Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a stark warning to the West,stating that Russia is prepared to utilize any means necessary to prevent a “strategic defeat” in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This declaration follows Russia’s recent deployment of a hypersonic missile against the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, a move that Russian President Vladimir putin characterized as a test of a weapon he claims is impervious to interception.
In an interview with American journalist tucker Carlson,lavrov emphasized that the West,particularly the United States and its allies who are supplying long-range weapons to Ukraine,must comprehend Russia’s unwavering resolve. ”The message is that the US and its allies, who are also providing long-range weapons to the regime in Kiev, must understand that we would be prepared to use any means to prevent them from achieving what they call strategic defeat of Russia,” Lavrov stated.
A Clash of Interests
Table of Contents
Lavrov characterized the conflict as a struggle between russia’s legitimate security interests and the West’s pursuit of global hegemony.”They are fighting to maintain their hegemony over the world, in every country, every region, every continent. We are fighting for our legitimate security interests,” he asserted.
He pointed to the West’s refusal to engage in discussions regarding Russia’s security guarantees in the months leading up to the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow termed a ”special military operation.” Lavrov highlighted Ukraine’s missed opportunities to preserve its territorial integrity by rejecting settlement proposals both before the war and during talks in Turkey in April 2022.
“We didn’t start this war. We have been sending warnings for years and years that pushing NATO closer and closer to our borders will create a problem,” Lavrov stressed.
Putin’s justification for the invasion centered on protecting Russian-speaking populations in eastern Ukraine and “denazifying” the Ukrainian leadership in Kyiv.
Red Lines and Peace Prospects
Lavrov cautioned the West against the misconception that Russia lacks “red lines” that it will not tolerate being crossed. “If they follow the logic that some Westerners have been expressing lately, that they don’t believe that Russia has red lines, or that those red lines are being moved over and over again, that’s a very serious mistake,” he warned.
He dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan, first presented in late 2022, and the subsequent “victory plan” announced earlier this year as “nonsense.” While Putin expressed Russia’s willingness to engage in talks with ukraine, he stipulated that Kyiv must recognize Moscow’s control over the four regions it annexed, despite not fully controlling them.
Zelensky’s initial plan called for a complete Russian withdrawal and recognition of Ukraine’s post-Soviet 1991 borders. Though, he later suggested that Ukraine could consider negotiations and allow Russia to retain control of the territories it currently occupies, provided that government-controlled areas of Ukraine could be brought under the NATO umbrella.
## “Russia Prepared to Use All Means Necessary” – An Expert Interview
**World Today News – December 14,2024**
**Following Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent stark warning to the West regarding Russia’s resolve to prevent a “strategic defeat” in Ukraine,we spoke with Dr. Anya Petrova, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for International Security Studies, for her expert analysis.**
**(Image: Sergey Lavrov)**
**World Today News:** Dr. Petrova, Lavrov’s statement parallels the recent deployment of a hypersonic missile against Dnipro, a move Putin described as a show of force. What message is russia trying to send with these actions?
**Dr. Petrova:** This is a precarious moment in the conflict. Lavrov’s statement and the use of a hypersonic missile are clear signals that Russia is digging in for a protracted war, and they’re prepared to escalate if necessary. The message is twofold: first, a warning to the West that continued support for Ukraine will have consequences, and second, a presentation of Russia’s military capabilities and resolve to continue fighting despite mounting losses.
**World Today News:** Is this a sign that Russia is reconsidering its strategy in Ukraine?
**Dr.Petrova:** Likely not a reconsideration, but rather an acknowledgement that their initial goals are proving unattainable. Russia’s advance has stalled, and their military is facing significant challenges. by escalating the rhetoric and employing unconventional weapons like hypersonic missiles, they are attempting to break the stalemate and regain the initiative.
**World Today News:** Putin has stated the hypersonic missile is interception-proof. How valid is this claim, and what are the implications if true?
**Dr. Petrova:** While Russia has been actively developing hypersonic technology,claims of complete interception-proof capabilities are questionable. Existing air defense systems are being continually upgraded to counter such threats. However, the very possibility of an interception-proof weapon raises serious concerns. It creates a new dynamic in the conflict, potentially lowering the threshold for escalation and increasing the risk of miscalculation.
**World Today News:** What are the potential ramifications of this heightened rhetoric and the use of advanced weaponry?
**Dr. Petrova:** The situation is highly volatile. Lavrov’s warning, coupled with the deployment of a hypersonic missile, could trigger a perilous arms race and further solidify divisions between Russia and the West. The risk of miscalculations and unintended consequences considerably increases, potentially leading to a wider conflict with severe global repercussions.
**World Today News:** What steps can be taken to de-escalate the situation?
**Dr. Petrova:** This requires a multi-pronged approach. diplomatic channels must remain open for communication and dialogue, even if progress is slow. The international community needs to work together to discourage further escalation and create conditions for a negotiated settlement.
Concurrently, continued support for Ukraine is crucial to ensure their ability to defend themselves against Russian aggression.
**World Today News:** Thank you for your insights,Dr. Petrova.
**Dr. Petrova:** You’re welcome.It’s a critical time, and informed understanding is vital to navigating this complex and dangerous situation.
