Lavrov: Russia has a prepared response for the deployment of European troops in Ukraine and the confiscation of Russian assets

Serghei Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, stated that his country is prepared to respond to the deployment of European troops in Ukraine and the confiscation of Russian assets, which it considers hostile measures. In his annual speech, Lavrov emphasized that Russia does not intend to declare war on Europe but will respond to provocations. He criticized the destructive position of the United Kingdom and the majority of NATO and EU member states in the Ukrainian conflict, accusing them of investing political capital in a proxy war. Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's commitment to pursuing an independent foreign policy, protecting its national interests, and strengthening ties with partners willing to cooperate. He also accused the EU of hindering the peace process and invoked statements by Donald Trump to argue that the West is not united in its approach to the conflict in Ukraine.