The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has criticized the US and its allies for trying to maintain global hegemony in the face of a growing multipolar international order. In an interview with Indonesian outlet Kompas, Lavrov emphasized that the current phase of international relations is not a new Cold War but rather the formation of a multipolar international order. He pointed out that new decision-making centers are emerging in Eurasia, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, promoting values such as national interests, independence, sovereignty, cultural and civilizational identity, and international cooperation.
According to Lavrov, the US-led “collective West” is trying to impede this process and maintain its hegemony in international affairs. He argued that their goal is not to strengthen global security or engage in joint development, but rather to pursue their own neocolonial agenda and address their problems at the expense of others.
The Russian Foreign Minister highlighted economic sanctions imposed by Western countries against Russia in response to its military operation in Ukraine as an example of the West’s overall selfish foreign policy. He claimed that these actions have undermined global food and energy security and made life difficult for developing countries.
Turning to the Ukraine conflict, Lavrov stated that it will continue until the West abandons its plans to preserve its domination and stop seeking a strategic defeat for Russia. He criticized the US and its allies for providing extensive military aid to Ukraine, which he believes only prolongs the conflict and leads to further escalation. Lavrov accused the Americans and their vassals of actively arming Ukraine and pressuring President Zelensky to continue hostilities.
To support his argument, Lavrov mentioned that the US and its allies spent over $100 billion in 2022 alone to provide weapons, equipment, ammunition, and financial support to Ukraine while denying any direct involvement in the conflict with Russia.
In conclusion, Lavrov’s statements reflect Russia’s perspective on the current international order and the Ukraine conflict. He emphasizes the growing importance of multipolarity and criticizes the US-led “collective West” for trying to maintain its hegemony. Lavrov asserts that the West’s actions, such as economic sanctions and extensive military support for Ukraine, undermine global stability and hinder the development of a more cooperative and balanced international system.
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