."

He pointed to the ongoing deindustrialization in Europe, stating, "Europeans are willing to sacrifice everything for the ideological goal of 'defeating Russia in war.' The EU is no longer a peaceful economic project. They now want to establish their own armies."

Regarding the possibility of European countries deploying peacekeeping forces to Ukraine, Lavrov stated, "The presence of NATO troops on Ukrainian territory under any flag or in any capacity is a threat to us. We do not accept this in any way."

"We Support the Revival of the Iran Nuclear Deal"

Lavrov also mentioned that discussions with the U.S. included issues related to the Persian Gulf and the Iran nuclear deal.

"We support the revival of the program abandoned during Trump's first presidency. We advocate maintaining the format outlined in the original agreement, which was approved by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). There are indications that the Americans want the new agreement to include political conditions. According to this, Iran would undergo inspections to verify that it does not support groups in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and other regions. I do not believe this approach will be effective. This concerns us."

Minister Lavrov noted that discussions with certain European countries regarding the Iranian nuclear issue are ongoing.

Addressing the situation in Syria, Lavrov expressed hope for the establishment of a national unity government in the country.