Lavrov accuses NATO and EU of waging war against Russia

Accusations against NATO and the EU: political rhetoric and information effect

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that NATO and the EU are allegedly waging war against Russia because of its support for Ukraine. According to him, the West is «managing the conflict» and supplying weapons to Kyiv is «direct participation in hostilities».
Such statements are consistent with the Kremlin's rhetoric, which is designed to justify aggression against Ukraine and shift the focus away from Russia's responsibility.

The context of the statements and the Kremlin narrative

Lavrov accused NATO and the EU of in an attempt to «weaken Russia» by presenting assistance to Ukraine as «hostile actions». At the same time, international norms allow states to support the victim of aggression with defensive means.
The Kremlin systematically uses the thesis of «the West's war with Russia» to mobilise domestic audiences and demoralise Ukrainian society.

Reaction of Ukraine and partners

The Ukrainian authorities emphasise: NATO and the EU are not a party to the war, and assistance to Ukraine is support for the right to self-defence enshrined in the UN Charter.
Ukraine's partners emphasise that sanctions and military assistance are aimed at stopping Russian aggression and restoring security in Europe.

Kyiv's position

Kyiv denies the accusations and calls them manipulative. Officials emphasise that the source of the war is the Russian invasion, not the support of Ukraine by its allies.

Expert opinions

Analysts believe that when Lavrov accused NATO and the EU of, This is aimed at both external and internal audiences: externally, to intimidate them into escalation, and internally, to justify the losses and costs of the war.

Why it matters

Statements by the Russian Foreign Ministry influence the perception of the war outside the region and create information pressure on Ukraine's partners.
Despite the rhetoric, Western countries remain committed to supporting Kyiv, including with air defence, ammunition and financial assistance.

What's next

It is expected that Russia will continue to promote the thesis of the «West's war against Russia». The response of Ukraine and its allies will be based on the facts of international law, documentation of war crimes, and strengthening of defence capabilities.