According to Tass and Russia Today (RT), on September 7 local time, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said that the EU's abandonment of Russian energy in order to target Russia is actually a 'suicide act'.
He also claims that the EU is making its citizens "bear the hardship" while Russia's energy continues to have a large number of buyers.
Lavrov, TASS
According to reports, on September 7th, Lavrov said during a meeting with teachers and students from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations that Russia's international status and potential influence depend on the outcome of the special military operations: "The situation on the front line has already and will continue to have the most significant and decisive impact on how the world views us, on the prospects of our influence, and on the consolidation of Russia's international status."
He stated that Russia is not prepared to reach agreements that cannot ensure a balance of interests.
Lavrov pointed out that 'Russia has been fully advancing its diversification of energy exports to the Asian market for several years, but it has not shifted towards the East. At least since the early 21st century, our eagle has been looking both ways—towards the West as well as the East.'
At the same time, he emphasized that Russia can no longer trust the West. “They deceived us in the past, and they are still lying to us now. We tried to give these Western colleagues one last chance, but it ultimately convinced us that the only correct path we are taking is the right one.”
"For all parties willing to conduct cooperation based on equality, reciprocity, and balance of interests, we are always open to cooperation. Most countries in the Global South and Global East have a willingness to do so, while Western states object to this. Western envoys traveled to capitals across the globe saying: 'No, no, you cannot cooperate with Russia.'" said Lavrov.
He pointed out that the United States is trying to persuade Russia’s close partners not to continue maintaining contact with Moscow.
He said bluntly, 'Under the current situation, the EU is committing suicide, and they still boast about having to endure suffering.'
European governments are cutting social welfare programs, and they also urge their voters to “endure hardships, because Ukraine is allegedly fighting for European values,” said Lavrov. “European values… they obviously refer to Nazism, the burial of Nazi criminals, the suppression of Russian language, education, culture, media, etc.”
He concluded, "Of course, we have already started selling energy to reliable buyers. If Europe wants to purchase American liquefied natural gas at prices of $800 to $900 per thousand cubic meters, what else can we do? There's no need for any fuss; we always have a large number of buyers."
Moreover, Lavrov also stated that the West is attempting to interfere in the Russian Duma elections.
