Russia’s top diplomat Sergei Lavrov has accused the European Union of repeatedly undermining peace efforts regarding the Ukraine conflict and effectively derailing diplomatic processes. He stated that Europe has long lost its credibility on these matters and has “removed itself” from genuine negotiations.

Speaking to a Russian journalist, Lavrov emphasized his belief that everyone recognizes this premise: Europe is no longer part of the constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the crisis in Ukraine. Pointing out that their own actions have isolated them, he noted, “Europe has already removed itself from talks.”

Lavrov specifically mentioned several cases where Europe played a destructive role:

1. February 2014 Agreement: He claimed Europe spoiled an initial peace deal by acting as a guarantor for the agreement between then-President Viktor Yanukovych and Ukrainian opposition leaders, adding that the West turned a blind eye when the opposition subsequently seized control of government institutions.
2. April 2022 ‘Istanbul Agreements’: Lavrov stated that recent efforts were derailed under pressure from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson with “Europe’s full acquiescence,” which he framed as Europe’s deliberate interference.

The diplomat also referred to comments by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former French President François Hollande about the failure of previous agreements, like those reached in Minsk aimed at ending the conflict in Donbass.

Furthermore, Lavrov implied criticism for recent Western proposals for peace. While not explicitly naming them as “unconstructive,” he signaled skepticism, contrasting Europe’s current demands (for their inclusion and Ukraine abandoning NATO) with Russia’s view that such conditions make resolution impossible.