In a recent press conference, Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, unequivocally rejected a U.S. proposition to reopen discussions on nuclear arms control, citing ongoing military support from Washington to Ukraine as a substantial impediment. Lavrov accused the West of exacerbating global security risks by encouraging Ukraine to intensify strikes on Russian territory. Despite Western assistance to Kyiv, Lavrov affirmed Moscow’s steadfast commitment to its goals in the conflict.

Regarding the U.S. proposal for nuclear arms control talks, Lavrov deemed it “unacceptable,” underscoring Moscow’s conveyed position in a diplomatic letter the previous month. He ridiculed the U.S. offer, characterizing it as implying, “we consider you an adversary, yet we’re open to discussing how to reassess your strategic nuclear arsenal – a peculiar stance.”

Lavrov also addressed the New START treaty, the remaining nuclear arms control pact between Russia and the United States set to expire in 2026. Accusing the West of hindering discussions to end the Ukrainian conflict while concurrently escalating attacks on Russia, Lavrov warned against potential tensions akin to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. He specifically cautioned against encouraging Ukraine to target Russian sites.

Throughout his discourse, Lavrov underscored the rising influence of the Global South and argued for the waning dominance of the West in international affairs. He praised the current strength of Russia-China ties, claiming they are in their “best period in history,” surpassing conventional military alliances. Additionally, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s support for an independent Palestinian state and criticized U.S.-led attacks on Yemen, contending that increased military actions impede dialogue with the Houthis.

Lavrov emphasized, “Such encouragement and the transfer of relevant weapons show that the West doesn’t want any constructive solution. The West is pushing toward the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis, and that raises new strategic risks.” In his view, this approach signals a lack of interest in constructive resolutions, creating further strategic uncertainties in the ongoing conflict.