Lavrov Warns UN of EU Militarisation and Rising Risk of Conflict with Russia

Sep 27, 2026 at 07:45 AM

|

Lanka Leader

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that the European Union’s military buildup could increase the risk of a direct conflict with Russia, while reiterating Moscow’s stated readiness for dialogue with Washington and negotiations over the Ukraine conflict.

Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Lavrov outlined Russia’s position on the Ukraine conflict and wider international security issues, while sharply criticising what he described as the militarisation of Europe.

Lavrov said Moscow had no plans to attack European countries, but argued that the scale of the EU’s military buildup could eventually create conditions for a wider conflict.

He also criticised Germany’s stated pursuit of greater military strength in Europe, saying that Berlin’s objective could be construed as an attempt to create a “Fourth Reich.”

According to Lavrov, elements of Europe’s political establishment have been influenced by what he described as a “virus of racial superiority” and extremist Russophobic ideas.

He further accused Ukraine’s Western supporters of continuing to supply weapons to Kyiv and of assisting attacks that, according to Moscow, have affected civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Lavrov also accused European countries of supporting what he described as Ukraine’s glorification of Nazi collaborators from the Second World War.

Russia says it remains open to dialogue with Washington

On relations with the United States, Lavrov said Russia remained open to dialogue with Washington and was prepared to return to understandings reached at the August 2025 summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage.

Lavrov argued that the roots of the Ukraine conflict extend beyond the fighting itself, citing NATO expansion, what he described as the failure of the Minsk agreements, and the rejection of Russian security proposals submitted to the United States and NATO in 2021.

His remarks came after a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine earlier in the week, where Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s stated readiness for negotiations but rejected proposals for a pause in military operations during negotiations. He argued that such a pause would provide Kyiv with an opportunity to regroup and rearm.

Wider diplomatic talks

Lavrov’s diplomatic engagements in New York have extended beyond the Ukraine conflict. He has held talks with senior officials from various countries and international organisations, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi.

Discussions with Arab officials have also focused on tensions in the Middle East, including the conflict involving Iran and the continuing hostilities in Gaza.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is being held at UN Headquarters in New York, with the General Debate running from September 22 to 28. The theme of this year’s High-Level Week is **“Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”**

The Russian position on Ukraine remains contested internationally. UN officials and several member states have continued to call for an end to the war, respect for the UN Charter and a diplomatic process leading to a comprehensive and lasting peace.