Russian Foreign Minister (FM) Sergey Lavrov, quoting President Vladimir Putin, referred to the West as an “empire of lies,” citing political pledges made to Russia over NATO’s non-expansion.
At the annual gathering of world leaders at the UN headquarters in New York, where Ukraine and its Western allies seek to bolster support for Kyiv as it faces Moscow’s invasion, Lavrov claimed the West had deceived a “global majority.”
Russia’s Lavrov Slams West
Lavrov asserted that a new world order is being built “right in front of our eyes,” and that the West has entirely rejected the concept of equality, consistently maintaining its reluctance to compromise, which has long been a “calling card.”
The Russian FM claimed, “In 2021, our proposals to conclude treaties on mutual security guarantees in Europe without changing Ukraine’s non-bloc status were rudely rejected,” adding that Western nations continued to militarise the “Russophobic Kyiv regime,” which attained power as a result of a “bloody coup” and is now being used to wage a hybrid war against Russia.
Lavrov also discussed recent joint exercises between the US and European NATO partners, including testing scenarios for using nuclear weapons in Russia.
The FM emphasised the emergence of organisations such as BRICS (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China, and South Africa) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Lavrov condemned the role of the US and its subordinate “Western collective” as they continue instigating wars that divide “humanity into hostile blocs.”
On UNSC Expansion, Funds for Ukraine War
In addition to emphasising the growing need to expand the UN Security Council (UNSC) membership, Lavrov called for solely “eliminating the underrepresentation of the world’s majority countries,” like those in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and urged for more equitable ways of forming the UN Secretariat so that citizens of NATO and EU countries do not exercise excessive dominance.
Lavrov further discussed the amount spent by the US, NATO, and the EU for “supporting the racist regime in Kyiv — an estimated $170 billion since February 2022,” rather than funding climate-change mitigation initiatives that benefit developing countries.
On Sanctions, Avoiding Large-Scale War
The Russian FM condemned the US’ use of unilateral sanctions and “coercive measures,” defending Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, and others, while Washington continues to “Ukrainize” the international agenda.
Lavrov concluded his speech with an appeal for compromise, stating, “humanity is at a crossroads…It is in our shared interest to prevent a downward spiral into large-scale war.”
Furthermore, he highlighted the UN Secretary-General’s call on global leaders to meet and discuss in a spirit of compromise at this year’s UN General Assembly “when designing our common future for our common good.”
Russian FM Lavrov Slams West as ‘Empire of Lies’ at UN General Assembly
The Russian Foreign Minister condemned the role of the US and its subordinate “Western collective” as they continue instigating wars that divide “humanity into hostile blocs.”
September 25, 2023
IMAGE SOURCE: UN PhotoRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addresses the General Assembly’s 78th session’s general debate.