MOSCOW, 05/12/2024 – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in a December 5 interview, warned the West that Moscow would use any means necessary to prevent what it views as a “strategic defeat” in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Lavrov emphasized that Russia’s deployment of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile against the Ukrainian city of Dnipro last month was a clear message to the United States and its allies: Moscow is ready to take any action to protect its interests and avoid a strategic loss.
Lavrov’s remarks followed a statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had described the Oreshnik missile as a test of a weapon that could not be intercepted. Putin suggested that Russia might deploy similar hypersonic missiles in combat conditions if necessary. Lavrov reiterated that the West’s provision of long-range weapons to Ukraine posed a direct challenge to Russia’s security, emphasizing that Moscow would not allow the West to succeed in what it perceives as an attempt to defeat Russia strategically.
The Russian foreign minister also took aim at the West’s approach to security guarantees, noting that prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Western leaders had dismissed Russia’s concerns about NATO’s eastward expansion. He claimed Ukraine had lost the opportunity to maintain its territorial integrity by rejecting peace proposals both before and during the war.
Lavrov further warned that the West was making a “serious mistake” by underestimating Russia’s “red lines” and dismissing the idea that Russia would not defend its interests. He also dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plans, calling them “pointless” and highlighting Russia’s conditions for talks, including Ukraine’s recognition of Russian control over annexed regions.
Lavrov’s comments underscore Russia’s stance on its territorial ambitions and the ongoing confrontation with NATO, signaling that the conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of de-escalating as both sides dig in their positions.