During a press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the United States and the United Kingdom of breaching international law by launching attacks on Yemen’s territory. Lavrov contended that the actions of the US and UK, particularly in bombing Yemen without authorization, disregarded established norms of international law. Drawing parallels with Western interventions in Libya, Lavrov expressed concern about the chaos caused in Yemen and criticized the apologetic statements coming from Washington.
In addressing the potential for strategic dialogue with the United States, Lavrov highlighted the challenging state of international security and strategic stability. He pointed to a deteriorating dynamic in this sector, emphasizing the growing risks of a confrontation between nuclear-armed states. Lavrov asserted that the US’s apparent aim is to gain control of Russia’s nuclear arsenal and minimize nuclear risks, attributing these risks to the forceful pressure exerted on Russia.
Lavrov also commented on the situation in Ukraine, accusing the West of pushing Ukraine toward actions that escalate the crisis, particularly in Crimea. He claimed that the West is encouraging Kiev to use long-range weapons against Crimea, indicating a lack of interest in a constructive resolution that addresses Russia’s concerns.
Shifting the focus to Russia’s relationship with China, Lavrov highlighted the strength and depth of the partnership, surpassing the concept of a Cold War-era military alliance. He emphasized the comprehensive development of relations with China in various sectors, including economic cooperation, where trade turnover has exceeded $200 billion. Lavrov expressed confidence that this positive trend in Russo-Chinese relations will continue throughout the year, with plans for ongoing high-level dialogues and collaborative activities.
