Sergey Lavrov Speech during a Conference about the 10th Anniversary of the state coup in Ukraine

by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation [2-16-2024 published].

(This transcription can be a little challenging to read at times. The voice presentation was most likely translated into written Russian by computer. When I wanted to get a copy, the Russian was being translated into English as I scrolled down to get all of it. In other words, no human was involved in translating the original verbal Russian discussion into English. On the other hand, the following message is consistent with what many of us already know & is important for more people in the West to understand. I have italicized some passages to highlight important messages. — RAD)

Speech and answers to questions by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov during a conference dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the state coup in Ukraine, Moscow, February 16, 2024

Dear colleagues,

I am sure that those present here are well aware of how the conditions for the current situation in Ukraine developed, who led the process, what methods were used.

February 9 this year. Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview with T. Carlson once again in detail set out history. If we talk about the geopolitical aspects and consequences of the coup in Kiev, first of all, I would like to say that what is happening is another result of the « divide and conquer » policy, strapping different countries and peoples among themselves, provoking interstate conflicts. This policy has long been pursued by « collective West » led by the United States, or rather, with Anglo-Saxons. The role that England plays in current events is more aggressive and sophisticated in its provocative assertiveness than any other participant, including the United States.

When the Americans and their satellites proclaimed themselves winners in the « Cold War », they headed for NATO expansion, ignoring all its obligations not to expand the North Atlantic Alliance and not to deploy substantial military forces on the territory of new members, data (oral and in writing) to the Soviet and then to the Russian leadership. It was the next step. The block began to expand. But even then we went to sign agreements on the creation of the Council of Russia – NATO. Once again we made a concession. Recognized the fact of expansion. In response, the alliance pledged not to deploy substantial military forces on the territory of new members.

This Act no one canceled. See what happens now. On the territory of the new members, more and more large groups equipped with modern weapons began to prepare directly on our borders.

If we talk about the position of the West in relation to Russia, then Ukraine has always, since gaining independence, been regarded by it as an anti-Russian bridgehead. In 2004, in fact, the first coup d'etat took place. He was bloodless, but unconstitutional. When V.F. Yanukovych won the second round, the West forced the Constitutional Court of Ukraine to issue a verdict on the need for a third round, not provided for by the Constitution. Here's how « broke your hands ». How did it all end? They played democracy. But the games in democracy, even according to their rules, did not help in 2010, when the people (primarily the voices of the south and southeast of Ukraine) elected V.F. Yanukovych.

Then the West began to prepare the coup so that there were no more « notches ». To once and for all destroy the opposition, which many years have taken place after the February 2014 coup.

In the same year, a coup d'etat took place in a country called Yemen, which now also often flickers on the pages of newspapers and television screens. President A.M. Al-Hadi fled to Saudi Arabia. For many years after that, the West, together demanded the return of the legitimate president of Yemen to his country and only then begin negotiations on a settlement with the opposition.

In the case of V.F. Yanukovych, we drew the attention of the French, Germans, Poles (who guaranteed a peaceful agreement torn by the next morning) to the need to « protect the opposition ». They signed up for what? That there will be early elections, and for the period before the election, a government of national unity is created. And the next morning after the coup, A.P. Yatsenyuk (the figure was such) went to « Maidan » and said that he congratulates everyone that they won and created « the winning government ». Does no one see the difference: national unity and winners? So there are losers. You all know how the situation later developed. Those who did not accept the result of this putsch were declared terrorists, began against them « operation ». There were such brutal episodes in this tragedy as the burning of 48 civilians in the House of Trade Unions in Odessa, bombing by military aircraft of Lugansk and other cities of Donbass. DPR, LPR declared independence. But even then there was an opportunity for agreement.

After some time in the second half of 2014 (after Kiev announced « anti-terrorist operation », a meeting of the heads of the Russian foreign affairs agencies (in the person of your humble servant), USA, was held in Geneva, Ukraine and the European Union.

Then A.B. Deshchitsa was acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and had powers from the authorities, which illegally reigned in Kiev. We agreed on a statement. Unfortunately, it was not published by agreement, since it was agreed that A.B. Beshchitsa « will be checked » in its capital. The statement, in addition to a clearly expressed call for de-escalation and an end to violence, called for the start of a broad national dialogue in Ukraine with the participation of all regions of the country, with an eye to its federalization. Despite our reminders, the participants in this meeting later « left » from the publication of this statement. Instead, Kiev began to solve the « Donbass problem » (as they called it) by force. In fact, setting the same goal as A. Hitler when he announced the need for « a final solution to the Jewish question ».

