Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's Q&A Session with Reporters

Response to Accusations and Provocations

• 🇷🇺 Russia offered to investigate the drone incident on Polish territory professionally, but the offer was rejected, highlighting a pattern of avoiding honest discussion and resorting to accusations.
• 💡 Lavrov detailed the Bucha incident, questioning the BBC's reporting of bodies appearing two days after Russian withdrawal and criticizing the UN's refusal to release victim identities, citing security concerns.
• ⚠️ Russia denies targeting civilian objects and states it does not direct drones or missiles at EU or NATO member states, emphasizing openness to honest dialogue.

Iran Nuclear Program and Sanctions

• 🇮🇷 The "snapback" mechanism in the Iran nuclear deal was designed to keep Iran under pressure, a mechanism Iran agreed to believing the deal wouldn't be broken by the US.
• 🇺🇸 The US withdrawal from the deal in 2018 and Europe's subsequent departure from commitments led to violations, with Europeans now selectively using the snapback mechanism.
• 🤝 Russia and China attempted to provide a chance for diplomacy, proposing a 3-month extension of the Iran nuclear deal, but faced Western obstruction.
• 📉 The current situation is characterized by Iran's "absolute недоговороспособность" (inability to negotiate) and a deliberate operation to economically and financially strangle the Islamic Republic of Iran, with military threats also present.

US-Russia Relations and Diplomacy

• 🇺🇸 Russia values the Trump administration's willingness to engage in dialogue, contrasting it with European approaches that either appease Washington or rely on sanctions.
• 🤝 The core of Russia-US relations, according to Lavrov, is recognizing national interests and avoiding confrontation, even when interests diverge.
• 🗣️ Diplomatic comments can vary based on the moment, but Russia sees a willingness from the US for an open and honest dialogue.

International Security and UN

• 🇷🇺 Russia will chair the UN Security Council, focusing on issues stemming from previous resolutions and planning a special session on the UN Charter's principles.
• 🇵🇸 Lavrov expressed solidarity with Arab friends regarding the situation in Gaza, condemning collective punishment and supporting efforts to stop the ongoing violence.
• 🇺🇳 Russia views the UN as a multilateral system that is being undermined by actions that disregard Security Council decisions, citing the Iran sanctions as an example.

Ukraine Conflict and Negotiations

• 🇺🇦 Lavrov dismissed the idea of returning to Ukraine's 2022 borders as "political blindness," stating Russia defends its legitimate interests.
• 📉 He outlined Kyiv's shifting positions on negotiations, from willingness to fight for 10 years to demanding talks only with a different Russian president, and ultimately refusing to negotiate with Putin.
• 🚫 Russia will not allow any encroachment on its territory or airspace, warning of severe consequences for those who violate these boundaries.

Germany's Militarization and Historical Memory

• 🇩🇪 Germany's active militarization and "re-Nazification" are seen as attempts to dominate Europe, mirroring Hitler's goals.
• 📈 The rhetoric of not being at war but not at peace signifies a dangerous escalation, with a goal to make Germany the primary military power in Europe again.
• 🧠 Lavrov criticized this ambition as a sign of historical amnesia, given Germany's past actions.

UN Secretariat and Representation

• 🌍 Key positions in the UN Secretariat are disproportionately held by citizens of NATO countries, raising concerns about equitable representation.
• ⚖️ Russia advocates for a reform of the UN Secretariat's formation, emphasizing meritocracy while ensuring fair distribution of roles among member states.

India-Russia Relations

• 🇮🇳 Russia-India relations are described as an "especially privileged strategic partnership," with deep respect for India's national interests and foreign policy.
• 🤝 Regular high-level contacts and cooperation in trade, economy, technology, and international coordination underscore the strength of the relationship.
• ✈️ India asserts its right to choose its trade partners, including Russia, regardless of US pressure.

UN Headquarters and Visas

• 🇺🇳 The US is accused of violating agreements by denying visas to Russian delegates, including parliamentarians and ministry officials, hindering UN operations.
• 🏛️ The potential relocation of the UN headquarters is discussed as a response to these persistent violations and the arrest of Russian diplomatic property.

Sahel Region Cooperation

• 🇸🇸 Russia is strengthening cooperation with Sahel countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) in areas like natural resources, energy, humanitarian aid, and military-technical interaction.
• 🤝 Efforts are underway to bridge the gap between these countries and ECOWAS, promoting regional stability and dialogue.

Venezuela and US Military Presence

• 🇻🇪 Russia expresses deep concern over the US military presence and threats around Venezuela, viewing it as interference in internal affairs.
• 🇭🇹 The US's push for a UN Security Council mandate for forces in Haiti is seen as potentially exploitable for intervention in Venezuela.