Janice R. Andrews
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued fresh threats to Western powers during an interview with Tucker Carlson, warning that Russia will continue to deliver “messages” in the form of devastating strikes on Ukraine if the West persists in supporting Kyiv. Lavrov reiterated that Russia does not want a direct conflict with the United States but would use “all means necessary” to defend its interests.
Lavrov’s Warning on U.S. and Ukraine’s Role
Lavrov stressed that while Russia does not seek war with the U.S., Moscow will protect its interests by any means necessary. He specifically criticized Washington’s approval of long-range missiles for Ukraine, arguing that such actions could lead to direct conflict.
“The Ukrainians wouldn’t be able to carry out these operations without the active involvement of American military personnel,” Lavrov stated. “This escalation is a dangerous development.”
He also condemned the West for ignoring Russia’s “red lines,” claiming that continuing to push these boundaries would be a “serious mistake.”
Hypersonic Missile Launch: A Strong Message to the West
Lavrov discussed Russia’s recent use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile in Ukraine, which he described as a warning to the West. According to Lavrov, the missile test was a demonstration of Russia’s preparedness to defend its “legitimate interests” and serve as a deterrent against further Western intervention.
“The use of this hypersonic missile shows that we are willing to take any necessary action to protect our interests,” he explained. “If Western powers don’t draw the right conclusions, we will continue to send further messages.”
Conditions for Peace: Moscow’s Red Lines
On the subject of a potential peace agreement, Lavrov restated Russia’s demands for a settlement with Ukraine. He reaffirmed that Moscow expects Ukraine to withdraw from the four regions it annexed in September 2022—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—and renounce its NATO ambitions.
“We are open to negotiations based on the Minsk agreements, but the reality of the current situation, including the annexation of these regions, must be considered,” Lavrov said.
Lavrov also outlined Russia’s requirements for any peace deal, which include the protection of Russian speakers in Ukraine and a guarantee that foreign military bases and exercises will not take place on Ukrainian soil. He emphasized that Ukraine must maintain non-bloc status, meaning it will not join NATO.
“We are willing to be part of a collective security arrangement for Ukraine, but this must come with certain guarantees,” he added.
U.S. Hegemony and Ukraine’s Role in Global Politics
Lavrov also critiqued the U.S. role in the Ukraine conflict, accusing Washington of using Ukraine as a tool to maintain global dominance. He suggested that the U.S. had no genuine concern for Ukraine but was instead trying to destabilize Russia to assert its hegemonic power.
“The U.S. does not care about the people of Ukraine. Their aim is to undermine Russia and extend their influence,” Lavrov stated. “We care about the people of Donbas, whose ancestors built the region.”
Lavrov also labeled U.S. foreign policy as “adventurous,” referencing past interventions in Iraq and Libya as examples of U.S. destabilization efforts.
Trump and U.S.-Russia Relations
When asked about Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House, Lavrov acknowledged Trump’s strong leadership but dismissed claims that he is pro-Russian. While Trump had fostered friendly relations with Russia during his presidency, Lavrov reminded viewers that the U.S. imposed significant sanctions on Russia under Trump’s administration.
“Trump is a strong leader who seeks results,” Lavrov said. “But to say he is pro-Russian would be a mistake. We will wait to see his approach to Russia and the Ukraine conflict once he is back in office.”
Lavrov added that the Kremlin remains open to dialogue with Trump’s team but stressed that it was too early to make judgments about his stance on the war in Ukraine.
Trump’s Advisors Suggest Peace Plans for Ukraine
As Trump prepares to assume office again, members of his team have floated several proposals for ending the war in Ukraine. These plans generally involve major concessions to Russia, including taking NATO membership off the table for Ukraine and recognizing the current frontlines as a de facto border.
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, a key advisor to Trump on Russia-Ukraine policy, argued in a policy paper that a ceasefire, though difficult for Ukraine to accept, would be the quickest way to end the conflict.
“Ukraine may not get all of its territory back immediately, but as Trump has said, ‘I want everyone to stop dying.’ That’s our priority,” Kellogg wrote.
Vice President-elect JD Vance also outlined a potential peace plan, suggesting that a heavily fortified demilitarized zone could be established between Russia and Ukraine to prevent further conflict, while Ukraine would maintain its sovereignty and remain neutral in terms of military alliances.
Global Reactions to Lavrov’s Interview
Lavrov’s remarks have sparked strong reactions worldwide. Ukrainian officials condemned his comments as propaganda and dismissed Russia’s demands as non-negotiable. On the other hand, NATO and Western officials reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine, rejecting Lavrov’s claims as threats designed to divide international support for Kyiv.
The Path to Peace: Uncertain and Complex
Lavrov’s interview signals that the path to peace remains complicated, with Russia’s firm stance on its territorial gains and demands for Ukraine’s neutrality. While Moscow claims to be open to negotiations, its terms for peace may be too steep for Kyiv to accept, given the ongoing war crimes Russia is accused of committing in Ukraine.
As the Trump administration prepares to take office, the future of U.S. involvement in the Ukraine conflict remains uncertain. While Trump has claimed he could end the war quickly, the details of how he plans to achieve this remain unclear.
For now, the conflict continues to simmer, with global powers watching closely to see how events unfold and whether diplomatic efforts can bring an end to the violence.
Conclusion: Will Peace be Achieved?
Sergei Lavrov’s interview underscores Russia’s hardline position on the Ukraine conflict and its view of the West’s actions as a serious threat. With the use of advanced weapons and increasingly entrenched diplomatic demands, Russia is signaling its intent to stay the course. As the U.S. looks toward a new administration under Donald Trump, the question remains whether a diplomatic breakthrough is possible or if the war will continue to escalate.
