Russia’s Lavrov Cautions West Against Provoking Conflict with a Nuclear Power – Reuters

By Simon Lewis and Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov addressed the United Nations on Saturday, expressing that it is foolish to disregard alternatives to Ukraine’s peace proposals. He cautioned Western nations about the risks of attempting to "fight to victory with a nuclear power," referring to Russia.

During his speech at the U.N. General Assembly, Lavrov criticized those who support Ukraine’s peace plan.

Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Nine months later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy introduced a 10-point peace plan aimed at achieving a fair resolution to the conflict based on the United Nations Charter and international law. Moscow dismissed this proposal.

"I’m not going to discuss the senselessness and danger of attempting to achieve victory against a nuclear power, which is what Russia is," Lavrov stated.

He also asserted that it is equally absurd for Western supporters of Kyiv to insist that there are no alternatives to negotiations based on what he termed the "infamous peace formula."

Referencing historical events, Lavrov accused Western allies of harboring intentions reminiscent of plans made in the 1940s to "destroy" the Soviet Union, suggesting that they aim to achieve a "strategic defeat" of Russia in Ukraine.

"The current Anglo-Saxon strategists are not concealing their intentions. For now, they are relying on the illegitimate neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv to defeat Russia, but they are preparing Europe to join this reckless endeavor," Lavrov remarked.

Additionally, Lavrov expressed concerns over the recent Israeli strike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah’s leader, noting that such "political killings" have become a frequent occurrence.