Lavrov Urges U.S. to Avoid Escalation in Ukraine, Accuses Europe of Sabotaging Peace Efforts

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed hope that Washington would act responsibly and avoid escalating the ongoing Ukraine conflict. In an interview published by Russian state news agency TASS, Lavrov highlighted that U.S. President Donald Trump had long advocated dialogue with Moscow and showed a genuine commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution.

Lavrov said Trump had made efforts to understand Russia’s stance on Ukraine and recognized Moscow’s long-standing concerns about NATO expansion near its borders. “That is what President Vladimir Putin and Russia have been warning about for the last 20 years,” Lavrov noted. He emphasized that Russia expects “common sense” to prevail in Washington, urging the U.S. to avoid any actions that could intensify the conflict.

The remarks were initially part of an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera, which reportedly declined to publish it. Lavrov also confirmed that Trump and Putin held talks in Alaska in August, and he recently spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about a potential new summit. Although Trump later canceled the proposed meeting, he reiterated his support for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, while Moscow maintains its demand for Kyiv to surrender additional territories.

Lavrov criticized European nations for undermining peace efforts and “sabotaging all peacemaking initiatives” through sanctions and confrontational policies. He accused Europe of fueling tensions and preparing for “a major war against Russia,” stating that Moscow would only resume engagement once the current “Russophobic hysteria” subsides.

Meanwhile, European Union leaders have condemned Russia’s actions as “hybrid warfare” against democratic nations. The EU recently approved a 19th sanctions package and continues exploring financial mechanisms to bolster Ukraine’s defense, including using frozen Russian assets to fund Kyiv’s war efforts.