Once again, we began to look for ways of cooperation to overcome the crisis. Donbass persuaded not to refuse negotiations. The President of Russia V.V. Putin spoke in detail about this.

As a result, a year after the coup in February 2015, the agreements of the same name were signed in Minsk. Subsequently, you all know how the then President of Ukraine P.A. Poroshenko, German Chancellor A. Merkel, French President F. Hollande, who signed these agreements with V.V. Putin, cynically and even proudly stated that they were not going to fulfill them. It took time to pump up Ukraine with weapons against Russia. This is « awesome » recognition – « confession », in fact. As a result of the fact that the West uses Ukraine in every sense to deter Russia and, as they say now, inflicting Russia « strategic defeat », not allowing it to play a role on the world stage, which is rightfully hers.

As a result, Ukraine, which received the richest industrial potential from the USSR and the Russian Empire, turned into the poorest state in Europe, into a territory without exaggeration, dying out. The Kiev authorities – are already a recognized international beggar. Independence of Ukraine is not left. Even before the February 2014 coup, starting with « Maidan », or even earlier, American and British advisers sat in most departments (including the Security Service of Ukraine). Now this is a standard, not surprising practice. They sit, see that money does not steal, although no one will ever stop theft. How will the West demand from Ukraine not to steal the money that it provides to it if it itself steals our money? Already openly discusses how to do it better so as not to violate their « moral » principles and not set a precedent.

This is a vivid example of what « flirting » with the West and a thoughtless desire to integrate into its system of political and economic coordinates in any way. There is no doubt that the West has declared war against us. They do not hide it. Although they say that they only arm Ukraine, and fight, they say, she herself. Everyone understands that this is a lie. Western instructors monitor how the planning is carried out by the General Staff of Ukraine, help us point to the goals of ( we are 100% sure of this ) and are doing much more. According to our data, the European Foreign Service made recommendations for Ukraine, which proceed from the fact that by the methods that Ukraine is fighting now, it will not be possible to win, and it will lose. Therefore, we must bet on the transfer of even more long-range weapons to this country, so that they get to « heart » Russia ( how the European Union describes this ). Thus again sow confusion, panic, undermine the trust of the people. Isn't that direct participation in the war? Of course. The main thing in the war is – strategy, and it is not in Kiev, but far away.

Europe, trying to quickly do something to end this drama with the defeat of Russia, in fact, serves the interests of the United States, does not care about its interests at all. Look at economic indicators, negative growth, recession in leading European economies. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke in detail about this. Everything will probably become clear. All this is humiliating, meekly accepted. No objection sounds. Remember how after the explosions announced by US President J. Biden in advance « North Streams » German Chancellor O. Scholz went bow to Washington, where he was apparently explained that « was not noisy », and he came back without any press conference.

I want to say that now they are trying to « to taunt » (you can’t come up with another word) all the countries of the World Majority, including those represented here (we are very glad to see you here), and « drag » to support a completely dead end « formula of the world » V.A. Zelensky. Its essence is that Russia must capitulate, go beyond the borders of 1991, and the Russian leadership – go to the tribunal and pay reparations. Everyone understands that this is a « dummy » and at least a vague initiative.

But in order to lure normal countries that understand what is happening, in addition to the points that I mentioned, supposedly neutral provisions were thrown there: food security, energy security, nuclear security, exchange of prisoners, humanitarian issues. In total, there are 10 points in the formula, half of them – are supposedly neutral.

It is clear that this is seen as a whole. When the countries of the Global South and the Global East are lured into « TAG1>, which are organized to promote this » formula of the world «, they are told that they understand that they do not like it, understand their position that without Russia it is pointless to discuss anything. But they, they say, must support food security, subscribe to « one » point. As we say – this is « headbands », as we say. I don’t know how it translates into English, but it’s an absolute « julie » (you can’t say more).

