Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemns the West as an “empire of lies” in his address to the UN General Assembly. Lavrov argues that a new world order is emerging, one defined by the struggle between those advocating for a fairer global distribution of wealth and those seeking to maintain dominance through neocolonial methods.
Lavrov accuses the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Western powers of being “directly at war” with Russia. The ongoing military support given to Ukraine is seen as evidence of this hostility. He rejects a peace framework proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, deeming it “not feasible” as it fails to address Russia’s demands.
Additionally, Lavrov explains Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea grain deal. He cites deception and broken promises as the primary reasons behind this move. He highlights the importance of trust and reliability in international agreements.
Russia has long benefited from its position within the existing structure of the UN, including its ability to wield veto power in the Security Council. However, Ukraine has called for Russia to be stripped of this power and expelled from the organization due to its alleged violations of territorial sovereignty.
These remarks by Lavrov shed light on the tense relationship between Russia and Western powers, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict. As countries and actors navigate competing interests and power dynamics, the global order seems to be at a crossroads. The clash between those advocating for a more equitable distribution of wealth and civilizational diversity, and those employing neocolonial tactics to maintain dominance, underscores the challenges faced by the international community in shaping the future of global relations.
The speech by Lavrov serves as a reminder that the pursuit of peace and stability requires nuanced dialogue and negotiation, as well as the acknowledgment of all parties’ concerns and aspirations. As the world watches these developments unfold, the question remains whether a common ground can be found for a more harmonious and inclusive world order.
