The West wants to remove any competitor. With regard to us, Ukraine has been chosen as a tool to this end, says Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

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New Delhi: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in an interview with 60 Minutes television programme, Moscow on December 25, argues that there is a lot of speculation about the incoming Trump administration in the United States of America (USA) will change things in connection with the Ukraine crisis. He feels that there is a fairly robust bipartisan consensus in Washington on supporting the Kiev regime. The West wants to remove any competitor. With regard to us, Ukraine has been chosen as a tool to this end.

60 Minutes Tv: The year 2024 has been far from easy and, arguably, quite challenging. The year ahead may prove equally difficult. It’s been hard to have faith in bright prospects lately. Nevertheless, let’s try to draw up preliminary results.

Everyone and his brother are talking about almost unavoidable (if we believe the rhetoric and public statements) talks between Russia and NATO, the United States, and Ukraine about the Ukrainian settlement.

They are talking about an unavoidable “deal” that will suit one side and put an end to the bloodshed. Judging by the statements made by President Vladimir Putin at the Foreign Ministry on June 14, the conditions we have put forward are clear and articulate. And no one is going to fulfill them. What can you say about this? Isn’t this rhetoric about talks a case of wishful thinking?

Sergey Lavrov: We have not had any illusions about the prospects. Resolving the Ukraine crisis doesn’t have any prospects, either. It has long been clear to everyone holding unbiased positions that it can be settled only in the context of agreements on lasting security and stability in Europe, which would take into account the interests of the Russian Federation and the legitimate interests of all other countries.

Everyone thinks the arrival of the Trump Administration will change things. There is much speculation about this going on.

As I earlier mentioned, we have no illusions. There is a fairly robust bipartisan consensus in Washington on supporting the Kiev regime. US doctrinal documents describe our country as an adversary that needs to be “strategically defeated.” In free speeches, the Biden administration officials have even called us an enemy.

We have never claimed that with the Trump Administration in the White House the negotiating process on global security and Ukraine will begin no matter what. This will not be, as many are now hoping, an inevitable outcome.

We hear about Donald Trump’s interest, who appointed Keith Kellogg as his special envoy for Ukraine, in stopping this war as soon as possible. We have always been in favour of it never beginning, which fact is corroborated by our support for the document signed by Yanukovich and the opposition in February 2014. It was guaranteed by European countries, but the opposition tore it up the next morning.

We also supported the Minsk agreements, which stopped the Kiev regime’s terrorist attack against its citizens in Donbass.

The West wants to remove any competitor. With regard to us, Ukraine has been chosen as a tool to this end.

60 Minutes Tv: Let’s discuss the current outlook. In your interview with Tucker Carlson, you mentioned that the world is closer to nuclear conflict than ever before. Quite frankly, it was rather unsettling. How do you feel about this situation? What actions should we take? People in the West are already investing in bunkers. Should we be preparing similarly?

Sergey Lavrov: We are prepared to take all necessary measures to ensure that American citizens and those of other Western nations do not squander money (which is not in abundance for them at present) on constructing bunkers. We would be pleased to assist Western taxpayers in saving funds on these bunkers.

We have never initiated a discussion regarding what should be done with nuclear weapons and whether they can be used.

Any other proposals or similar remarks, suggesting the possibility of nuclear conflict, have emanated solely from Western capitals. The Chief of the German Army’s General Staff remarked a year ago that Russia should not intimidate them excessively, reminding them that NATO is a nuclear alliance. Everyone recalls Liz Truss’s statement, in her capacity as Prime Minister of Great Britain, where she expressed no hesitation in pressing the nuclear button. French officials have also reiterated their status as a nuclear power.

In any event, we are not interested in escalating the issue of nuclear weapons usage risks. We firmly adhere to the principle I mentioned earlier: there can be no victors in a nuclear war. President Vladimir Putin has reiterated this on numerous occasions. Nonetheless, I would caution against testing our patience and resolve to defend our legitimate national interests by all available means. Vladimir Putin elaborated on this during the Direct Line and in previous addresses. We trust that those with ears will listen, and those with minds will comprehend.

60 Minutes Tv: There are daily provocations originating from the Ukrainian side, evidently with the assistance of NATO countries. One of the most recent incidents involves drone strikes targeting a residential building in Kazan. Even Western newspapers liken this to the events in New York on September 11, 2001, drawing parallels to that terrorist attack. We distinctly remember how the United States reacted at that time. Is there anything deterring us from responding similarly?

Sergey Lavrov: Firstly, I would refrain from making direct comparisons with the September 11 terrorist attack. There are numerous theories (not all of them are conspiracy theories) that necessitate further clarification regarding what transpired then, who ultimately orchestrated the attack, and for what purpose.

Regarding the incessant terrorist acts perpetrated by the Kiev regime, which deliberately targets purely civilian structures such as residential buildings, hospitals, clinics, shops, and places where people congregate and relax – this is outrageous. It is a blatant violation of all anti-terrorism conventions and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We express our condemnation, although regrettably, almost no one in the West and none of the leaders of international organisations, including the UN, the OSCE, UNESCO, and others, join us in this denunciation. Naturally, we do not stop there.

60 Minutes Tv: If possible, let’s talk about Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico. I’m fully aware that the talks were held behind closed doors, and no details are available. No news conference or statements for the media, either. Is there anything at all that you can share with our viewers? At least something? Everyone is hoping to see at least some progress during talks. Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico is here. Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban seems to be a sensible person. Where do things stand? 

Sergey Lavrov: I wouldn’t say no information was provided. The Kremlin shared some, and Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov also provided a comment. There is nothing particularly secretive about it. 

The Prime Minister of Slovakia explicitly stated that the anticipated cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, which Vladimir Zelensky had repeatedly and proudly announced publicly, was the immediate reason for his visit.

We discussed options that would allow gas supplies to continue to countries like Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria, which, as I understand, are interested in this.

This demonstrates the readiness and ability to follow orders coming from the “elephant” which has so far been standing still, and the Democratic “donkey” is still running Washington D.C. and New York. However, the Republican elephants will soon move in, and we’ll see how the “lapdogs” will position themselves. 

60 Minutes Tv: A brilliant and exhaustive commentary on the situation. A brief follow-up question, though. Russia has been without an ambassador to the United States for quite some time now. Is this a technical pause or a kind of diplomatic demarche? 

Sergey Lavrov: No, it’s not a demarche. The Americans welcomed the new candidate as a professional with extensive background in Soviet-American and Russian-American relations. The departure date is planned in alignment with the best timing for the new ambassador’s arrival in Washington, D.C. considering the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump in just three weeks. There’s no politics involved here.

60 Minutes Tv: On a lighter note, have you had the chance to decorate your New Year tree? Do you sense that holiday cheer? 

Sergey Lavrov: The cheer is combative, because easing up during the New Year holidays is not an option. Some serious politicians and analysts do not rule out the possibility of provocations from Kiev’s nationalists and their Western backers during the New Year holidays and Orthodox Christmas. We will observe this holiday as we conduct an alert and active analysis of ongoing developments. 

Right after this interview, I’m heading to the tree in the Ministry’s lobby. It’s the Tree of Wishes, and my deputies and I actively participate in this noble drive.