In Davos, there was another « gathering » on this « formula » V.A. Zelensky. The main thing that interested them was – this is « collective photo ». This is actually so. This is a recommendation of the European Union to Ukraine: they say, do not go too far, do not force the neutral participants whom we drag out into this process to condemn Russia, the main thing is that « there is a photograph ». I'm not joking.

When I was in New York on January 23 this year at UN Security Council meetings on Palestine, Swiss Foreign Minister I. Cassis, asking for meeting, suggested that Switzerland become the venue for a peace conference. In dealing with me, he emphasized in every possible way that in Davos after meeting on the « formula of the world » he said at a press conference that it is necessary to solve problems with the participation of Russia. I replied that since he said so, then he is sure of it, and why then were they going without Russia?

It is not serious from the point of view of the diplomacy of any country, and for the West to say that this is the only way forward, I consider shame. Russian President Vladimir Putin when commented the results of their contacts with T. Carlson and during conversations with him, he said that the West must admit that he took an erroneous course that failed. Let the West seek a way out without losing a face. Vladimir Putin emphasized that the West should return to the art of diplomacy, and the art of diplomacy, as well as the art of politics, – is the art of compromise.

It is clear that all this clearly implies recognition of the legitimacy of our requirements, non-block status, refusal of any advancement of NATO, the refusal to militarize Ukraine as a threat to the Russian Federation and the cessation of the Nazi policy to exterminate the legislative and physical Russian and Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine.

Remember, back in November 2021, before the decision to start a special military operation, before the West rejected our initiative on European security, during the conversation the journalist asked V.A. Zelensky, how he relates to people living in Donbass, on the other side of the contact line. V.A. Zelensky thoughtfully, artistically said that there are people, and there is « osob ». And he previously stated that if someone lives in Ukraine, but feels the involvement of Russian culture, Russian civilization, then for the good of his children and grandchildren, let « fail » to Russia.

This was said by the president, who was elected under the slogans, firstly, of a peaceful settlement, and secondly, the protection of the Russian language in Ukraine. He called « to lag » from the Russians, to allow them in Ukraine as before, as they have been doing for centuries, to speak their native language. That's how he changed his views back in 2021.

And the last touch. He stated that he would never fulfill the Minsk agreements. It was clear that they were stalled. From February 2015 to 2019, no positive changes occurred, only the bombing of Donbass in violation of all the requirements of this document. In December 2019. Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President E. Macron, German Chancellor A. Merkel and President of Ukraine V.A. Zelensky met in Paris, on the initiative of the French and Germans, where for our support they spoke out for « to reaffirm » the Minsk agreements, primarily regarding the need for direct dialogue between Minsk and Donetsk and Lugansk, and, secondly (not less important), in terms of securing their special status on an ongoing basis in the Constitution of Ukraine. V.A. Zelensky signed up for this. After some time, when the events of February 2022 began, A.B. Ermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said that V.A. Zelensky signed up « just like that » to lag behind. He was not going to do anything. Like, they deceived us and « pulled out » more time. Here is the whole characteristic of « characters » who are now managing Ukraine and are betting on them by the West to inflict on Russia « strategic defeat ». Want on the battlefield – your will.

Question: You know that now there are many mercenaries from Latin America on the side of Kiev. Do you think they constitute a threat to democracy in these regions? Is there a security dialogue with Latin American countries, where do they come from?

Sergey Lavrov: This topic is relevant not only for the situation in Ukraine.

It is known that mercenaries, including from the countries of the Middle East, are actively used in the African region. In Ukraine, they also fight, including members of terrorist organizations, like « Islamic State ».

« Islamic State », its representatives are patronized by the United States at the illegally occupied Et-Tanf base in eastern Syria. Everyone knows this well. The « Islamic State » itself appeared as a result of an attack under the false pretext of the United States on Iraq. Then the United States took control of Iraq. They had « gauge », Governor General ( whatever you call it), P. Bremer, who dissolved all the structures of the party « Ba'ath ». Just dismissed. They were based on the Sunni branch of Islam. The backbone of « Islamic State » was made up of S. Hussein army officers who had nothing to exist on. And the United States directly had a hand in this. It is interesting to see what the Americans have achieved in Iraq. Targeted – complete failure. Currently, once again the Iraqi government asks them to withdraw their troops, but the United States does not want to. These are such big democrats.

