News in Short (60 words):
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a G20 meeting at the U.N. that NATO and the EU are using Ukraine to wage a “real war” against Moscow. Britain dismissed his claims as “false fantasy distortions.” The remarks come amid airspace tensions in Eastern Europe and U.S. President Donald Trump’s sharper rhetoric backing Kyiv against Russia.
News in Detail: Nato
United Nations/New York: Russia’s top diplomat Sergei Lavrov on Thursday escalated tensions at the United Nations by accusing NATO and the European Union of waging a “real war” against his country through Ukraine, a claim swiftly dismissed by Britain and European leaders as baseless propaganda.
Speaking before fellow G20 foreign ministers at the U.N. headquarters, Lavrov repeated Moscow’s long-standing narrative that the West provoked the war in Ukraine. “Another clear example is the crisis in Ukraine provoked by the West, through which NATO and the EU have … already declared a real war on my country and are directly involved in it,” he said.
The Russian foreign minister’s comments, delivered in front of a high-level audience, underscored the deepening confrontation between Moscow and the West. Lavrov, who has served in his post for over two decades, has made similar accusations in the past, but his remarks at the U.N. carried added weight amid the ongoing diplomatic push to address the war.
Britain Calls Out “Fantasy World Distortions”
Lavrov’s words immediately triggered sharp criticism. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “unprovoked” and directly challenged Lavrov as he exited the chamber. “No amount of false fantasy world distortions, misinformation and propaganda from the Russian representative about the causes of the war will convince anyone,” she declared.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed that sentiment, urging the international community to apply stronger pressure on Moscow. “There are no signs that Russia’s goal of subjugating Ukraine has changed,” Kallas said, warning that Russian ambitions remain a threat to European stability.
Tensions on NATO’s Eastern Flank
The diplomatic confrontation came as military tensions flared in Eastern Europe. Estonia accused Moscow of violating its airspace this week by sending three fighter jets into its territory, just days after NATO forces shot down Russian drones that had entered Polish airspace.
The incidents underscored the risks of escalation along NATO’s eastern borders, where allied forces remain on high alert following repeated Russian provocations.
Trump’s Rhetorical Shift on Moscow
Lavrov’s accusations coincided with a shift in tone from U.S. President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, Trump praised Ukraine’s resilience, mocked the Russian military’s slow progress, and urged NATO allies to shoot down any Russian jets violating their airspace.
Kyiv and European capitals publicly welcomed Trump’s tougher rhetoric, describing it as an important signal of U.S. support. However, some European diplomats voiced concern that Trump’s statements could also reflect an effort to push Europe into taking on more responsibility for Ukraine’s defense.
Despite the stronger words, Trump has not imposed sweeping new sanctions on Moscow. Instead, his administration has targeted India with tariffs for purchasing Russian oil and has signaled that similar trade measures against China remain under consideration.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying Moscow was “doing poorly” in Ukraine and had failed to achieve its goals despite heavy losses.
War Still Rages in Ukraine
More than three and a half years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, the war grinds on with no signs of resolution. Russian forces continue to occupy roughly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, while fierce battles persist in the east.
Ukraine has vowed to retake its occupied lands, bolstered by Western weapons and training. Yet the drawn-out conflict has strained resources and left both sides locked in a punishing stalemate.
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