Voltaire Network

Sergey Lavrov

Foreign Minister of Russia.

90 articles

français 19 English 31 русский 14 Español 15 italiano 1 Deutsch 8 عربي 1 Português 1

Sergey Lavrov’s interview on Nato war against Yougoslavia

by Sergey Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov's interview on Nato war against Yougoslavia

Moscow (Russia) | 22 March 2019
Sergey Lavrov’s interview for a Vladimir Kobyakov documentary, “A U-Turn over the Atlantic”
Question: Mr Lavrov, the bombing of Yugoslavia was carried out 20 years ago. What were, in your opinion, the main geopolitical reasons why the United States launched this large-scale military operation?
Sergey Lavrov: As I see it, it was the beginning of the period when Washington decided that they had won the Cold War. The Soviet Union had disappeared, Russia was weak and sought to convince everyone (...)

Sergey Lavrov’s news conference on Venezuela

by Sergey Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov's news conference on Venezuela

Moscow (Russia) | 1 March 2019
Ladies and gentlemen,
We have held detailed and substantive talks on the full range of our relations and, of course, the situation in and around Venezuela today.
Venezuela is an old and reliable partner of ours. Today we have reaffirmed our solidarity with the people and the legitimate government of the country and also supported its efforts to protect its sovereignty and independence.
We are in complete agreement on the need for unconditional adherence to the fundamental principles (...)

Remarks by Sergey Lavrov to the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly

by Sergey Lavrov

Remarks by Sergey Lavrov to the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly

New York (USA) | 28 September 2018
Distinguished Ms. President,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The statements at the general debate prove that international relations are going through quite a complicated and controversial historic period.
Today we all are witnessing a collision of two opposite trends. On the one hand, we see the strengthening of polycentric principles of the world order, the steady development of new centers of economic growth, the aspiration of peoples to preserve sovereignty and choose development models that (...)

Sergey Lavrov news conference with Gebran Bassil

by Sergey Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov news conference with Gebran Bassil

Moscow (Russia) | 20 August 2018
Sergey Lavrov: Ladies and gentlemen,
We have held talks with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Lebanese Republic Gebran Bassil. The talks took place in a traditionally friendly atmosphere, were highly informative, and included bilateral relations and regional issues.
Given the nature of multi-faith Lebanese society, Russia has always regarded stability there as a crucial element of regional architecture. We consistently express support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, (...)

Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the 7th Moscow Conference on International Security

by Sergey Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the 7th Moscow Conference on International Security

Moscow (Russia) | 5 April 2018
Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are so happy to have this opportunity to once again address the Moscow Conference on International Security organised by the Russian Defence Ministry. We would like to welcome all of you taking part in this conference, including the high-ranking representatives from many countries, the heads of international organisations, members of the legislative authorities and civil society, as well as respected scientists and experts.
Over the past years, this (...)

Sergei Lavrov’s response to the Salisbury incident

by Sergey Lavrov

Sergei Lavrov's response to the Salisbury incident

Moscow (Russia) | 14 March 2018
Question: You said recently that the Russian Foreign Ministry has not yet received an official request from London on the Sergey Skripal case. Has anything changed during the day? Moscow also drew attention to the need to conduct a joint investigation and presentation of samples of the toxic agent. Is there any progress in this case?
Sergey Lavrov: There is regress. We are not seeing any progress. We have not yet received any official inquiry from London on the poisoning of Skripal and his (...)

Sergey Lavrov’s annual news conference

by Sergey Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov's annual news conference

Moscow (Russia) | 15 January 2018
Ladies and gentlemen,
First of all I would like to wish you belated happy holidays. I wish you success, health and prosperity in the New Year. We are grateful for your participation in our traditional news conference.
I don’t think I should occupy too much of your time with my opening remarks. Just recently the President of the Russian Federation held a detailed and long news conference. Several days ago Vladimir Putin also met with heads of Russian media outlets, in particular, news (...)

Speech by Sergey Lavrov at 71st UN General Assembly

by Sergey Lavrov

Speech by Sergey Lavrov at 71st UN General Assembly

New York (USA) | 23 September 2016
Mr Chairman,
Ladies and gentlemen,
A year ago, from the same rostrum at the anniversary session of the UN General Assembly, plenty of accurate assessments were made of the situation at this crucial stage of international development. The main theme was the recognition that humankind, in transitioning from a bipolar and unipolar international order to an objectively evolving polycentric, democratic system of international relations, is faced with challenges and threats that are common to (...)