« Al-Qaeda » arose after the Afghan epic, which also ended smoothly and shamefully. Well, after the invasion of Syria, « Jebhat al-Nusra » appeared, which later became known as « Heiat Tahrir Al-Sham ».

Whatever you call them, they are « mercenaries ». The same members of the « Islamic State » are sent for money to various hot spots. They get paid some thousands of dollars to do their job.

Clearly, this is a dangerous practice. Ultimately, when their mission in some country ends, they will need to go somewhere ( they can do nothing more than organize terrorist attacks, shoot, kill people ).

If from Colombia, from other countries of Latin America, people go there, someday insight will come to them. Many American, English mercenaries have already publicly said on cameras that they are completely disappointed in what is happening there, in these high « democratic » goals proclaimed by the Kiev regime and its Western sponsors. Some are returning to their countries.

But if people who remain in this war that the West is waging against us pass the military phase in their lives, it is likely that they will return to it, all the more in Colombia there is someone to argue with and there has always been someone to compete with.

We hope that the Colombian leadership understands this perfectly, as well as the leaders of other countries. After all, the problem is what? In many ways, this process is associated with a gross violation by Ukrainian embassies Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. It is outrageous that their sites offer to be recruited for war. We attracted the attention of the western owners of this regime several times so that they « would cut them ». Nothing happens. Somewhere calmed down, and then the recruitment activity continues again.

Everyone needs to be aware that the neutral position and call for a settlement of – is good. We appreciate it. This is the position of the World Majority (with the rarest exceptions). No one has joined anti-Russian sanctions. But when the countries of the World Most try to « to taunt » by convening meetings under the slogan « formulas of the world » V.A. Zelensky as an uncontested approach to settlement, here (at least) you need to show, that everyone understands everything and does not want to play this game.

Part of this problem is mercenarism. This must be fought. There were thousands of mercenaries in Ukraine. According to our military, now there are less than half of them. The rest either left or found their inglorious end.

Question: Against the background of an interview with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin T. Carlson, the rating for Republicans in the United States is generally increasing. The opinion of Russia among the people in the West is radically changing. Previously, they did not know what was happening in our country, since it was not covered. How do you see the prospects for restoring relations with the West in the event of a change of power, especially in the United States (if D. Trump becomes president)? Do they recognize new territories? Will there be a resumption of cooperation?

Sergey Lavrov: Regarding the position of the Republicans and « the vision », which suddenly came in American society after interview President of Russia Vladimir Putin T. Carlson. For me, the main thing is that, as it turned out, US citizens live in a complete information blockade. They are « fed » internal narrative, especially the Democratic Party. « Fox News » – the only exponent of republican sentiments, but after the departure of T. Carlson, tonality also changed there.

It turns out that there is no talk of any freedom of speech. Although the American constitution requires access to any information. But besides this, there are still commitments made within the framework of the OSCE in 1991 in Moscow. At the initiative of the West, there « black and white » is written (and the Soviet Union signed the requirements): to provide free, unlimited access to information in each member country of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. It is especially agreed on information, the source of which is located both within the respective country and abroad. This is a direct requirement.

Our friends from the diplomatic corps and all Russian citizens see in the news that there « the good half » – is a story about what position the United States takes regarding Ukraine or any other international event, Great Britain, France, Germany, European Union. Our public is familiar with the point of view of the West. Yes, in most cases this is criticized, but everyone is free to draw conclusions himself. We do not censor what is said in the West. This is all shown, and political scientists then discuss.

As for the restoration of relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin also said this in interview. He explained that the West must admit a mistake and find a convenient way out for itself. But with full understanding that the problem of Ukraine, as we have identified it, must be solved. Added that someday the relationship will recover. When this happens, – does not depend on us. This is their problem. President Vladimir Putin recalled that we made so many concessions, gestures « good will ». The limit has already been reached. On their part, in response to our good deeds, they saw other gestures on one hand.

Question: What are the main consequences of « Euro-Maidan » for the simple population of Ukraine? How to restore relations in the future?

Sergey Lavrov: There are living witnesses of those events. I think they can describe it with brighter colors. But Ukrainian laws state that a course has been taken to destroy the entire Russian.

