Lavrov Attacks the European Union: "Hopeless Political Blindness" and "Delusion of Defeating Us"; Kremlin Values Trump's Positions

Amid sensitive US-led negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov launched a scathing critique of the European Union, while simultaneously asserting that Russia neither intends nor ever considers launching a war against European nations.

Lavrov's Criticism of the European Union:

• "Political Blindness": Lavrov described the European Union as suffering from "hopeless political blindness" and "deluding itself with the possibility of defeating our country."

• Warning Against Deployment: He stressed that Russia will respond forcefully if European troops are deployed in Ukraine, accusing Europeans of inciting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russia's Stance on US Peace Efforts:

• Support for Trump: Lavrov praised the efforts of US President Donald Trump to find a solution to the "Ukrainian crisis" and end the war, asserting: "We agree with America to continue working towards a settlement in Ukraine."

Kremlin's Affirmation of Trump's Positions:

• Sustainable Peace: Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia seeks sustainable and long-term peace, rather than just a ceasefire.

• Elections and NATO: Peskov indicated that Trump's statements regarding Ukraine's NATO membership largely align with Russia's understanding. He also supported Trump's stance on the necessity of holding presidential elections in Ukraine.

• Root Causes: Peskov emphasized that Trump's comments about the root causes of the conflict are important for the prospects of achieving a settlement.

Context of Tension:

These Russian statements come at a time of escalating tension between Moscow and the European bloc, particularly after the EU repeatedly signaled its intention to transfer frozen Russian assets abroad to Kyiv. The statements also coincide with widespread European criticism of the US peace proposal, which rejects Kyiv ceding territory to Russia.