Sergey Lavrov at the State Duma

by Sergey Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov at the State Duma

Moscow (Russia) | 15 June 2016
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks and answers to media questions during Government Hour at the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
Mr Naryshkin,
Colleagues,
First of all, I would like to thank you for this opportunity to speak once again as part of Government Hour in the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.
We at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciate your attention to our work and our efforts to implement Russia’s foreign (...)

Russia’s Foreign Policy: Historical Background

by Sergey Lavrov

Russia's Foreign Policy: Historical Background

Moscow (Russia) | 5 March 2016
For Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign policy, if we study it on the long term, includes several constants. First, the desire to find a national identity and to integrate the European concert; then the desire to establish common rules —international law— to which each state will comply, so that peace may reign.

Press meeting by Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry

by John F. Kerry, Sergey Lavrov

Press meeting by Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry

Moscow (Russia) | 15 December 2015
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (Via interpreter) Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Today, we had a big negotiating day with John Kerry and his delegation finalizing their working visit to Moscow. We started with negotiations at Russian foreign ministry and we continued here in the Kremlin during the meeting with President Putin. Negotiations in the morning and in the evening were concrete, specific. We were focusing on issues of Syrian settlement with the link on intensifying our efforts to (...)

Speech by Sergey Lavrov at the 51st Munich Security Conference

by Sergey Lavrov

Speech by Sergey Lavrov at the 51st Munich Security Conference

Munich (Germanay) | 7 February 2015
Ladies and gentlemen,
Mr Wolfgang Ischinger has included the issue of the collapse of global development on the agenda. One has to agree that events have taken a turn, which is far from optimistic. But it is impossible to agree with the arguments of some of our colleagues that there was a sudden and rapid collapse of the world order that had existed for decades.
To the contrary, the last year’s developments confirmed the correctness of our warnings against profound, systemic problems in (...)

Remarks by Sergey Lavrov at the Russian Council on Foreign and Defence Policy

by Sergey Lavrov

Remarks by Sergey Lavrov at the Russian Council on Foreign and Defence Policy

Moscow (Russia) | 22 November 2014
I’m happy to be at this annual Assembly of the Council on Foreign and Defence Policy (Russian abbreviation SVOP). It is always a great pleasure for me to meet people and feel the intellectual potential, which enables the Council, its leaders and representatives to respond to global developments and analyse them. Their analysis is always free from any hysteria, and its members offer well-grounded and solid arguments, taking a step back, since those caught in the midst of events can hardly (...)

Sergey Lavrov at the International Conference on Peace and Security in Iraq

by Sergey Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov at the International Conference on Peace and Security in Iraq

Paris (France) | 15 September 2014
Dear colleagues,
In welcoming the initiative of France to convene this meeting to discuss ways to assist the Republic of Iraq in overcoming grave challenges to its security and stability, we listen carefully to President F.Hollande’s and President Fuad Masum’s presentations this morning.
Russia consistently stands for the continued independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq. We strongly support the advancement of inclusive political process with a view to ensuring accord (...)

Interview by Sergey Lavrov to the Rossiyskaya Gazeta

by Sergey Lavrov

Interview by Sergey Lavrov to the Rossiyskaya Gazeta

Moscow (Russia) | 26 August 2014
Question: Minister Lavrov, there has been repeated speculation, particularly in Western media, that Russian troops could be deployed in Ukraine and even that they have already crossed the border into Ukrainian territory. Is such an action possible in your view?
S.V.Lavrov: Unfortunately, mass media continue to spread rumours, distorted information and even outright lies. Recently there were claims by Ukraine that its artillery destroyed an armoured column that had allegedly crossed from (...)

Sergey Lavrov’s opening speech at the Geneva 2 Conference

by Sergey Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov's opening speech at the Geneva 2 Conference

22 January 2014
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Mr. Secretary-General,
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Colleagues,
The entire world community is focusing on this opening of the International Conference on Syria, which confers what I would describe as special historical responsibility on those attending it.
First of all, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of those who contributed to the convocation of this forum: The United Nations Organisation, its Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Special Representative (...)