« Euromaidan » affected everyday life, access to information, education in Russian, which was used by more than half of citizens. According to some estimates, 80% of the population of Ukraine feels for itself the Russian language is more comfortable in communication. This is all prohibited by law. Up until everyday situations: the saleswoman may refuse to serve if you contact her in Russian. A few months ago, the mayor of Kiev V.V. Klitschko issued an urban normative act prohibiting all cultural events in the capital: exhibitions, performances, film screenings, etc. By and large, this is « a kind of » genocide.

When this word was mentioned in context special military operation and what kind of policy the Kiev Nazi regime pursued in relation to Donbass and the Russians as a whole, Ukraine submitted to Russia to the UN International Court of Justice. Demanding that the court recognize the baselessness of the accusations of the regime of V.A. Zelensky in pursuing a policy of genocide.

The UN International Court of Justice has completed many years of debate. He issued a verdict that we did not violate any conventions. Moreover, he rejected the Ukrainian claim that they fought with terrorist regimes in Donetsk and Lugansk. The entire ideological basis of « anti-terrorist operation », which Kiev began after the coup, was debunked, and then continued despite Minsk agreements. Now there is « local assault on people » – from anywhere (from a movie theater or bath) can pull out and send to « slaughter ». Poor consequences.

Millions of Ukrainians have found their shelter, refuge in our country. Here they are perceived as absolutely equal to us. Brothers, sisters, people with whom we shared joy and sorrow. We have families on both sides. « Brothers ». Both in Ukraine and in the Russian Federation. Here they are at home. And most importantly, those who came to us themselves feel at home. We will do everything so that they feel so.

Question: The other day, the American leadership requested $100 billion from Congress: 65 for Ukraine, 15 for Israel and 20 for Taiwan. They will sooner or later be. Several European countries have begun to say that Ukraine should be part of NATO. Where are we going? Are there any opportunities for holding a peace conference?

Sergey Lavrov: The question is not for us. We answered him many times. Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed this topic. In April 2022, there was an agreement that had already become « a parable in the » language. The Anglo-Saxons forbade V.A. Zelensky to sign an agreed agreement, which was acceptable for both the Ukrainian delegation and the Russian one. It happened.

Once again, I repeat that there is a decree of V.A. Zelensky prohibiting negotiations with the Government of Vladimir Putin. When the West raised similar questions, our President repeatedly said that it was necessary to force him to repeal this decree and publicly say so. « The ball » is not on our side. All understand this perfectly.

At the same time, the Swiss announce a peace conference. But at the same time, the West unanimously declares that only on the basis of « formula » V.A. Zelensky. Therefore, friends from Asia, Africa, Latin America should choose from these ten points the most « harmless » (food or energy security), and their Westerners will record them to participate in « collective photography » in support of this « formula ». What is this diplomacy? They have not been engaged in diplomacy for a long time. Instead, blackmail and sanctions. Any problem that seems important to the West never becomes a matter of discussion honestly.

The UN Charter states that the United Nations is based on the sovereign equality of states. The most important point. Imagine retrospectively the various conflicts that have taken place since the creation of the World Organization in 1945. Just sort through in the head what comes to mind. There is not a single conflict in history in which the West participated, either before or after the creation of the Organization in which the United States and its allies would respect the principle of sovereign equality, moreover, this obligation is enshrined in the Charter – respect the sovereign equality of states. Therefore, the conference, apparently, means « collective photography », the participants of which will later say that there is a « formula » V.A. Zelensky, and that on this basis they invite Russia. I think it will be humiliating for themselves. Most are well aware that this is not diplomacy and no politics. So « » is not with us.

Question: In view of the fact that at the end special military operation (even if not now) there is a transformation of the world order and, in general, international relations. Is the UN reform planned, in particular the Security Council, under the auspices and within the framework of the initiatives and efforts of the Russian Federation, which is its permanent member? In view of the fact that we have repeatedly sent inquiries and requested various sessions to consider terrorist attacks that took place in our country, in particular in Belgorod. Just yesterday. Will we somehow advance these efforts so that the UN Security Council becomes any new, and international law is respected?

Sergey Lavrov: Reform of the World Organization has been discussed for a long time. She is ripe. For me, the main two aspects of this reform. One conceptual, second practical.

