(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump is experiencing “improper pressure” from the European Union and NATO leaders to adopt a more aggressive approach in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Lavrov made the remarks during a media briefing following a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization held in Tianjin, China.

On the previous day, Trump had revealed plans for upcoming shipments of sophisticated military systems to Ukraine.

According to the US president, the costs of these weapons would be covered by European members of NATO.

Additionally, Trump delivered a strong warning, indicating that Russia and its commercial allies would face new financial penalties unless a resolution to the Ukraine crisis is achieved within 50 days.

“Clearly, [Trump] is under enormous – improper, I would say – pressure by the European Union and current NATO leaders,” Lavrov remarked during the press event.

He further claimed that the “regime” led by Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky persists in seeking military aid “at the mounting expense of Western taxpayers.”

Lavrov pointed out that this is not the first time Russia has been confronted with ultimatums demanding compromises on what Moscow views as essential strategic interests in Ukraine.

He dismissed the potential impact of additional sanctions, suggesting they are more likely to harm the economies of European nations rather than Russia’s own financial stability.

MENAFN16072025000045017167ID1109808066