Sergey Lavrov at the Royal Institute for International Relations

by Sergey Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov at the Royal Institute for International Relations

Brussels (Belgium) | 15 October 2013
Europe’s role in a time of changes
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me pleasure to speak in one of the most renowned centers of political science in Europe as part of my visit to Brussels made on the invitation of my friend and colleague Didier Reynders. Ever since Belgium was founded it had special relationship with Russia. I have no doubt that Belgians are well familiar with the biography of their first King Leopold who was related to the Russian Royal Family and as a general of the (...)

Press Conference by Sergey Lavrov dealing with Syria

by Sergey Lavrov

Press Conference by Sergey Lavrov dealing with Syria

Moscow (Russia) | 26 August 2013
Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen,
We decided to invite you today beyond our scheduled meetings, because you certainly have many questions regarding the events in Syria and around it. To that end, I would like to say some introductory words.
We are seriously concerned with the current situation. Hysteria is growing; the confrontation is heated up in connection with the statements that the authorities of the Syrian Arab Republic used chemical weapons on the 21 August in Ghouta. On this (...)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with CBS on Syria

by Sergey Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with CBS on Syria

Moscow (Russia) | 7 June 2013
CBS: Mr.Lavrov, thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with us. Let’s talk a little bit about the relationship between the U.S. and Russia. What do you see as the greatest challenges to that relationship currently?
S.Lavrov: Well, I don’t see any challenges which are not insurmountable. I believe that after some pause and some irritators, which appeared rather officially in our relationship some time ago, both presidents are keen to move forward. And that was the message President (...)

Press Point by Sergey Lavrov hosting Lakdhar Brahimi

by Sergey Lavrov

Press Point by Sergey Lavrov hosting Lakdhar Brahimi

Cairo (Egypt) | 4 November 2012
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
It is a pleasure, as always, to be in Cairo on a visit that begins not with a bilateral meeting but with the negotiations with L. Brahimi, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States and the UN and LAS special delegate.
Russia and the LAS have rich history of relations, but it is just the beginning. In due time, we decided to create Russia-LAS Forum on Cooperation at the level of ministers of foreign affairs. Today we agreed to try to hold its first (...)

Statement by Sergey Lavrov at 67th UN General Assembly

by Sergey Lavrov

Statement by Sergey Lavrov at 67th UN General Assembly

New York (USA) | 28 September 2012
Distinguished Mr. President,
Ladies and gentlemen,
For over a year and a half the situation in the Middle East and North Africa has been a nerve knot of the global politics. The deep changes that have swept over the region, intertwine with the key problems of the modern international relations and require everyone to use a comprehensive approach, to reject simplified and ideology-driven patterns and double standards.
Russia consistently supports the peoples in their aspiration to (...)

Russia’s stance on the Syrian crisis

On the Right Side of History

by Sergey Lavrov

On the Right Side of History

Moscow (Russia) | 16 June 2012
Western propaganda continues to distort Russia’s position in respect of the Syrian crisis. It accuses Moscow of supporting Damascus for profit motives, or even criminal solidarity. In this piece, Sergey Lavrov does not expound on his country’s strategic choices, but rather on the principles that underpin his diplomacy. He responds imperturbably to the inanities spouted by Western media, underscoring Moscow’s commitment to international law and its pledge to support people. Lavrov counterpoints the massive popular support enjoyed by President al-Assad and the illegitimacy of the sectarian armed opposition, sponsored from abroad.

Statement by Sergey V. Lavrov at 66th UN General Assembly

by Sergey Lavrov

Statement by Sergey V. Lavrov at 66th UN General Assembly

New York (USA) | 27 September 2011
Sergey Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, addresses the general debate of the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly. © UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Distinguished Mr. President,
Ladies and gentlemen,
This year the session of the General Assembly has opened at a time when international relations are going through a zone of turbulence. The Middle East and Northern Africa have entered a period of large-scale changes, and the situation is "feverish" in some (...)

Press Release by Sergey Lavrov

by Sergey Lavrov

Press Release by Sergey Lavrov

Moscow (Russia) | 31 May 2010
At the initiative of one of Turkish NGOs there was formed a flotilla of six small-tonnage ships with the stated aim of breaking the blockade of the Gaza Strip and delivering humanitarian aid (about 10,000 tons, mainly medicines, foodstuffs, construction materials) to the people of the enclave. On board were up to 600 human rights defenders and activists of pro-Palestinian nongovernmental organizations, mainly from Turkey and several European countries.
On the morning of May 31 the vessels, (...)