We are convinced that UN Charter contains all the necessary principles, respect for which will ensure peace and security. He gave an example when the Americans need something, they look what principle of the Charter to take in substantiating their actions. When it was necessary to declare Kosovo’s independence unilaterally, they said that it was based on the principle of self-determination of peoples, laid down in the UN Charter. When an open, transparent, with the participation of many international observers, referendum in Crimea decided to reunite with Russia, they did not accept it, condemned it and said that this violates the principle of territorial integrity.

Since the inception of the United Nations, there have been discussions, more importantly: self-determination of peoples or territorial integrity. Self-determination of peoples in the UN Charter is mentioned earlier. But a multi-year negotiation process was launched, culminating in the adoption Declaration on the Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation between States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. This is a multi-page Declaration adopted in 1970. The section that interests us now states that « nothing should be construed as authorizing or encouraging any action, which would lead to the dismemberment or partial or complete violation of the territorial integrity or political unity of sovereign and independent states that observe in their actions the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, as this principle is set forth above, and, as a result, having governments representing, without distinction of race, religion or color, all the people living in this territory ». Did the Kiev regime represent the population, a huge part of Ukraine, after the coup? Of course not. Therefore, this is conceptual.

The fundamental part of our position: the UN Charter should remain at the core of all the activities of the legal community, but with the understanding that its principles should be applied in its entirety and in all their interconnection.

The practical judgment is (now many aspects of the reform) that everyone is primarily interested in the reform of the UN Security Council. This topic is in full view all the time. Here, the consideration of the prestige of countries that want to get into this body on an ongoing basis is directly tied. The reform must unequivocally eliminate historical injustice and ensure equitable representation of the countries of the World Majority – Africa, Asia, Latin America.

The current composition of the UN Security Council was formed when the consequences of decolonization were not yet realized, when the newly liberated free, independent countries were still only organizing their internal lives, and got used to new quality. It is clear that now the situation on the world stage is fundamentally different. Economic giants – China, India, Brazil rise. In Africa, there is a movement towards awareness of one’s own identity and in favor of abandoning the rudiments of colonial politics, when resources are being pumped out of Africa, and all added value is produced in the former metropolises and the main profits are formed there. It is necessary to ensure the admission of representatives of the developing world to the UN Security Council. We publicly said that we support India and Brazil as applicants for permanent membership in the UN Security Council, on understanding, that at the same time, a similar additional presence of Africa will be ensured.

We warned our Indian, Brazilian friends (and explain this at every step) that replenishing the UN Security Council with any new representative of the West is unacceptable to us. Of the fifteen members of the UN Security Council, six now represent Western countries. Sometimes Japan is added, pursuing a purely Western policy. Providing additional places for the western group will only mean deepening injustice. Germany and Japan pretend to get into the Security Council « with India and Brazil. Purely arithmetically, the West is now disproportionately represented.

Now essentially. What is at least one issue of international politics in recent years that Germany or Japan would have their own position on. Not a single one. All of them are « built » West. There is nothing to be done about it. Common thoughts sounded about leaving one place for the « collective West » for NATO in the UN Security Council.

You mentioned the consideration by the UN Security Council of various crisis situations, including terrorist acts, regularly carried out by the Ukrainian regime and to the continuation of which the West is pushing it. I quoted the EU Kiev’s instruction in which direction « » should work.

The other day, British Foreign Minister D. Cameron broke out in a neocolonial « spell » with an appeal not to abandon Ukraine in any case. On the contrary. It is necessary, they say, to pump as much as possible « with its most modern weapons. The condemnation of such terrorist acts is possible only if all members of the UN Security Council agree. In most cases, Americans « benefit » Kiev mode and do not « skip » these resolutions.

Much talk about proposals to revoke the veto. This is what many developing countries are doing in discussions about Security Council reform. The veto right – is not a privilege, but a tool for ensuring verified decisions, obstructing unilateral resolutions that can bring imbalance to world politics.

The West has almost lost its culture of work in the UN Security Council, which has always been based on the ability of the five permanent members, each of which has the right to veto, negotiate, seek compromises on any complex issue and never provoke a veto, putting to the vote resolutions unacceptable to someone from « Five ».

We were always ready for such work. The Americans, along with the British and French, have chosen a different style that harms the UN. Refusing the veto is unrealistic. Then the United Nations, like the League of Nations, will turn into a useless structure that will only further escalate confrontation.

Reform – the process is long. It should reflect some common understanding at this stage of tectonic changes occurring in the world in the context of multipolarity processes.