Russian FM says missile message to West must be taken seriously
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the Astana Platform Foreign Ministers' Meeting. (AA Photo)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned the West late Thursday that Moscow hopes its recent military actions, including the use of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, are taken seriously. In an interview with U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson in Moscow, Lavrov emphasized that Russia’s intentions are not to escalate the situation in Ukraine, but rather to send a message as long-range weapons continue to target Russian territory.
“We don’t want to aggravate the situation (in Ukraine), but since ATACMS and other long-range weapons are being used against mainland Russia, we are sending signals,” Lavrov said. “We hope that the last one, a couple of weeks ago, the signal with the new weapon system called Oreshnik, was taken seriously.”
Lavrov expressed concern over Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons, noting that such actions would not be possible without the direct involvement of U.S. servicemen. He warned that the situation remains “dangerous” and stressed that Moscow is prepared to use “any means” to prevent a “strategic defeat” of Russia.
“The message which we wanted to send by testing in real action this hypersonic system is that we will be ready to do anything to defend our legitimate interests,” Lavrov added. “We hate to even think about war with the United States, which will take on a nuclear character.”
The Oreshnik missile was used in a Russian strike on a plant in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on November 21, in retaliation for Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range weapons on Russian soil. The missile’s deployment was part of Russia’s broader strategy to convey its readiness to defend its interests in the ongoing conflict.
Lavrov also discussed diplomatic efforts between Moscow and Washington, noting that multiple channels for dialogue exist, with the U.S. continuing to call for Russia’s acceptance of Ukraine’s peace proposals. However, he emphasized that Russia’s position remains firm: Ukraine must not join NATO or allow foreign military bases and exercises on its territory.
“No NATO. Absolutely. No military bases, no military exercises on Ukrainian soil with the participation of foreign troops,” Lavrov said.
He further criticized NATO’s expansion under U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration, accusing the U.S. of moving its military infrastructure into Eurasia. Lavrov also suggested that the Biden administration aims to leave a legacy that undermines the Trump administration’s foreign policy approach.
Speaking about President-elect Donald Trump, Lavrov described him as a “very strong” leader who is results-oriented. He noted that while Trump is “friendly in discussions,” his administration had imposed significant sanctions on Russia, despite the perception that Trump might be pro-Russian.
Russia respects the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, Lavrov said, and Moscow is open to future contacts with Trump following his inauguration.