START: press point by Sergey Lavrov

by Sergey Lavrov

START: press point by Sergey Lavrov

Moscow (Russia) | 6 April 2010
Thanks for participating in this press conference. I’ll say a few words about the upcoming event the day after tomorrow. On April 8, in Prague, Russian and US Presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama will sign a Treaty between the Russian Federation and the United States of America on Measures to Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms. This document will replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between the USSR and the USA, which expired on December 4 last year. (...)

International Relations in the « New Coordinate System »

by Sergey Lavrov

International Relations in the « New Coordinate System »

Moscow (Russia) | 29 September 2009
It is time to build a polycentric world, asserted Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov. The proposed new structure of international relations is not aimed against the United States, with whom Moscow no longer has an ideological divide. It corresponds to a need shared by all, including U.S. policy makers who avow the impossibility for a superpower to dominate the world by force. Nevertheless, such rhetoric hardly veils Russia’s great concern that the collapse of the United States might prove to be even more tumultuous than that of the Soviet Union. Without antagonizing them, Sergey Lavrov would like to impress upon Western countries that they are no longer the centre of the world.

One year ago, Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia

by Sergey Lavrov

One year ago, Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia

Moscow (Russia) | 27 August 2009
On 25 August 2008, following Georgia’s military aggression, Russia recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states. This decision was made in line with Moscow’s strategic needs and in response to the recognition of Kosovo’s independence by Washington and its allies. Anticipating the next round, Russia left the issue regarding the disputed regions of Pridnestrovie (Transnistria) and High-Karabagh in abeyance. One year later, positions have consolidated but they have not evolved.

One year after the Georgian aggression

by Sergey Lavrov

One year after the Georgian aggression

Moscow (Russia) | 8 August 2009
One year ago, the Saakashvili regime - supervised and armed by the United States, the United Kingom and Israel - bombarded South Ossetia. To protect its nationals, Russia intervened, destroyed the Israeli military bases and penetrated Georgian territory. Counfounded by the efficiency of a Russian army believed to be obsolete, Washington detailed Nicolas Sarkozy to negotiate a cease-fire with Dmitry Medvedev. Today, Sergey Lavrov is still convinced that the observance of the Medvedev-Sarkozy plan is the only guarantee of achieving peace in the Transcaucasian region.

The Foreign Policy of Russia: A New Phase

by Sergey Lavrov

The Foreign Policy of Russia: A New Phase

Moscow (Russia) | 17 December 2007
Russia will actively continue playing a balancing role in global affairs, using its capabilities in the present-day world. Moreover, we will not allow ourselves to be drawn into confrontations of any kind and never will be a part of new “holy alliances” against whomsoever.
The speech of Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, in Munich in February 2007 was, undoubtedly, a landmark event in the foreign policy self-determination of the country that had taken years of internal creative (...)

Censored by « Foreign Affairs » magazine

Sergey Lavrov «Containing Russia: Back to the Future?»

by Sergey Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov «Containing Russia: Back to the Future?»

Moscow (Russia) | 25 July 2007
Despite modern Russia being an open State, well integrated onto the world stage, atlantists insist in considering it as the former Soviet Union and try to isolate it. Following this logic, Washington is proceeding with the enlargement of NATO in spite of its own commitments, and undertaking the deployment of new missile systems in Europe. In this article, drafted specially for Foreign Affairs magazine but later rejected by its editorial board, Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov calls on United Staters to renounce the Cold War renewal and suggests finding new regulation mechanisms within a USA-Russia-EU tripolar world. Here is the full, uncensored paper.

1 | 2

Most popular

Russia’s Foreign Policy: Historical Background

On the Right Side of History
Russia’s stance on the Syrian crisis

Sergey Lavrov «Containing Russia: Back to the Future?»
Censored by « Foreign Affairs » magazine

International Relations in the « New Coordinate System »

Sergey Lavrov’s interview on Nato war against Yougoslavia

Sergey Lavrov news conference with Gebran Bassil

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with CBS on Syria

Press Conference by Sergey Lavrov dealing with Syria

Remarks by Sergey Lavrov to the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Statement by Sergey Lavrov at 67th UN General Assembly

One year ago, Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia

One year after the Georgian aggression

Remarks by Sergey Lavrov at the Russian Council on Foreign and Defence Policy

Sergey Lavrov at the Royal Institute for International Relations

Speech by Sergey Lavrov at 71st UN General Assembly