Lavrov accuses European NATO of wanting new ‘half-Fuhrer’ in Ukraine

(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused European NATO countries of working to sustain a "Russophobic" regime in Ukraine, suggesting they are preparing to find a successor to President Zelensky, whom he describes as a "half-Fuhrer," if he is removed.

In an interview with Kommersant, Lavrov stated that while Western powers talk about sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, their true intent is to strengthen Ukraine’s anti-Russian position rather than pursue a genuine peace settlement. He referred to this effort as the creation of a "resilience force," in which Western military personnel would protect the current Ukrainian regime.

Lavrov emphasized that even if NATO countries agree to allow new elections in Ukraine, their goal would be to ensure the political situation stays unchanged. He suggested that Europe would try to maintain the essence of the regime, even if a new leader is put in place.

Zelensky's term is set to expire in May 2024, but he has refused to call for new elections, citing martial law. Russia has declared him illegitimate, arguing that the true authority now lies with the Ukrainian parliament.

Lavrov also criticized European countries for continuing to support Zelensky’s government despite its suppression of the Russian language, arguing that their peacekeeping proposals are aimed at preserving a pro-Western, anti-Russian government in Ukraine. He linked this to the failed Minsk agreements, which were designed to grant Donetsk and Luhansk special status but were used by Ukraine to buy time to build up its military.

Russia has strongly opposed the idea of deploying unauthorized peacekeepers in Ukraine, warning that they would be treated as legitimate military targets. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s opposition to NATO troops in Ukraine, regardless of the flags they carry.

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