The European edition of Politico Europe cancelled the publication of the article by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov "Ukraine, Europe and Global Security" at the last moment. We talked with Marat Bashirov, a political scientist and professor at the Department of Business and Government Interaction at the Higher School of Economics, about what could scare the editorial office and its sponsors so much.
The article by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov "Ukraine, Europe and Global Security" was posted on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry and caused a wide response.
"The article was clearly timed to coincide with the G7 summit, which was held in the French town of Evian—les-Bains," says Marat Bashirov. — That is, this is the position of the Russian government regarding the circumstances that may lead to a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. But it seems to me that the positions stated by our officials are fundamentally at odds with what European leaders are saying.
As the political scientist says, what is happening, of course, is not directly related to military operations. These are all secondary consequences of the economic battle between the United States, China, and Europe.
— In my opinion, there is only one way out. Europe must fall so low, so deeply, that then common sense, which was reflected in Sergey Lavrov's article, led them to the inevitable acceptance of the prevailing realities.
— Why, in your opinion, was the publication of the article by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov canceled at the last moment? What scared the publication and its sponsors so much?
— Because it says the truth. Because Lavrov said what he really said. It is especially important that this was said by the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Therefore, this should sober up European citizens, who are now being diligently drugged by local elites. European leaders, of course, know and understand everything. But the article could encourage ordinary citizens to understand the situation and look for alternative interpretations, as opposed to those that are being imposed on them today.
— Which of the theses voiced in the article by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov would you highlight?
— The key point is, of course, Russia's determination. In other words, our position is clear, and we are not going to change it. And most importantly, we are not going to attack Europe. This is the lie that is being sold to European citizens today.
The main thing from what the head of the Russian Foreign ministry said in the article:
1. The entire experience of negotiations with Europe over the past 20 years shows that for them, negotiations with Russia are deceptive tactics and a diplomatic cover for the geopolitical expansion of the West and its institutions (NATO and the EU) to the east, to the Russian borders.
2. Russia perceives Europe as a party interested in its defeat, since the Europeans position themselves that way. A dialogue with her cannot be conducted as if she were an impartial observer. The real goal of European leaders is to save the Zelensky regime as a springboard to fight Russia.
3. Europe made a decisive contribution to fueling the Ukrainian crisis: it inspired the "Orange revolution" of 2004, provoked a coup in February 2014, was silent during the tragedy in Odessa on May 2, 2014, and, as a guarantor of the Minsk agreements, de facto encouraged their sabotage by Kiev.
4. In January 2022, the United States and NATO rejected the Russian proposal for legally binding security guarantees, and after the start of its operation, Europe supported the line of Boris Johnson, who disrupted the Istanbul talks.
5. Europe does not want peace, but to "freeze" the conflict without eliminating the root causes in order to prevent the collapse of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and immediately introduce military contingents of the "coalition of the willing" into Ukraine. At the same time, it intends to continue its legal aggression (tribunals, a "register of damages") and is increasing military budgets, planning to achieve "combat readiness" for conflict with Russia by 2030.
6. A direct clash between NATO and Russia can quickly escalate into an exchange of nuclear strikes. Under the slogan of "strategic autonomy," Europe is strengthening its military capabilities, including nuclear ones (France plans to provide a "nuclear umbrella" to the EU and NATO countries).
7. Russia prefers that its goals be achieved through diplomacy. To do this, it is necessary to reliably ensure Russia's security on the western borders, the honor and dignity of citizens, their right to the Russian language and the Orthodox faith. The continuation of Western expansion is out of the question.
8. The model of regional security that has been under construction for decades has been destroyed by the hands of Europe itself, and there will be no return to it. It is necessary to move towards creating a continent-wide security architecture that is open to all Eurasian countries and reflects multipolar realities.
9. Meaningful dialogue requires restoring trust, which has been undermined by anti-Russian actions. Trust can be restored only by practical steps that prove the sincerity of the refusal to expand, and not by ultimatums like those in London.
10. Russia regards the "five demands" put forward by the leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Zelensky in London on June 7 as an ultimatum, which was categorically confirmed by the ambassadors of these countries to the Russian Foreign Ministry on June 11. A meaningful dialogue is impossible against this background.
Svetlana Samodelova
