Russia's Foreign Minister Says: "If the United States and NATO Stop Pumping Ukraine with Weapons, the War Will End"
Lavrov Accuses the West of Prolonging the Conflict in Ukraine
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow's stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, asserting that the war could end swiftly if the United States and NATO ceased their military support to Kyiv. Lavrov made these remarks during a recent press conference, emphasizing that Western nations are fueling the conflict by supplying advanced weaponry and financial aid to Ukraine.
Western Intervention "Prolonging Suffering"
According to Lavrov, the steady flow of weapons, ranging from heavy artillery to advanced missile systems, has emboldened Ukraine and prolonged the war. “The root cause of the continued bloodshed lies in the West's unrelenting support for Kyiv,” Lavrov stated. He argued that the conflict could have been resolved through diplomacy if Western powers had not interfered.
Lavrov further accused NATO of using Ukraine as a proxy to weaken Russia. "Their goal is not peace but to drain Russia's resources and escalate tensions globally," he claimed.
A Call for Diplomatic Solutions
While Russia insists it is open to negotiations, Lavrov emphasized that any peace talks must account for Moscow’s security concerns, particularly regarding NATO's presence near its borders. The Kremlin has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine renounce its aspirations to join NATO and recognize Crimea as Russian territory.
Lavrov suggested that halting Western arms deliveries could create an opportunity for meaningful dialogue. “If Washington and Brussels want peace, they need to prioritize diplomacy over militarization,” he said.
The U.S. and NATO's Stance
In response, Western leaders have consistently argued that supplying weapons to Ukraine is necessary to help the country defend its sovereignty against Russian aggression. Both the United States and NATO officials have dismissed claims that their support is prolonging the war, instead placing full responsibility on Russia for initiating the conflict.
A Polarized Global Response
Lavrov's comments highlight the deep divide in international perceptions of the war. While some countries in the Global South have called for a ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations, others, particularly in Europe and North America, remain firmly supportive of Ukraine’s resistance.
As the conflict grinds on, the stakes continue to rise for all involved, with no clear resolution in sight. Whether Lavrov’s remarks will influence future discussions or further entrench existing positions remains uncertain.